The top 6 reasons why your computer is running slow
A slow running computer is not unusual. It’s likely to be more common than you think, especially if you are used to using multiple devices.
Unless you have a brand new computer, it is highly likely that your PC is being slowed down by something.
Over time you will accumulate more programs and thus more data. All of which consumes a bit more processing power.
Here are the top six reasons why your computer may be running slow. Furthermore, how you can rectify it.
1. Full Hard Drive
Even if your hard drive is only 70% full this could be the reason for the slowing down of your device.
If you have a have an HDD, bigger files can become fragmented during the storage on the hard disk. This can result in the reader head having to complete several rotations in order to read one file in full.
Therefore, this can heavily affect the efficiency of your device and the processing time to access important files and information.
How to reduced hard drive space
Either clearing out files or upgrading your hard drive space will rectify this.
Whilst clearing out files, make sure that you are checking the bin and download folders for any unwanted files that are still being stored or anything that you may no longer need.
If you did need to upgrade your storage space, you can find plenty of options for doing so with our computer repair and upgrade service.
2. Auto Updating Software
Much of the software installed on your computer was already there when it was purchased. However, many of these programs are set to auto open and update without asking for the owner’s permission. This takes up more memory and RAM while updating.
How to minimise auto updates
Take a look at what programs you have installed on your device and what permissions they have. Ensure that only programs that you use are installed. Furthermore, they are set to ask for your permission or set to update at a specific time. For example, in the evenings while you are not using your computer.
Computer running slow from software installation.
3. Too Many Windows Open
While you may believe that your computer is a capable of completing several things at once, it does have its limits. These perimeters are tested if you have 100 Internet tabs open, downloading games or rendering videos all at the same time.
Your device has a limited amount of RAM available to it. This RAM is used up greatly while completing simultaneous tasks.
Close windows to avoid a slow running computer
Close any tabs or windows that you are not using. If you are using Google Chrome and still struggling, it may be worth switching to another browser. Chrome takes a lot of RAM to run, even one video can consume 80% more RAM than other browsers.
Close down some Windows to avoid a slow running computer.
4. Too Many Icons On Your Desktop
Files and shortcuts on your desktop can very quickly eat into your memory and RAM.
In addition, when your device boots up, it needs to load all of these icons before it draws the desktop. This can add to your loading time and also add to your RAM consumption.
Reduce the icons and programs on the desktop
Delete all shortcuts and add the important ones you need to your toolbar. In this way, it will only load what you need. Additionally, remove the programs you don’t use for more memory.
5. Viruses make for a slow running computer
Some Viruses can slow down your device by overloading it with information or again eating into the RAM. Typically virus detection programs can pick up on these very quickly. However, some viruses can go unnoticed.
Anti-Virus programs can remedy a slow running computer
Always ensure, you are using a paid anti-virus program. Many free ones cannot detect more advanced viruses or malware. If a paid Anti-virus program says you are virus free, you are likely to be virus free.
A virus can bring a computer to a standstill.
6. The age of your computer
Sometimes our computers can just fall behind in the technology race. This can happen to both a Windows desktop PC or an ageing laptop.
While they may have been shiny and new at one point, software moves at a very fast pace. Therefore, you may no longer be running the most optimal set-up for certain programs. What’s more, support may have been cut for your graphics card or RAM capacity and now your device is struggling.
To upgrade or not upgrade?
Check out our extensive article on if you should upgrade your computer or not. It explains in depth what parts may be holding your device back from performing at its best and what you can do about it.
If you are in need of a repair or upgrade then we can help. We restore and enhance many brands of PC and laptop, such as Acer PC, Acer laptop, Asus, Alienware, Dell PC, Dell laptop, Lenovo PC, Lenovo laptop, HP, Microsoft and Toshiba.