Here are Top 8 tips to fix your computer Is Running Very Slow:
1. Restart Your Computer
Why It Helps?
If none of these is, attempt then to try the simplest solution first, start your computer system again. Of course, the longer you use your computer, the more junk files and running processes it is likely to have. Restarting a computer frees up the RAM and, when stopped, shuffles off any applications that run in the background and which may be sponging up processing power.
How to Do It?
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- Just press the Windows key on the keyboard, click on the power symbol and then click on ‘Restart’. This much may be all that is required to bring back the desired responsiveness of your computer.
2. Check for Resource-Heavy Programs
Why It Helps?
Some applications consume definitely more system resources (CPU usage, memory, disk) than the others and bring the performance down noticeably.
How to Do It?
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- For Windows: Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, and click on the “Processes” tab. Look for programs using a lot of CPU or memory. If you see anything unusual, consider closing it or finding a less resource-intensive alternative.
- For macOS: Open Activity Monitor from the Utilities folder in Applications. Similar to Task Manager, it shows you which processes are using the most resources.
3. Reduce Startup Programs
Why It Helps?
Most software runs at startup, which causes the startup time and the overall time it takes for a PC to function at its best to be lengthened.
How to Do It?
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- For Windows: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and go to the “Startup” tab. Disable any programs that you don’t need to run as soon as your computer starts up.
- For macOS: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups, select your user account, and click on “Login Items.” Remove any unnecessary startup items.
4. Free Up Disk Space
Why It Helps?
It only takes 99% to reduce your ‘computer speed’ to a crawl because a nearly full hard drive is bad for it. The disk space is required to build a temporary file as well as to exchange the knowledge between RAM and the hard drive.
How to Do It?
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- Delete Unnecessary Files: Start by clearing out old files, downloads, and anything else you no longer need.
- Uninstall Unused Programs: Go through your list of installed programs and uninstall any that you no longer use.
Use Disk Cleanup:
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- For Windows: Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files, system caches, and other unnecessary data.
- For macOS: Use the “Optimize Storage” feature in System Preferences under “Storage Management.”
5. Run a Virus and Malware Scan
Why It Helps?
The programs that belong to the malware group: viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and others can cause a dramatic decline in your PC’s performance because they work in the background and consume the available system resources, not to mention they might delete critical files.
How to Do It?
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- Windows Defender (Windows): Run a full system scan using Windows Defender, which is built into Windows.
- Third-Party Antivirus: If you have third-party antivirus software installed, run a full scan to ensure your system is free of malware.
- macOS: Although macOS is less prone to viruses, it’s still wise to run a scan using a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program.
6. Update Your Operating System and Drivers
Why It Helps?
Outdated software and drivers can lead to performance issues, including slowdowns. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
How to Do It?
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- For Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to check for and install any available updates.
- For macOS: Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner, then select “Software Update” to check for and install updates.
7. Consider Upgrading Your Hardware
Why It Helps?
Should your computer is slow still after following the above steps, the fact is that you have to upgrade your hardware. Increasing RAM, the choice of using an SSD, or even replacement of a processor with a more powerful one brings a quantum leap.
How to Do It?
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- Add More RAM: More RAM allows your computer to handle more tasks simultaneously without slowing down.
- Switch to an SSD: Replacing a traditional hard drive with an SSD can dramatically improve boot times and overall system responsiveness.
- Upgrade the CPU: If your CPU is outdated, upgrading it can give your computer a major speed boost, though this option is more complex and may require professional help.
8. Reinstall the Operating System
Why It Helps?
If the preceding methods do not work, a complete reinstallation of the operating system erases all the accumulated problems and bundled software that over the years clutter up a computer.
How to Do It?
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- For Windows: Use the “Reset this PC” feature under Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- For macOS: You can reinstall macOS using the macOS Recovery feature by restarting your Mac and holding Command + R during startup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, improving your computer’s performance is achievable with regular maintenance like managing startup programs, running antivirus checks, updating software, and cleaning disk space. These simple steps, along with occasional hardware upgrades or OS reinstallations, can keep your computer running efficiently.
For reliable IT support solutions, trust KnoTra Global. Our comprehensive suite of services ensures your technology runs smoothly and efficiently.
As the IT & Marketing Director at KnoTra Global, Ravi leverages over 16 years of expertise in IT, digital marketing and business consulting to enhance the client company’s strategic initiatives. His role is pivotal in integrating advanced marketing strategies with KnoTra Global’s extensive IT services, enriching our cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and IT support. Ravi’s innovative leadership ensures that KnoTra Global remains at the technological forefront, empowering our clients with robust tools and strategies for sustainable growth and success. His approach drives the company’s vision forward and sets a benchmark in delivering client-centric IT solutions.