Tips to improve PC performance in Windows
If your PC is running slowly, the following suggestions might help speed things up. The tips are listed in order, so start with the first one, see if that helps, and then continue to the next one if it doesn’t.
1. Make sure you have the latest updates for Windows and device drivers
One of the best ways to get the most out of your PC is to make sure you have the latest version of Windows 11 installed. When you check for updates, your PC will also search for the latest device drivers, which can also help improve your PC’s performance.
To check for updates
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates . Check for Windows updates
Do one of the following:
If the status says "You're up to date," continue and check for optional updates.
If the status says "Updates are available," once they are downloaded, select Install now .
Select the updates you want to install, then select Install .
Restart your PC and see if it seems to run better.
Sometimes an optional update, like a new non-critical driver, will be available that may help.
To check for optional updates
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates .
If additional updates are available, select them and then select Download & install .
For more info about updates, including how you can have them installed automatically, see the Windows Update FAQ .
For Windows Update troubleshooting info, see Update Windows and Troubleshoot problems updating Windows .
If your PC still runs slowly, continue to the next tip.
2. Restart your PC and open only the apps you need
Having many apps, programs, web browsers, and so on open at once can slow down your PC. Having a lot of browser tabs open at once can also slow it down quite a bit. If this is happening, close any apps, browser tabs, etc., that you don't need and see if that helps speed up your PC. If it doesn't seem to help, restart your PC and then open just the apps, programs and browser windows you need.
To restart your PC
Select the Start button, then select Power > Restart .
After your PC restarts, open just the apps you need, then close them when you’re done.
Sometimes apps that were made for an earlier version of Windows will still run on Windows 11, but they might slow down your PC. If this happens after you open a certain program, check the software company’s website for an updated version, or run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.
To run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
Select Search , type troubleshoot in the search box, then select Troubleshoot settings > Other troubleshooters .
Under Other , select the Run button next to Program Compatibility Troubleshooter .
Select the program that you’re having problems with, then select Next and continue through the troubleshooter.
PC still running slowly? Continue to the next tip.
3. Use ReadyBoost to help improve performance
ReadyBoost lets you use a removable drive, like a USB flash drive, to improve your PC’s performance without opening your PC and adding more memory (RAM). To use ReadyBoost, you’ll need a USB flash drive or a memory card that has at least 500 MB free and a high data transfer rate.
To use ReadyBoost
Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port on your PC.
Select File Explorer from the taskbar.
Press and hold (or right-click) the USB flash drive (or SD card if you used one instead), then select Properties .
Select the ReadyBoost tab, then select Use this device . Windows determines if the device can use ReadyBoost. If it can’t, it'll let you know.
After Windows determines how much free space to use to optimize memory, select OK to reserve this space so ReadyBoost can use it. When you look at the contents of the USB flash drive in File Explorer, you’ll see a file named ReadyBoost.sfcache on the flash drive. This file shows how much space is reserved for ReadyBoost.
Note: ReadyBoost can't be used if Windows is installed on a solid state drive (SSD). An SSD is already fast, and ReadyBoost won't be able to improve its performance.
4. Make sure the system is managing the page file size
The paging file is an area on your hard disk that Windows uses like memory. There's a setting in Windows 11 that manages the page file size automatically, which can help improve your PC’s performance.
To make sure automatic page file management is turned on
Select Search on the taskbar, type advanced system in the search box, and then select View advanced system settings , which has Control panel listed underneath it.
In System Properties , select the Advanced tab, then select Settings in the Performance area.
In Performance Options , select the Advanced tab, then select Change in the Virtual memory area.
Make sure the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box is selected. If it is, continue to the next tip. If it's not, select it and then restart your PC by selecting Start > Power > Restart .
Use your PC and see if it’s running better. If it’s not, try the next tip.
5. Check for low disk space and free up space
You may improve performance if you free some disk space on your PC.
To check for low disk space
Select the Start button, then select Settings > System > Storage . Open Storage settings
Your drives will be listed in the Storage area. Note the amount of free space and total size for each drive.
Note: If your PC is not low on space, try the next tip.
You can use Storage Sense to delete unnecessary or temporary files from your device, which can also free up space.
If you turn on Storage Sense, Windows will automatically free up space by getting rid of unnecessary files—including files in your recycle bin—when you're low on disk space or at intervals you specify. The instructions below show you how to delete temporary files and how to turn on and configure Storage Sense.
If you can't find Storage Sense on your device using the following steps, see the "Free up space with Disk cleanup" section below instead.
Note: You may not want to delete temporary files to improve performance. While these files may not be used at the moment, they help your apps load and run faster.
To delete temporary files with Storage Sense
Open Settings , then select System > Storage . Open Storage settings
Select Temporary files in the storage breakdown. Note : If you don't see Temporary files listed, select Show more categories .
Windows will take a few moments to determine what files and apps are taking up the most space on your PC.
Select the items you want to delete, and then select Remove files .
To see what's in your Recycle Bin before you empty it, open it from your desktop. If you don't see the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, in the search bar on the taskbar, type recycle bin , then select Recycle Bin from the list of results.
Note: Windows moves files you delete to the Recycle Bin in case you change your mind and need them again in the future. You might be able to free up a significant amount of space by deleting Recycle Bin files to permanently remove files you've previously deleted.
To turn on and configure Storage Sense
Open Settings , then select System > Storage . Open Storage settings
In the Storage management area, turn on Storage Sense .
Select the for Storage Sense to configure it.
Under Cleanup of temporary files , ensure Keep Windows running smoothly by automatically cleaning up temporary system and app files is checked.
Under Configure cleanup schedules , choose how often you want Storage Sense to run.
For the files you want Storage Sense to delete (your choices are files in your Recycle Bin and in your Downloads folder), select the preferred time intervals, or select Never if you want Storage Sense to leave those types of files alone.
Scroll down and select Run Storage Sense now .
Windows will take a few moments to clean up your files, and then you'll see a message indicating how much disk space has been freed up.
If your system doesn't have Storage Sense, you can use the Disk Cleanup tool to delete temporary files and system files from your device.
To run Disk Cleanup
Select Search , type disk cleanup , then select Disk Cleanup from the list of results.
Select the checkbox next to the type of files you want to delete. (To view a description of each type of file, select the name.) By default, Downloaded Program Files , Temporary Internet Files , and Thumbnails are selected. Be sure to clear those check boxes if you don't want to delete those files.
To free up even more space, select Clean up system files . Disk Cleanup will take a few moments to calculate the amount of space that a can be freed up.
Note: If it’s been fewer than 10 days since you upgraded to Windows 11, your previous version of Windows will be listed as a system file you can delete. If you need to free up drive space, you can delete it, but keep in mind that you'll be deleting your Windows.old folder, which contains files that give you the option to go back to your previous version of Windows. If you delete your previous version of Windows, this can't be undone. (You won't be able to go back to your previous version of Windows.)
Select the types of files you want to delete, select OK , then select Delete files in the confirmation window to start the cleanup.
If your PC still runs slowly, try uninstalling apps you don't use anymore.
To uninstall apps you don’t use anymore
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Apps > Installed apps . Open Apps & features settings
Search for a specific app or sort them to see which ones are using the most space.
When you find an app to remove, select the More icon next to it and, if possible, select Uninstall .
Restart your PC and see if performance has improved.
If your PC still runs slowly, try moving files to another drive.
If you have photos, music, or other files that you want to keep but don't use often, consider saving them to removable media, like a USB drive. You'll still be able to use them when the drive is connected, but they won't take up space on your PC.
To move files to another drive
Connect the removable media to your PC.
Select File Explorer from the taskbar and find the files you want to move.
Select the files, then on the taskbar, select Cut .
Select your removable media from the location list, then select Paste .
When the move is complete, restart your PC and see if performance has improved.
Get more info about freeing drive space in Windows .
If your PC still runs slowly, try the next tip.
6. Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows
Windows 11 includes many visual effects, such as animations and shadow effects. These look great, but they can also use additional system resources and can slow down your PC. This is especially true if you have a PC with a smaller amount of memory (RAM).
To adjust the visual effects in Windows
Select Search , type performance , then select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows in the list of results.
On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance > Apply .
Restart your PC and see if that speeds up your PC.
7. Pause OneDrive syncing
Your PC settings let you choose where files will be saved by default. You can save files on your PC or to OneDrive by default and sync files between the two locations. This lets you get to your files from any device that can connect to the internet, and it helps make sure your files are backed up in case your PC is ever damaged or lost. However, files must sync between your PC and OneDrive, and syncing can slow down your PC. You can pause OneDrive syncing temporarily and see if it helps improve your PC performance.
To pause syncing to OneDrive
On the taskbar, look for OneDrive near the notification area.
Select OneDrive > Help & Settings > Pause syncing , and then choose how long you want to pause syncing your files.
Restart your PC and see if your performance issues have improved with syncing paused.
To resume syncing your files, select OneDrive > Help & Settings > Resume syncing .
You can also visit Fix OneDrive sync problems to check for any sync issues.
8. Disable unnecessary startup programs
When you turn on your PC, some programs start automatically and run in the background. You can disable these programs so they don’t run when your PC starts.
Many programs are designed to start automatically when Windows does. You don’t realize they're running, but they'll open quickly when you go to use them. This is helpful for programs you use a lot, but not for programs you don’t use often because it increases the time it takes Windows to start.
Find the programs that start automatically
Sometimes you can determine which programs start automatically by looking at the program icons in the notification area on the far right of the taskbar. Check there first to see if there are any programs running that you don’t want to start automatically. To try to find out the name of the program, point to the icon with your mouse pointer. Make sure you select Show hidden icons , so you don’t miss any programs.
Even after you check the notification area, you might still miss some programs that run automatically at startup. Here’s how you can find all the programs that start automatically, and stop the ones that you don’t want to start automatically when Windows starts.
To stop a program from starting automatically
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Apps > Startup . Open Startup Apps settings
In the Startup Apps area, find the program you want to stop from starting automatically and set it to Off .
Note: If you turn off a program and it continues to start automatically when Windows starts, you should scan for viruses and malware. See the next section for more info.
9. Check for and remove viruses and malware
A virus, malware, or malicious software could cause your PC to run slowly. Other symptoms include unexpected pop-up messages, programs that unexpectedly start automatically, or the sound of your hard disk constantly working.
The best way to handle viruses and malicious software is to try to prevent them by running antimalware and antivirus software and keeping it up to date. However, even if you take precautions, your PC can still become infected.
You can scan your PC for viruses or other malicious software by using Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender Security Center), which is included in Windows 11. For more info, see How to protect your Windows PC .
If you’re using other antivirus or anti-malware software, see the documentation for that program to learn how to scan for viruses. Also, make sure multiple antivirus programs aren’t running at the same time. If they are, choose the one you want to run, and then disable or uninstall any others.
If you have another antivirus program installed and turned on, Windows Security will be turned off by default.
To scan for viruses using Windows Security
Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security , and then select Open Windows Security . Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection , then select Protection updates under Virus & threat protection updates .
On the Protection updates screen, select Check for updates to make sure you have the most recent updates.
Select Virus & threat protection , then select Quick scan . Wait for Windows Security to finish scanning for viruses and malware.
Do one of the following, depending on the results of the scan:
Run the recommended advanced scan. This scan takes longer but searches more extensively for threats on your PC.
If Windows Security finds a virus or malware and can’t remove or quarantine it, contact Microsoft Support for help.
If no viruses are found, restart your PC and try to reproduce the performance problem you were having with your PC.
Note: If Windows Security doesn’t open, can’t update the definition file, or can’t finish scanning for viruses, try running Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan), which is explained below.
To scan for malware and viruses with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan)
Save any documents or anything else you might have open on your PC.
Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security , and then select Open Windows Security . Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection , and then under Current threats , select Scan options > Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now . Your PC will restart, and Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) will run and scan for viruses and malware. The scan might take 15 minutes or so, and your PC will restart again after that.
Try to reproduce the performance issue.
10. Restore your PC from a system restore point
Restoring your PC undoes recent changes that might be causing problems. If you think a recently installed app, driver, or update for Windows could be causing problems, you might get things running normally again by restoring your PC to an earlier point, called a restore point.
Restoring from a restore point won’t affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates that were installed after the restore point was created.
System restore works for changes made in the last 7 to 14 days.
To restore your PC from a restore point
Select Search on the taskbar, type advanced system , then select View advanced system settings from the list of results.
On the System Protection tab, select System Restore .
Select Recommended restore to go with the most recent restore point Windows has made automatically, or Choose a different restore point to select one yourself, then select Next .
If you chose to select a different restore point, select one, then select Next . Either way, select Finish to begin restoring.
Once the restore is completed, restart your PC and see if performance has improved.
If you don’t see any restore points, it might be because system protection isn’t turned on.
To turn on system protection
In the search box on the taskbar, type create a restore point , then select Create a restore point from the list of results.
On the System Protection tab, select Configure .
Select Turn on system protection > OK .
One of the best ways to get the most out of your PC is to make sure you have the latest version of Windows 10 installed. When you check for updates, your PC will also search for the latest device drivers, which can also help improve your PC’s performance.
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates . Check for Windows updates
If the status says "You're up to date," go to the next tip.
If the status says "Updates are available," select Install now .
For Windows Update troubleshooting info, see Update Windows 10 and Troubleshoot problems updating Windows 10 .
Select the Start button, then select Power > Restart .
Sometimes apps that were made for an earlier version of Windows will still run on Windows 10, but they might slow down your PC. If this happens after you open a certain program, check the software company’s website for an updated version, or run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.
In the search box on the taskbar, type troubleshoot , then select Troubleshoot settings , which has System settings listed underneath it.
In the list of troubleshooters, select Program Compatibility Troubleshooter > Run the troubleshooter .
ReadyBoost lets you use a removable drive, like a USB flash drive, to improve your PC’s performance without opening your PC and adding more memory (RAM). To use ReadyBoost, you’ll need a USB flash drive or a memory card that has at least 500 MB free and a high data transfer rate.
Select File Explorer from the taskbar.
The paging file is an area on your hard disk that Windows uses like memory. There's a setting in Windows 10 that manages the page file size automatically, which can help improve your PC’s performance.
In the search box on the taskbar, type advanced system , and then select View advanced system settings , which has Control panel listed underneath it.
Make sure the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box is selected. If it is, continue to the next tip. If it's not, select it and then restart your PC by selecting the Start button > Power > Restart .
Select the Start button, then select Settings > System > Storage . Open Storage settings
Select the Start button, then select Settings > System > Storage . Open Storage settings
To see what's in your Recycle Bin before you empty it, open it from your desktop. If you don't see the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, in the search bar on the taskbar, type recycle bin , then select Recycle Bin from the list of results.
Select the Start button, then select Settings > System > Storage . Open Storage settings
In the Storage area, turn on Storage Sense .
Select Configure Storage Sense or run it now .
In the Storage Sense area, choose how often you want Storage Sense to run.
In the Temporary Files area, select Delete temporary files that my apps aren't using .
Select which files you want Storage Sense to delete (your choices are files in your Recycle Bin and in your Downloads folder), then select the corresponding time intervals.
Scroll down and select Clean now .
Windows will take a few moment to clean up your files, and then you'll see a message indicating how much disk space has been freed up.
In the search box on the taskbar, type disk cleanup , then select Disk Cleanup from the list of results.
To free up even more space, select Clean up system files .Disk Cleanup will take a few moments to calculate the amount of space that a can be freed up.
Note: If it’s been fewer than 10 days since you upgraded to Windows 10, your previous version of Windows will be listed as a system file you can delete. If you need to free up drive space, you can delete it, but keep in mind that you'll be deleting your Windows.old folder, which contains files that give you the option to go back to your previous version of Windows. If you delete your previous version of Windows, this can't be undone. (You won't be able to go back to your previous version of Windows.)
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Apps > Apps & features . Open Apps & features settings
When you find an app to remove, choose it from the list and select Uninstall .
Select File Explorer from the taskbar and find the files you want to move.
Select the files, go to Home , then select Move to > Choose location .
Select your removable media from the location list, then select Move .
Restart your PC and see if performance has improved.
Get more info about freeing drive space in Windows 10 .
Windows 10 includes many visual effects, such as animations and shadow effects. These look great, but they can also use additional system resources and can slow down your PC. This is especially true if you have a PC with a smaller amount of memory (RAM).
In the search box on the taskbar, type performance , then select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows in the list of results.
Your PC settings let you choose where files will be saved by default. You can save files on your PC or to OneDrive by default and sync files between the two locations. This lets you get to your files from any device that can connect to the internet, and it helps make sure your files are backed up in case your PC is ever damaged or lost. However, files must sync between your PC and OneDrive, and syncing can slow down your PC. You can pause OneDrive syncing temporarily and see if it helps improve your PC performance.
Select OneDrive > More > Pause syncing , and then choose how long you want to pause syncing your files.
To resume syncing your files, select OneDrive > More > Resume syncing .
If you have Window 10 version 1709 or higher, you can use OneDrive Files On-Demand to choose which files you want to sync and always keep on your PC. This can help improve PC performance if you reduce the number of files that are synced to your PC. To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select the Start button, then select Settings > System > About . Open About settings
For more info on OneDrive Files On-Demand, see Learn about OneDrive Files On-Demand .
Notification area with mouse pointing to show hidden icons
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Apps > Startup . Open Startup Apps settings
If you turn off a program and it continues to start automatically when Windows starts, you should scan for viruses and malware. See the next section for more info.
To use the procedure above to stop a program from starting automatically, you need to have Windows 10 (Version 1803 or higher) installed. To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select the Start button, then select Settings > System > About . Open About settings
If you have Windows 10 (Version 1709 or earlier) installed, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete , select Task Manager , select Startup , select the program you want to stop from starting automatically, then select Disable .
You can scan your PC for viruses or other malicious software by using Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender Security Center), which is included in Windows 10. For more info, see How to protect your Windows 10 PC .
To scan for viruses using Windows Security (Windows 10 Version 1809 or later)
Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then select Open Windows Security . Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection , then select Check for updates under Virus & threat protection updates .
If Windows Security doesn’t open, can’t update the definition file, or can’t finish scanning for viruses, try running Windows Defender Offline, which is explained below in To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows 10 Version 1809 or later) .
To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select the Start button, then select Settings > System > About . Open About settings
To scan for viruses using Windows Defender Security Center (Windows 10 Version 1803)
Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then select Open Windows Defender Security Center . Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection , then select Virus & threat protection updates > Check for updates to make sure you have the latest definition file.
Select the Virus & threat protection tab, then select Scan now . Wait for Windows Defender Security Center to finish scanning for viruses and malware.
If Windows Defender Security Center finds a virus or malware and can’t remove or quarantine it, contact Microsoft Support for help.
If Windows Defender Security Center doesn’t open, can’t update the definition file, or can’t finish scanning for viruses, try running Windows Defender in Offline Mode, which is explained below in To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows 10 Version 1803) .
To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select the Start button, then select Settings > System > About . Open About settings
To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows 10 Version 1809 or later)
Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then select Open Windows Security . Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection , and then under Current threats , select Scan options > Windows Defender Offline scan > Scan now . Your PC will restart, and Windows Defender Offline will run and scan for viruses and malware. The scan might take 15 minutes or so, and your PC will restart again after that.
To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows 10 Version 1803)
Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then select Open Windows Defender Security Center . Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection , then select Run a new advanced scan > Windows Defender Offline scan > Scan now . Your PC will restart, and Windows Defender Offline will run and scan for viruses and malware. The scan might take 15 minutes or so, and your PC will restart again after that.
In the search box on the taskbar, type restore point , then select Create a restore point from the list of results.
Select Next , then choose the restore point related to the app, driver, or update that might be causing the problem. Then select Next > Finish .
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My computer is running slow, what steps can I do to fix it?
Below are recommendations users can follow to help speed up a computer and make it run faster, or determine why a computer is running slow. It should be noted that this page only covers an overall slow computer and not a computer that starts slow or has a slow Internet connection. To diagnose those issues, visit the following pages:
- What to do if my Windows computer starts slow.
- Why is my Internet connection so slow?
If your computer has not been rebooted recently, make sure to reboot it before following any of the steps below. Rebooting the computer can fix many problems and is an easy first step.
- How to restart Microsoft Windows.
- How to restart a Mac.
Background programs
One of the most common reasons for a slow computer is programs running in the background . Remove or disable any TSRs and startup programs that automatically start each time the computer boots.
- How to identify what startup programs are safe to disable.
- How to remove TSRs and startup programs.
To see what programs are running in the background and how much memory and CPU they are using, open Task Manager . If you are running Windows 7 or higher, run Resmon to get a better understanding of how your computer resources are used.
If you have an antivirus scanner on the computer, spyware protection program, or another security utility, make sure it's not scanning your computer in the background. If a scan is in progress, it decreases the overall performance of your computer. If this is the case, allow the scan to complete, and the computer's performance should improve.
Delete temp files
As a computer runs programs, temporary files are stored on the hard drive. Deleting these temp files help improve computer performance.
Windows computers
First, we suggest using the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to delete temporary files and other files no longer needed on the computer.
Unfortunately, the Disk Cleanup may not delete every file in the temp directory. Therefore, we also suggest deleting temporary files manually.
- Open the Start menu or and press the Windows key , then type %temp% in the Search field.
In Windows XP and prior, click the Run option in the Start menu and enter %temp% in the Run field.
- Press Enter and a Temp folder should open.
- You can delete all files found in this folder and, if any files are in use and cannot be deleted, they can be skipped.
Free hard drive space
Verify that there is at least 200-500MB of free hard drive space. This available space allows the computer to have room for the swap file to increase in size and give room for temporary files .
- How to find how much hard drive space is available.
- How to regain computer hard drive space.
- How to uninstall software in Windows.
Bad, corrupted or fragmented hard drive
Check the hard drive for errors.
On a Windows computer, run ScanDisk , chkdsk , or something equivalent to verify there is nothing physically wrong with the computer's hard drive .
- How to use Microsoft ScanDisk.
On a macOS computer, access the Disk Utility program, and use the First Aid option to check the hard drive for errors. To open Disk Utility:
- Click the Launchpad icon on the dock.
- Open the Other folder.
- Click Disk Utility to open the program.
Make sure hard drive is not fragmented
Run Defrag to help ensure that data is arranged in the best possible order.
- How to run Microsoft Defrag.
Test hard drive
Use other software tools to test the hard drive for any errors by looking at the SMART of the drive.
- How to test a hard drive for failures.
Scan for viruses
If your computer is infected with one or more viruses , it may run more slowly. If your computer doesn't have an antivirus program installed, run Trend Micro's free Housecall online utility to scan and remove viruses on your computer. We also recommend you install an antivirus program for active protection against viruses.
Scan for malware
Today, spyware and other malware is a big cause of many computer problems, including slower performance. Even if an antivirus scanner is installed on the computer, we recommend running a malware scan as well. Use the free version of Malwarebytes to scan your computer for malware.
Hardware conflicts
Verify that the Device Manager has no conflicts. If any exist, resolve these issues as they could be causing your problem.
- How to Identify problems in the Windows Device Manager.
Update the operating system
To update a computer running Microsoft Windows, run Windows Update .
- How to update a Microsoft Windows computer.
To update a macOS computer, run Software Update. To upgrade the operating system, use the App Store.
- How to upgrade your Mac operating system.
Disable browser plug-ins
If your computer runs especially slow when you're using your web browser, considering disabling any browser plug-ins, add-ons, or extensions.
- How to disable or remove browser extensions.
Update your drivers
Make sure you have the latest drivers for your computer hardware, especially the latest video drivers . Having out-of-date drivers can cause an assortment of issues, including slow performance.
- What hardware device drivers should be updated?
Reboot the computer again
After making any of the changes above, reboot your machine.
Run a registry cleaner
If you have a Mac computer, skip this section, as there is no registry in macOS.
We usually do not recommend registry cleaners. However, if you followed all the steps above and your computer is still slow, try running a registry cleaner on the computer.
- Do I need a Windows registry cleaner?
Memory upgrade
If you have had your computer for more than two years, you may need more memory. Today, we suggest computers have a minimum of 2 GB of memory (RAM) for a 32-bit system and 4 GB for a 64-bit system. By having enough memory for programs to run within memory, your computer doesn't need to swap information stored in memory to the swap file . If the hard drive light is continuously active, it's an indication the computer is frequently swapping information between your memory and hard drive.
- How to find how much RAM is installed on a computer.
- How much memory or RAM should my computer have?
- What type of computer memory to use in a memory upgrade.
Hard drive upgrade
One of the biggest bottlenecks of a computer is the hard disk drive . Upgrading from a standard hard drive (e.g., a 5400 RPM ) to a solid-state drive ( SSD ) can drastically improves the computer's performance.
- How to find the hard drive type and specifications.
- How to install a hard drive or SSD.
Computer or processor is overheating
Make sure your computer and processor is not overheating. Excessive heat can cause a decrease in the computer's performance because most operating systems automatically reduce the speed of the processor to help compensate for heat-related issues.
- What should be the temperature of my computer processor?
Dust, dirt, and hair can also constrict proper airflow inside your computer, which causes a computer to overheat. Make sure your computer case is clean, and that the fans are not obstructed.
- Steps on cleaning your computer.
Increase or upgrade the processor speed
Increasing the speed of the processor ( CPU ) can improve your computer's performance. There are two options for increasing processor speed: overclocking or upgrading.
Overclocking a processor means increasing its speed beyond what it's designed to run stably. While overclocking can increase the processor speed, the increase is often not very significant, resulting in maybe a 10% or 20% speed increase at most. Furthermore, the processor itself must be capable of being overclocked. You would need to find the specifications for the processor in your computer to determine if it can be overclocked. An overclocked processor generates more heat, thus requiring a more powerful heat sink and fan to pull the excess heat away from the processor.
A safer alternative to overclocking is upgrading the processor in your computer. You would need to get the specifications for your motherboard to determine what type of newer processor may be used in it. You can then install the new processor in place of the existing processor.
- How to install a computer processor.
Erase computer and start over
If none of the solutions above resolve your issues, another option is to reinstall the operating system, or you can erase everything and start over.
- How to erase my hard drive and start over?
Erasing everything on your computer and reinstalling the operating system can increase performance by getting rid of old software or drivers. Installing a fresh copy of macOS or Windows, software programs, and the latest drivers help verify there are no software related issues causing your computer to be slow.
Hardware issues
Finally, if your computer is still slow after trying the above recommendations, there's likely a more serious hardware related issue (e.g., failing component). Examples of failing hardware could include the hard drive , CPU , RAM , motherboard , or other components.
You can run hardware diagnostic tests using the Ultimate Boot CD (UBCD) utility. This utility provides information on whether or not your computer has a bad piece of hardware.
Old computer
If your computer is more than five years old, it performs slower than a new one. As more advanced software programs are released, they are optimized to run more efficiently on newer computers. Older computers are not able to run these new programs as well, which causes them to perform more slowly. Furthermore, new software tends to be more demanding in general, which is another problem for old hardware. We recommend you consider purchasing a new computer or upgrading your current one.
- How often should I buy a new computer?
Related information
- Other basic computer troubleshooting steps.
- What makes a computer fast and powerful?
- How to know which games my computer can run.
- How to increase processor speed.
- Should I change my Microsoft Windows page file size?
- See our slow definition for all links relating to slow computers.
- Hard drive help and support.
- Microsoft Windows help and support.
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8 Reasons Your Computer Is Slowing Down (& How To Fix Them) **UPDATED 2022**
5-Star Reviews
(Credit: How to Use the Activity Monitor App on Mac )
To improve speed performance, even more, disable any programs that automatically open every time your Mac or PC starts:
You will need to configure login items in your system preferences on a Mac.
The process will vary depending on the version of Windows running on your computer on a PC, but it can typically be accessed using the startup tab in the task manager.
How to change startup programs : If you have too many startup programs, refer to this guide from digitaltrends; it’ll run you through using the task manager and fixing any unwanted programs running.
2. Your Computer Is Infected With Malware
Malware (or malicious software) are programs that end up on a user’s computer without consent, inflicting mild to severe damage depending on the type of malware you’re dealing with. These programs can run quietly on your computer and use a large amount of your device’s resources and energy, resulting in significantly slower computer performance.
Ensure you have a reliable anti-malware and anti-virus program installed on your computer and run a malware scan to identify and remove any infected programs. Once any malware is removed, only download programs from trusted sources (like app stores) to avoid accidentally downloading infected programs.
Be careful with the Anti-Virus & Malware you use; not all are built the same.
With worries from Kapersky of spying and Norton Anti-virus using your computer for crypto mining , not all solutions will give you the security and fix any slow computer issues you may have.
At Nerds On Site, we have two recommendations for computer security software:
- MalwareBytes
Nerds On Site has been servicing residential & business Clients with IT needs since 1995. In that time, we’ve served over 100,000 Clients, and we have a long-standing business relationship with both Webroot & MalwareBytes; and we routinely use both to secure our Clients.
If you’d like us to help you secure and speed up your computer, don’t hesitate to contact us .
3. You Have Outdated Software Or Operating System On Your Device
If you regularly ignore or postpone software updates, it can slow down the performance of your computer. Older software versions may have bugs or security loopholes that make them much slower than intended, even if you aren’t infected with any viruses.
Keep up-to-date with software as new versions become available. Software companies regularly release updates to improve how these programs run and patch security holes, improving privacy and performance.
4. You Have Too Many Unnecessary Programs
Having too many games or programs installed on a computer can seriously slow down performance depending on how much processing power you have.
Routinely remove unnecessary programs from your computer (such as expired ‘free trial’ software or programs you no longer use), so they don’t zap your processing power.
Windows 11, and Windows 10: Various methods to uninstall problematic Programs and Apps : This guide from Dell is a little technical but very comprehensive and will help you with uninstalling programs on Windows 10 & 11, saving that precious processing power. How to Uninstall Apps From Windows 7, 8, and 10 : This guide from Lifewire will cover Windows 7 & 8.
If you’re using an even older version of windows, our only advice is to get a new computer. You no longer receive security updates which is not only a privacy risk but also a massive computer security one. Also, systems that run older versions of the Windows operating system, like NT, likely don’t have the memory and processing power to accommodate a computer speed up.
How to uninstall apps on your Mac : This article from Apple will cover what you need to know for Mac.
5. There Is No Space On The Internal Hard Drive
If you have no space left on your internal hard drive, it can hinder your operating system’s performance. You store many data files or applications that can up your internal hard drive storage.
First, see how much space you have on your drive.
How to Check Free Hard Drive Space in Windows : These steps from Lifewire will show you how to check your storage space for Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.
If you’re finding low on space and you’ve removed all unnecessary programs shown in the steps above, you can do one of three things.
Upgrade your Hard Drive: This is the most expensive & time-consuming option and should be done by a professional, but it will deliver the most benefits for your computer.
As mentioned above, an SSD offers considerable performance benefits over an HDD, and you can increase your storage space simultaneously.
Invest in a cloud storage service: Many different solutions are available now, like Google Drive & Dropbox, which offer secure storage available to any device anywhere and are easily shareable. If you don’t need the performance upgrade of an SSD, this would be our recommendation.
An external SSD/HDD: If you need to access your drives without an internet connection and still be portable, this is your best option. You’ll be able to store all of the files you don’t access regularly and just connect to the external HDD when you need them.
Ensure there is at least 5GB of free space on your internal hard drive—this ensures that there is adequate space for the computer’s daily functions. Don’t panic if you have less than this; your computer can operate with as low as 200MB of space left; we like to err on the side of caution.
If your computer is running slow but shows no signs of viruses or issues with the software, then it may be a hardware issue.
** BONUS ** TEMPORARY FILES ** How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10, 8, & 7 : Temporary files are created by Windows when you’re working on files, documents, or browsing the web. Windows will not always correctly delete temporary files for various reasons. Every six months or so, we recommend deleting the temporary files; not only will this give you free space, but it may increase solve issues when your computer is running slow.
6. Your Computer Has Less RAM
Your computer doesn’t have enough RAM (Random Access Memory) to load and use applications, work with bigger files, or use programs that require a large amount of memory to process data.
RAM is different than internal hard drive storage. Your computer’s random access memory is used while using your computer. When you run a program, open a document, or watch a video, the RAM is used to store that data temporarily. The internal hard drive can save files and data indefinitely.
If your computer supports RAM upgrades, consider increasing the size. This will help your computer load and use more applications simultaneously without slowing performance.
RAM can be complex to upgrade; some newer devices (particularly Apple computers) do not offer the ability to upgrade RAM. Also, even if you have RAM slots available, it doesn’t mean your motherboard can support more RAM.
How to Check How Much RAM You Have on Your Windows PC or Mac : This guide will cover Mac & Windows 10 & 7. Don’t panic if you have 11 or 8; they are both similar to the ways shown in the guide. How to Find the Maximum RAM Capacity of Your Computer : This next step is a little technical, but it is crucial. Not all motherboards can handle increases in RAM, even if a slot is available. How to Add or Upgrade RAM on Your Mac : This article will detail what Macs can be upgraded and what cannot. Notably, the following Macs CAN NOT be upgraded.
- iMac Pro (All models)
- M1 iMac (2021 and later)
- Mac Mini (2014 and later)
- MacBook Air (All models)
- 12-inch MacBook (All models)
- MacBook Pro with Retina Display (All models)
- MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (All models)
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (All models)
If your computer doesn’t support upgrades, double-check to make sure there isn’t another reason your computer may be running slow before investing in a new computer.
7. Your CPU Is Overheating
If your CPU (Central Processing Unit) is overheating, it can impact your computer’s performance. If overheated, the CPU will cut back on speed to reduce heat. There could be a few reasons why your computer is overheating, like a build-up of dust inside the computer or poor ventilation.
It depends on what device you’re using.
For a Desktop:
You want to ensure that it’s in a well-ventilated area and the sides/top are not blocked or butted up against a table or wall. You can accidentally block the airflow vents needed for the computer, which will cause the desktop to retail the heat it produces instead of expelling it.
If you’re using an older desktop, it can collect dust over time and clog up your CPU & Fans. Investing in a can of compressed air & using this on your internals will fix this issue.
For a laptop:
While laptops are very convenient in size for transport, they are also very thin, and few manufacturers have figured out how to deal with heat and airflow correctly, so they often overheat. This is especially common with gaming laptops.
As with the desktop, they will also get filled with dust. Laptops are difficult to open and clean, so we recommend contacting a professional to do this for you.
You can invest in a ‘Cooling Pad’ that will sit below the device and offer airflow directly to the device, typically fixing any overheating issues.
8. Your Computer No Longer Supports Latest Technology And Software Updates
If your computer is old, it may not be able to support the latest technology and software.
First, double-check the solutions above to make sure there isn’t another problem causing your computer to run slow. If you have done all that you can do to try and solve the issue and your computer is still running slow, it may be time to invest in a new computer.
Help Your Computer Perform The Way It Should
A properly functioning computer is important for ensuring your time is spent as productively as possible. If you notice your computer is beginning to slow down, use the tips above to check for potential causes before it becomes an even bigger issue.
If you can’t figure out why your computer is slowing down on your own or need some extra help fixing the problem, Nerds On Site is always available to help.
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How to solve the 10 most common tech support problems yourself
Whether you’re dealing with your dad’s decade-old computer or your own custom-built gaming rig, troubleshooting PC problems is a part of everyday life. Before you make that $50 support call, though, try your hand at homebrew tech support. We spoke to some of the best support reps in the business about the most common problems they fix—and how you can do it yourself.
Try this first
I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but before you do anything else, restart your computer. Matthew Petrie of Falcon Northwest technical support says that most of his customers solve their problems with this simple step. “This long-standing maxim can work wonders,” says Petrie.
While you’re at it, make sure that your operating system is fully updated by running Windows Update. Neglecting updates could deprive you of important bug and performance fixes.
If you’re having problems with a peripheral, try switching it on and off. If that doesn’t work, try disconnecting and reconnecting the device. As a last resort, download the latest drivers and perform a full reinstall.
My computer is too slow
The first step to fixing a slow computer is to verify that your machine is the actual source of the problem. Videos that seem to buffer forever, and websites that take ages to load, may not be your computer’s fault. Geek Squad agent Derek Meister claims that many people mistakenly identify a slow system as the problem when “it’s actually not the computer, [but] their broadband connection.” See “Downloads are taking forever” below for instructions on how to use Speedtest.net to diagnose a slow connection.
If the problem is your PC, check whether you have plenty of free space on the hard drive holding your operating system. Windows needs room to create files while your system is running. If your hard drive is maxed out, performance suffers. Now is the perfect time to clear some space.
Microsoft’s System Configuration tool is your next-best bet for tackling slow performance. Many applications launch automatically when your machine boots up, which can stretch out boot time—especially on older, slower PCs. Make a habit of trimming the startup items. Open the tool by pressing Windows-R, typing msconfig , and pressing the Enter key.
Checking the Startup Item and Manufacturer columns is the best way to figure out which potential performance-killers you can safely disable. Avoid messing with any of the services and programs that have Microsoft Corporation listed as the manufacturer. Items such as AdobeAAMUpdater, Google Update, Pando Media Booster, Spotify, and Steam Client Bootstrapper are all fair game. Regardless, err on the side of caution: If you’re not sure what the program or service does, don’t disable it.
Once you’ve made all your changes, click OK and restart the computer. It should boot up quicker and feel noticeably faster.
Downloads are taking forever
Speedtest.net is your best friend when you’re having connectivity problems. Run a speed test to see what your download and upload speeds are—ideally they should be at least 50 percent of your Internet service provider’s advertised speeds, with a ping under 100 milliseconds.
If the speeds seem solid, make sure that you aren’t inadvertently downloading or uploading anything. Many torrent downloading programs run in the background and minimize into the system tray instead of the taskbar.
Check your network hardware. Updates for network cards aren’t all that common, but if your card’s manufacturer offers a newer driver, download it. Resetting your router and modem can help with connection problems, too. Most routers and modems have reset buttons, but pulling the power cable for a second or two can do the same thing. Don’t cut the power for much longer, or the hardware may reset itself to factory defaults.
Still having problems? Call your ISP, which can tell you whether the problem is on your end. As a last-ditch measure, the ISP could reset the master connection to your home.
My machine keeps restarting
Hardware problems are hard to diagnose and solve. First, confirm that you aren’t just getting the latest wave of Windows updates, which can automatically restart your computer during installation. Then work on updating all of your critical system drivers. Your graphics card, motherboard, and network card drivers are crucial.
“Sometimes it can be viruses, sometimes it can be adware, sometimes it can be overheating, and sometimes it can be something as simple as making sure your video card is updated,” Geek Squad’s Meister says.
Is your computer making weird noises ? If you’re lucky all you’ll need to do is give the machine a thorough cleaning . Modern computers have safeguards that shut down the system if a component is overheating, which can be the cause of frequent restarts when you’re running resource-intensive programs or video games.
Pop-up ads are appearing on my desktop
If you’re not running your Web browser and are still getting pop-up ads on your desktop, you’ve most likely installed adware—a program that displays unwanted ads. Although benevolent adware exists, most of the time adware is up to no good. Getting rid of it isn’t easy. “There’s a ton of little system-utility tools out there that promise to clean up everything, with names like PC Speed-up, PC Speed Pro, PC Speedifier,” Geek Squad’s Meister says. “A lot of times those programs are not going to do much. Some programs will work, others are snake oil.”
Running a full scan with credible antivirus software is your first step. If that program doesn’t find and remove the adware, turn to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free , a great utility for removing all types of malware. Just make sure to disable your standard antivirus software before running it.
“Multiple antivirus programs working at the same time will often result in problems,” Falcon Northwest’s Petrie says. “You only want one active, real-time antivirus scanner installed, but it doesn’t hurt to run an additional ‘on demand’ virus or malware scanner.”
Searching online for the name of the advertised product can sometimes yield solutions from fellow victims. If all else fails, there’s always the nuclear option: a complete system reinstall. It might take a long time, but it’s the only surefire way to remove adware or spyware. Remember to back up all your personal files.
Google doesn’t look right
Browser hijackers are a particularly nasty breed of malware. Such programs take over your Web browser and can stealthily redirect your Google searches and other queries to fake pages meant to steal your personal information or to further infect your system.
Running a real-time antivirus utility is the best way to stay safe. If your browser has already been hijacked, uninstall the browser and use your antivirus program in conjunction with Malwarebytes to remove the intruder.
My Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting
Spotty wireless connections can be a puzzler. Is it your computer? Your router? Your ISP? Try a few things before calling your Internet service provider.
Confirm that your computer is within range of your wireless router. Weak signals mean weak connections. Next, make sure your PC’s wireless card has the latest drivers. Try letting Windows troubleshoot for you by right-clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and selecting Troubleshoot problems .
I keep seeing ‘There is a problem with this website’s security certificate’
Sometimes the biggest problems have the easiest fixes. According to support technicians, the lion’s share of issues are due to an incorrect system clock.
Website security certificates sync up with your computer’s clock. Old computers in particular run the risk of having a dead CMOS battery—the watch battery in your computer that keeps its system clock ticking. Click the clock in the system tray and select Change date and time settings to correct any issues.
My printer won’t print
Let’s assume that your printer’s drivers are up-to-date, and that it has enough paper and ink or toner to print. Try turning the printer off and on. Unplug the printer and plug it back in. Check your printer’s print queue by looking for the printer icon in the system tray and double-clicking it. The print queue shows you the status of each job as well as the general status of your printer.
Ensure that ‘Use Printer Offline’ isn’t checked. Sometimes, printing while your printer is turned off can cause Windows to set your printer to work offline, and that can stall jobs sent later.
I can’t open email attachments
If you have ever encountered an attachment that you couldn’t open, it was probably because you didn’t have the software necessary to view the file.
The usual suspect is the .pdf file, for which you can download a free PDF reader. If your problem involves a different file format, a quick search on the attachment’s file extension (the three letters after the period in the filename) should tell you what type of program you need. If the attachment lacks a file extension (which might happen if it was renamed), adding it back should set things right.
My favorite program isn’t working on my new PC
Before you call tech support, make sure that the software you’re trying to run is compatible with your operating system. Older software might not function on Windows 8, and an app created for Mac OS X definitely won’t run on your Windows PC. A 32-bit program might run on your 64-bit operating system, but it doesn’t work the other way around.
If an online game balks, you might be missing the required plug-ins—Java and Flash are the usual culprits. Most browsers will alert you to install these items if necessary.
When to throw in the towel
Falcon Northwest’s Petrie recommends connecting with tech support for “any problems that you aren’t comfortable addressing personally.” When in doubt, it’s better to steer clear of voiding a warranty or potentially damaging your system. “Being aware of your own skill set and limitations is important,” says Petrie, because “it’s often easy to make matters worse.” If you think the problem is too complicated, call up a more knowledgeable friend , or bite the bullet and work with a professional tech support service .
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- Network management and monitoring
- 9 most common network issues and how to solve them
Slow network speeds, weak Wi-Fi signals and damaged cabling are just some of the most common network connection issues that IT departments need to troubleshoot.
- David Jacobs, The Jacobs Group
Business networks are complex, and many things can go wrong that disrupt network performance. End users often complain about what appears to be poor application performance, and there can be many possible reasons for these hiccups. Here are nine of the most common network issues to troubleshoot.
1. Slow network
Users complain the network is too slow. There can be many reasons why a network that provided adequate performance in the past is now frustrating its users. For instance, a new application, such as video conferencing or online training videos , may have been added. A failing switch port or link could cause traffic to route around the failure and overload another link.
In other cases, the network could be part of a larger organizational network. As a result, a change in the larger network has resulted in more traffic through the internet connection point, slowing responses to cloud-resident applications.
Another network speed issue could emerge if employees decide to download high-definition videos while at work because downloading in the office is faster than using their home internet connection. A network monitoring tool helps solve any of these common network issues.
This article is part of
Ultimate guide to network management in the enterprise
- Which also includes:
The true cost of network downtime for your business
How to monitor network traffic in 7 steps
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2. Weak Wi-Fi signal
Wi-Fi signal strength may be adequate almost everywhere, but it could be weak or nonexistent in other areas. Rearranging an office area can result in a weak wireless connection, where signal strength had been adequate before the move. For example, a large metal object, like a file cabinet, can block the Wi-Fi signal.
Devices such as microwave ovens, cordless phones and Bluetooth can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, too. A Wi-Fi network test tool can help identify the source of the problem.
3. Physical connectivity issues
A network connection can suddenly break because of physical connectivity issues. A common problem is when a network cable becomes damaged or knocked loose . Cables might be added or removed from a switch, and one of the other cables might accidentally get disconnected.
Or a cable was damaged when it was pulled around a sharp edge while work was done on the heating or air conditioning pipes. It should be clear from the segment of the network affected which cable was damaged. But finding the problem along a cable stretching across the ceiling may be time-consuming.
4. Excessive CPU usage
Task Manager is the first thing to use to find which application is using a high proportion of system resources, such as CPU, memory or disk space. This basic troubleshooting step may not reveal a problem since some applications may be performing complex calculations, receiving high-speed video or interacting with large databases. A virus may also consume resources, so make sure antivirus software is up to date.
If an application has been running for a long time, it may slowly leak resources. The quickest way to improve performance is to stop and restart the application, although sometimes you may need to stop and restart the entire system. Updating device drivers may also improve performance.
Task Manager also shows applications you didn't know were running in the background. One example would be Windows including games upon system startup. Editing startup files can eliminate this problem.
5. Slow DNS lookups
The DNS matches the common name used to match server or service names with the internet address that routes a network request. For commonly used names, the matchup is probably already stored in the system's DNS cache, and the lookup is quick. For less commonly used names, the matchup may be stored in a more distant cache, such as the root server of the top-level name, such as .com, .org or a national root, such as .uk.
Each DNS server along the path checks its cache before making a request to the next server along the path. The next server then checks its cache, repeating the process. If lookup is slow, there may be a slow link along the path or a slow or overloaded server. To address this issue, your local network administrator can reconfigure local routers to shift requests to a faster chain of servers.
6. Duplicate and static IP addresses
On a network, no two systems can share the same internet address. If there are duplicate internet addresses, neither system can access the network reliably. The addresses for most network devices are assigned when Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol ( DHCP ) boots up the systems on the local network. DHCP maintains a pool of addresses assigned to the local network, assigning a different address from the pool to each system.
Workstations are not assigned permanent addresses but receive one for a limited time from DHCP. Systems re-request before the time runs out and usually receive the same address. If the system shuts down without re-requesting and the time runs out, it loses this address and may receive a different one upon startup.
The DHCP administrator may assign a static IP address to some network devices, such as printers or web servers, because external systems won't be updated if an address changes. One issue is users sometimes set up a private web server to support a hobby, allocating a static address without informing the network administrator. Both share a DHCP server in either an organization or home network. So, if the static address matches one assigned by DHCP, it disrupts the network.
Often, these private web servers are set up to upload and download licensed music or video and consume excessive network bandwidth.
7. Exhausted IP addresses
Internet addresses are in limited supply. Each service provider is given a supply based on the expected number necessary. Most familiar are the IPv4 addresses , which were originally thought to be adequate so every system could be allocated one. But, with the proliferation of cellphones and other devices, it's been necessary to move to IPv6 with 128-bit addresses for some networks.
A widely used method to stretch the supply of addresses is Network Address Translation ( NAT ), a feature often built into routers. Each is assigned a single internet address allocated from the worldwide set of addresses. Its internal DHCP server allocates private addresses to systems on connected local networks -- usually, an Ethernet or wireless network.
Private addresses generally start with either 10 or 192.168 on networks using 32-bit IPv4 addresses. These address ranges can be used many times, which helps to save addresses. The NAT server maps traffic to its global address to communicate with the internet. Responses are mapped back via the private addresses.
8. Can't connect to printer
When users can't connect to a printer, the first step is to check simple things like whether the printer is plugged in, turned on and has paper. Also, make sure the printer appears on Devices and Printers on Windows. If it does, click to check whether the file is queued.
Sometimes, you need to stop and restart the print spooler , the software that stores files until the printer is ready to print them. Also, check the printer vendor's website because some brands have a downloadable app that can diagnose and fix problems.
If the OS was just upgraded, scan for other people with similar problems, or check Microsoft.com to see if the company is aware of a problem. Shut off the printer, and turn it back on. Also, shut down your system, and turn it back on.
Finally, update printer drivers and your OS. In some cases, you may need to temporarily shut down your antivirus software . For a wireless printer, make sure it's connected to the signal.
9. VLAN and VPN problems
Check for virtual LAN (VLAN) misconfiguration issues. Review the configuration on each switch, carefully comparing configurations to ensure compatibility of switch configuration.
The most common VPN problem is a failure to connect . First, check to see if you're successfully logging in to the service, and make sure your account is up to date and you're entering your correct credentials. Next, check firewall settings. You need to open some ports. Check if that is the problem by temporarily shutting down your firewall. Finally, restart your system.
Try accessing the VPN from a different network, such as switching from Wi-Fi to Ethernet to the router. If there is still a problem, refer to the firewall documentation for other solutions, or contact the VPN vendor support.
In sum, networks are complex, and problems do occur. These are just some of the most common types of network problems. When other types of network issues occur, scan the web for help, or contact network service providers or device vendor support.
Automated network testing tools actively identify network problems
Network visibility challenges in modern networks
Troubleshoot wireless network connection problems in 10 steps
Dig Deeper on Network management and monitoring
25 basic PowerShell commands for Windows administrators
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
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Troubleshoot name resolution on Windows, Linux and macOS
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Computer Basics - Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
Computer basics -, basic troubleshooting techniques, computer basics basic troubleshooting techniques.
Computer Basics: Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
Lesson 19: basic troubleshooting techniques.
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Troubleshooting
Do you know what to do if your screen goes blank? What if you can't seem to close an application, or can't hear any sound from your speakers? Whenever you have a problem with your computer, don't panic! There are many basic troubleshooting techniques you can use to fix issues like this. In this lesson, we'll show you some simple things to try when troubleshooting, as well as how to solve common problems you may encounter.
General tips to keep in mind
There are many different things that could cause a problem with your computer. No matter what's causing the issue, troubleshooting will always be a process of trial and error —in some cases, you may need to use several different approaches before you can find a solution; other problems may be easy to fix. We recommend starting by using the following tips.
- Write down your steps : Once you start troubleshooting, you may want to write down each step you take. This way, you'll be able to remember exactly what you've done and can avoid repeating the same mistakes. If you end up asking other people for help, it will be much easier if they know exactly what you've tried already.
- Take notes about error messages : If your computer gives you an error message , be sure to write down as much information as possible. You may be able to use this information later to find out if other people are having the same error.
- Restart the computer : When all else fails, restarting the computer is a good thing to try. This can solve a lot of basic issues you may experience with your computer.
Using the process of elimination
If you're having an issue with your computer, you may be able to find out what's wrong using the process of elimination . This means you'll make a list of things that could be causing the problem and then test them out one by one to eliminate them. Once you've identified the source of your computer issue, it will be easier to find a solution.
Let's say you're trying to print out invitations for a birthday party, but the printer won't print. You have some ideas about what could be causing this, so you go through them one by one to see if you can eliminate any possible causes.
First, you check the printer to see that it's turned on and plugged in to the surge protector . It is, so that's not the issue. Next, you check to make sure the printer's ink cartridge still has ink and that there is paper loaded in the paper tray . Things look good in both cases, so you know the issue has nothing to do with ink or paper.
Now you want to make sure the printer and computer are communicating correctly . If you recently downloaded an update to your operating system , it might interfere with the printer. But you know there haven't been any recent updates and the printer was working yesterday, so you'll have to look elsewhere.
You check the printer's USB cord and find that it's not plugged in. You must have unplugged it accidentally when you plugged something else into the computer earlier. Once you plug in the USB cord, the printer starts working again. It looks like this printer issue is solved!
This is just one example of an issue you might encounter while using a computer. In the rest of this lesson, we'll talk about other common computer problems and some ways to solve them.
Simple solutions to common problems
Most of the time, problems can be fixed using simple troubleshooting techniques, like closing and reopening the program. It's important to try these simple solutions before resorting to more extreme measures. If the problem still isn't fixed, you can try other troubleshooting techniques.
Problem: Power button will not start computer
- Solution 1 : If your computer does not start , begin by checking the power cord to confirm that it is plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the power outlet.
- Solution 2 : If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet . To check your outlet, you can plug in another electrical device , such as a lamp .
- Solution 4 : If you are using a laptop , the battery may not be charged. Plug the AC adapter into the wall, then try to turn on the laptop. If it still doesn't start up, you may need to wait a few minutes and try again.
Problem: An application is running slowly
- Solution 1 : Close and reopen the application.
Problem: An application is frozen
Sometimes an application may become stuck, or frozen . When this happens, you won't be able to close the window or click any buttons within the application.
- Solution 2 : Restart the computer. If you are unable to force quit an application, restarting your computer will close all open apps.
Problem: All programs on the computer run slowly
- Solution 2 : Your computer may be running out of hard drive space. Try deleting any files or programs you don't need.
- Solution 3 : If you're using a PC , you can run Disk Defragmenter . To learn more about Disk Defragmenter , check out our lesson on Protecting Your Computer .
Problem: The computer is frozen
Sometimes your computer may become completely unresponsive, or frozen . When this happens, you won't be able to click anywhere on the screen, open or close applications, or access shut-down options.
- Solution 3 : Press and hold the Power button. The Power button is usually located on the front or side of the computer, typically indicated by the power symbol . Press and hold the Power button for 5 to 10 seconds to force the computer to shut down.
- Solution 4 : If the computer still won't shut down, you can unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet. If you're using a laptop, you may be able to remove the battery to force the computer to turn off. Note : This solution should be your last resort after trying the other suggestions above.
Problem: The mouse or keyboard has stopped working
- Solution 2 : If you're using a wireless mouse or keyboard, make sure it's turned on and that its batteries are charged.
Problem: The sound isn't working
- Solution 1 : Check the volume level. Click the audio button in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen to make sure the sound is turned on and that the volume is up.
- Solution 2 : Check the audio player controls. Many audio and video players will have their own separate audio controls. Make sure the sound is turned on and that the volume is turned up in the player.
- Solution 3 : Check the cables. Make sure external speakers are plugged in, turned on, and connected to the correct audio port or a USB port. If your computer has color-coded ports, the audio output port will usually be green .
Problem: The screen is blank
- Solution 1 : The computer may be in Sleep mode. Click the mouse or press any key on the keyboard to wake it.
- Solution 2 : Make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned on .
- Solution 3 : Make sure the computer is plugged in and turned on .
- Solution 4 : If you're using a desktop, make sure the monitor cable is properly connected to the computer tower and the monitor.
Solving more difficult problems
If you still haven't found a solution to your problem, you may need to ask someone else for help. As an easy starting point, we'd recommend searching the Web . It's possible that other users have had similar problems, and solutions to these problems are often posted online. Also, if you have a friend or family member who knows a lot about computers, they may be able to help you.
Keep in mind that most computer problems have simple solutions, although it may take some time to find them. For difficult problems, a more drastic solution may be required, like reformatting your hard drive or reinstalling your operating system. If you think you might need a solution like this, we recommend consulting a professional first. If you're not a computer expert, it's possible that attempting these solutions could make the situation worse.
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11 Common Computer Issues (and How to Fix Them)
Regardless of the industry you work in, computers play a vital role in the productivity of your organization. And for the most part, new software and hardware advancements released over the years have made you more efficient than ever before.
But if you’re regularly using computers in your day-to-day processes, you’ll eventually run into some technical problems that need your attention. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to remedy the issues and carry on with your workday.
Here are eleven common computer issues and how you can fix them.
PC Keeps Disconnecting From Wi-Fi
If your PC keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi, this could be due to several reasons such as outdated network drivers, a faulty network card, or even security software that’s blocking your connection.
To fix this issue, start by checking for any updates to your network drivers and installing them if necessary. Another option is to check your network adaptor power management options. Windows is optimized to save power by turning off specific devices when they’re not in use, but this can sometimes cause problems with the network connection.
To disable this feature first go to Start > Device Manager. Expand network adaptors in the list and double-click on it to open the Properties window. Then go to the Power Management tab and uncheck the option that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”. Finally, click OK to save the changes.
Keyboard Issues
If you have encountered the issue where your keyboard is making a clicking noise but not typing, you might have enabled toggle or filter keys. To disable them open up the Control Panel. Click on Ease of Access and then select Change how your keyboard works from the list.
Scroll down to the bottom of the next window and uncheck both the Turn on Filter Keys and Turn on Toggle Keys options. Click OK to save your changes and test out your keyboard to see if the issue has been resolved.
PC Isn’t Powering On
If your PC is being stubborn and refusing to turn on, the first thing you should do is check all the cables and connections to make sure everything is secure.
If that doesn’t work, try holding down the power button for a full minute to see if that will reset things. You can also try removing the battery (if it’s a laptop) and plugging the computer into an outlet to see if it will power on that way. If you are a desktop user try replacing the power cable of the monitor with the CPU.
You should disconnect all external devices before you try this so that you can rule out any of them being the problem.
Search Field Missing From Start Menu
If the search field is missing from your Start menu, it may have been disabled by a program. To fix this, open the Start menu and click on Control Panel. Click Uninstall a Program under Programs. Click Turn Windows features on or off.
Make sure that the Windows Search box is checked. If it’s not, check the box and click OK. This will enable the search feature and add the search box back to your Start menu.
File Doesn’t Open Up in Default Program
This is a relatively minor issue, but if you’re trying to open up a file and it opens in the wrong program, it can still be frustrating.
To fix this, simply right-click on the file whose default program you want to change and select “Open With.” Click “Choose Another App” from the menu, or it could be labeled as “Other”. Check the box that says “Always use this app” and then select the program you want to open the file in from the list.
Slow Performance
You may start to notice slower performance in applications you use every day. That’s likely a problem stemming from your operating system. Typically, this is a result of fragmentation on your C drive (C:). It’s not a big problem – easily resolved by doing some basic software cleanup. Run a quick system check from your Task Manager to see which applications are taking up the most CPU and RAM resources.
Remove any unnecessary programs or processes running in the background that you don’t use. In the unlikely event that there are more complicated hardware issues to contend with, operating systems now come pre-programmed with a suite of free diagnostic and troubleshooting tests you can run to narrow down the problems.
Loud Noises From Computer
You may begin to hear loud clicking or grinding noises from your computer. If so, it’s almost certain that you are dealing with some type of hardware failure. There is a range of possible issues when you hear loud noises, but it will likely stem from the rotary functions of your cooling fans or hard drive(s).
If you open the computer case and notice that the cooling fans are the culprits for the noise, it’s probably time to change them out . Cooling fans themselves are relatively inexpensive and easy to change with a screwdriver. CPU fans, power supplies, and graphics cards are other possible areas you should inspect. Keep in mind that these replacements can be a bit more expensive.
Computer Constantly Freezes
Computers are complex machines that manage multiple processes without you even seeing them. This complexity can sometimes cause your computer to freeze or not respond to your actions. Nine out of 10 times you can remedy this simply by rebooting your system. In the event that you are experiencing constant freezes, it could be a sign of insufficient system memory, registry errors, corrupted files, or even spyware. You should check each of these potential issues one by one until the problem is rectified.
Running system checks in the background will tell you if you don’t have sufficient memory in your system for the applications you use. Antivirus and malware programs can run a more thorough check. They can see if your system’s resources are being impacted by viral infections and registry errors. They’ll help you correct them, too.
Internet Browsing Is Slow or Unresponsive
If your internet is slow or unresponsive, it could be a combination of software and hardware issues. But if you’ve already checked that your WiFi or LAN network connection is active and strong, the lag could result from conflicts in the IP address registration. That can be fixed by rebooting your modem or router. If it still doesn’t fix the issue, the problem could be the browser you are using.
Over time, browser performance can bog down from a large browsing history and cache. There may also be failing browser extensions that slow down performance . Make a practice of clearing your internet search history and cache regularly to keep your browser running efficiently. If all else fails, you can try reinstalling your browser or using a different one altogether to see if you experience the same issues.
You’re Seeing a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)
There is nothing scarier than working on an important document only to be greeted by the BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). This STOP error is almost certainly hardware-related and unfortunately, could signal significant system failures. However, it’s not necessarily hopeless. In fact, a simple reboot could be all you need to fix the issue.
In most cases, however, further diagnostics are necessary to find the cause of the issue. If the blue screen appears, you’ll see a line of white text that identifies the problem your computer is having. You can easily look these codes up online to narrow down the issue and work toward a solution or seek assistance.
Screen Display Is Truncated or Has Low Resolution
If you restart your computer and see that the resolution has changed or desktop icons and texts are truncated, it’s usually related to your graphics card. Many times, you simply need to update your graphics drivers. If you know the brand or model of your card , you can go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest software for the device.
If taking this step still doesn’t fix the issue, there could be larger issues with your hardware. In rare cases, you may need to replace the graphics card altogether to solve the issue. However, in most cases, the issue is software-related.
Remember that experiencing computer issues is not the end of the world. It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend a ton of money on system upgrades. As issues arise, take the time to better understand the cause of problems and work through possible fixes. If all else fails, there are plenty of IT support services available that can handle a more thorough analysis of your systems and offer workable solutions.
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10 Quick Ways to Speed Up a Slow PC Running Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11
Chris Hoffman is Editor-in-Chief of How-To Geek. He's written about technology for over a decade and was a PCWorld columnist for two years. Chris has written for The New York Times and Reader's Digest , been interviewed as a technology expert on TV stations like Miami's NBC 6, and had his work covered by news outlets like the BBC. Since 2011, Chris has written over 2,000 articles that have been read more than one billion times---and that's just here at How-To Geek. Read more...
Nick Lewis is a staff writer for How-To Geek. He has been using computers for 20 years --- tinkering with everything from the UI to the Windows registry to device firmware. Before How-To Geek, he used Python and C++ as a freelance programmer. In college, Nick made extensive use of Fortran while pursuing a physics degree. Read more...
Windows PCs don’t have to slow down over time. Whether your PC has gradually become slower or it suddenly ground to a halt a few minutes ago, there could be quite a few reasons for that slowness.
As with all PC issues, don’t be afraid to give your computer a reboot if something’s not working properly. This can fix quite a few problems and is faster than attempting to manually troubleshoot and fix the problem yourself.
Find Resource-Hungry Programs
Your PC is running slow because something is using up those resources. If it’s suddenly running slower, a runaway process might be using 99% of your CPU resources, for example. Or, an application might be experiencing a memory leak and using a large amount of memory, causing your PC to swap to disk. Alternately, an application might be using the disk a lot, causing other applications to slow down when they need to load data from or save it to the disk.
To find out, open the Task Manager. You can right-click your taskbar and select the “Task Manager” option or press Ctrl+Shift+Escape to open it. On Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11, the new Task Manager provides an upgraded interface that color-codes applications using a lot of resources. Click the “CPU,” “Memory,” and “Disk” headers to sort the list by the applications using the most resources. If any application is using too many resources, you might want to close it normally — if you can’t, select it here and click “End Task” to force it to close.
Close System Tray Programs
Many applications tend to run in the system tray, or notification area . These applications often launch at startup and stay running in the background but remain hidden behind the up arrow icon at the bottom-right corner of your screen. Click the up arrow icon near the system tray, right-click any applications you don’t need running in the background, and close them to free up resources.
Disable Startup Programs
RELATED: How to Make Your Windows 10 PC Boot Faster
Better yet, prevent those applications from launching at startup to save memory and CPU cycles, as well as speed up the login process.
On Windows 8, 8.1,10, and 11 there’s now a startup manager in the Task Manager you can use to manage your startup programs. Right-click the taskbar and select “Task Manager” or press Ctrl+Shift+Escape to launch it. Click over to the Startup tab and disable startup applications you don’t need. Windows will helpfully tell you which applications slow down your startup process the most.
Reduce Animations
RELATED: Speed Up Any PC, Smartphone, or Tablet By Disabling Animations
Windows uses quite a few animations, and those animations can make your PC seem a bit slower. For example, Windows can minimize and maximize windows instantly if you disable the associated animations.
To disable animations , press Windows Key + X or right-click the Start button and select “System.” Click “Advanced System Settings” on the left and click the “Settings” button under Performance. Choose “Adjust for best performance” under Visual Effects to disable all the animations, or select “Custom” and disable the individual animations you don’t want to see. For example, uncheck “Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing” to disable the minimize and maximize animations.
Lighten Your Web Browser
RELATED: How to Enable Click-to-Play Plugins in Every Web Browser
There’s a good chance you use your web browser a lot, so your web browser may just be a bit slow. It’s a good idea to use as few browser extensions, or add-ons, as possible — those slow down your web browser and cause it to use more memory.
Go into your web browser’s Extensions or Add-ons manager and remove add-ons you don’t need. You should also consider enabling click-to-play plug-ins . Preventing Flash and other content from loading will prevent unimportant Flash content from using CPU time.
Scan for Malware and Adware
RELATED: What's the Best Antivirus for Windows 10 and 11? (Is Microsoft Defender Good Enough?)
There’s also a chance your computer is slow because malicious software is slowing it down and running in the background. This may not be flat-out malware — it may be software that interferes with your web browsing to track it and add additional advertisements, for example.
To be extra safe, scan your computer with an antivirus program . You should also scan it with Malwarebytes , which catches a lot of “potentially unwanted programs” (PUPs) that most antivirus programs tend to ignore. These programs try to sneak onto your computer when you install other software, and you almost certainly don’t want them.
Free Up Disk Space
If your hard drive is almost completely full, your computer may run noticeably slower. You want to leave your computer some room to work on your hard drive. Follow our guide to freeing up space on your Windows PC to free up room. You don’t need any third-party software — just running the Disk Cleanup tool included in Windows can help quite a bit.
Defragment Your Hard Disk
Defragmenting your hard disk actually shouldn’t be necessary on modern versions of Windows. It’ll automatically defragment mechanical hard drives in the background. Solid-state drives don’t really need traditional defragmentation, although modern versions of Windows will “optimize” them — and that’s fine.
You shouldn’t worry about defragmentation most of the time . However, if you do have a mechanical hard drive and you’ve just put a lot of files on the drive — for example, copying a huge database or gigabytes of PC game files — those files might be defragmented because Windows hasn’t gotten around to defragmenting them yet. In this situation, you might want to open the disk defragmenter tool and perform a scan to see if you need to run a manual defrag program.
Uninstall Programs You Don’t Use
Open the Control Panel, find the list of installed programs, and uninstall programs you don’t use and don’t need from your PC. This can help speed your PC up, as those programs might include background processes, autostart entries, system services, context menu entries, and other things that can slow down your PC. It’ll also save room on your hard drive and improve system security — for example, you definitely shouldn’t have Java installed if you’re not using it.
Reset Your PC / Reinstall Windows
If the other tips here didn’t fix your problem, the one timeless solution to fix Windows problems — aside from rebooting your PC, of course — is getting a fresh Windows installation.
On modern versions of Windows — that is, Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 — it’s easier to get a fresh Windows installation than ever. You don’t have to get Windows installation media and reinstall Windows . Instead, you can simply use the “ Reset your PC ” feature built into Windows to get a new, fresh Windows system. This is similar to reinstalling Windows and will wipe your installed programs and system settings while keeping your files.
If your PC is still using a mechanical hard drive, upgrading to a solid-state drive — or just ensuring your next PC has an SSD — will offer you a dramatic performance improvement, too. In an age where most people won’t notice faster CPUs and graphics processors, solid-state storage will offer the single biggest boost in overall system performance for most people.
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Why Is My Internet So Slow? What Can I Do to Fix It?
Tips for solving slow internet connections at home.
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Broadband router configuration errors, wireless interference, or several other technical problems adversely affect the speed and stability of your internet connection. Diagnose and fix the causes of your slow internet connection on your own before you reach out for potentially expensive tech support.
Stop Background Programs That Hog Bandwidth
Some software applications, such as Windows Update and other software updaters, run background processes that are hidden behind other apps or minimized to the system tray, where they quietly consume network resources. These applications are designed to do useful work and should not be removed from the device.
Games and other programs that work with video require significant bandwidth . When they are running, they limit the bandwidth that's available for other apps. Check your computer for background network activity as you troubleshoot the slow network.
Other network activity could be affecting overall bandwidth. A smart TV streaming movies, a camera constantly relaying HD video, and smart speakers playing music can make everything on the network slow.
Many games run downloaders that patch the game without additional intervention or approval by you. If your download speed suddenly seems slow, find out if your favorite game is downloading a few gigabytes of patch files.
Avoid Signal Interference That Slows Your Internet Speed
Wi-Fi and other types of wireless connections often perform poorly because of signal interference, which requires computers to continually resend messages to overcome signal overlap.
Household appliances and your neighbors' wireless networks can interfere with your computers. Reposition your router for better performance and change your Wi-Fi channel number . In general, the closer your device is to the router, the better the Wi-Fi connection.
To confirm if wireless interference is the reason for the slow internet connection, connect a computer to Wi-Fi to measure how well it performs. Then, connect the same computer to the wired network and note any changes in performance.
If the cable allows for a better connection, the problem could lie in the wireless connection. Instead of moving the router, consider a mesh network setup or a signal repeater .
Large, dense objects such as fireplaces block Wi-Fi signals more than walls. A device that is close to a router, but blocked by a barrier, may not successfully connect.
Make Sure Your Router and Other Network Equipment Is Working
When routers, modems , or cables malfunction, they don't properly support network traffic at full speeds. Certain technical glitches in network equipment negatively affect performance even though connections can still be made.
To troubleshoot potentially faulty equipment, temporarily rearrange and reconfigure your gear while experimenting with different configurations. Systematically try bypassing the router, swapping cables, and testing with multiple devices to isolate the slow performance to a specific component of the system. Then, decide if it can be upgraded, repaired, or replaced.
Beware of Worms and Other Malware
An internet worm is a malicious software program that spreads from device to device through computer networks. If any of your computers become infected by an internet worm or other malware, they may spontaneously generate network traffic without your knowledge and cause your internet connection to appear slow.
- Regularly scan for viruses and other malware .
- Keep up-to-date anti-virus software running to catch and remove worms and malware.
- Try a malware-removal tool .
Check Your Router Settings to Speed Up Your Connection
As the centerpiece of a network, a broadband router can be responsible for slow internet connections if it is configured improperly. For example, improperly setting the MTU of a router leads to performance problems if it's set too high or too low.
Ensure your router's settings remain consistent with the manufacturer's documentation and your internet service provider 's recommendations.
Record any changes you make to the router's configuration so you can undo them later if necessary.
Check Whether Your Network Speed Is Slow
Occasionally run speed tests to check the quality of your internet connection. These tests reveal whether your local computer's outbound connection is impaired. If you get decent throughput on a speed test but your computer's connection still seems slow, the problem may reside in your computer (for example, active download sessions or you've maximized memory, disk, or CPU utilization on your device).
If your computer runs above 80 percent consistent utilization for system memory, disk input/output, or CPU cycling, the computer may struggle to maintain optimal performance. Network slowdowns follow—not because the network is problematic, but because the computer is overtaxed.
To check relative resource utilization to determine whether another component is affecting network performance in Windows 10, right-click the Start button, select Task Manager , and choose Performance . On a Linux computer, use the top command . On a Mac, open the Activity Monitor .
Call Your Internet Service Provider
Internet speed ultimately depends on the service provider. Your ISP may change its network configuration or suffer technical difficulties that inadvertently cause your internet connection to run slowly. ISPs may also install filters or controls on the network that lower your network performance.
Don't hesitate to contact your service provider if you suspect it is responsible for your slow internet connection.
Different types of internet connections offer different trade-offs. If you have a DSL connection and experience slowdowns during peak evening-and-weekend periods, it may be that many connected households are using the same access point in your neighborhood.
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How to Clean up a Computer & Fix Problems for Free
Last Updated: December 2, 2022
This article was co-authored by Jeremy Mercer . Jeremy Mercer is the Manager and Head Technician at MacPro-LA in Los Angeles, CA. He has over ten years of experience working in electronics repair, as well as retail stores that specialize in both Mac and PC. This article has been viewed 739,822 times.
The longer you use a computer without performing some basic maintenance, the more sluggish it will become. If you have noticed a significant decrease in your computer's speed lately, or you're trying to get an older computer running smoothly, there are several things you can do. If you're experiencing errors or other issues, the solution may be as simple as rebooting your computer. If you have an adware infection, there are programs designed to scan for and remove these threats.
Things You Should Know
- Because viruses, adware, spyware, and other malware can bog down your computer, perform frequent scans with a free tool like Malwarebytes.
- Clear your web browser history, including your cache and cookies, to fix slow web browsing.
- If you're running low on space, uninstall unneeded programs and delete old files that are clogging up your hard drive.
Basic Troubleshooting
- Unplug the power cable from your modem, and unplug the power cable from your router (if you have one).
- Wait about thirty seconds, then plug your modem back in.
- After the lights on your modem have finished turning on, plug your router back in. Your network should be up and running again in about a minute.
Removing Adware and Cleaning Browsers (Windows)
- Windows 10 and 8 - Right-click on the Windows button and select "Control Panel."
- Windows 7, Vista, and XP - Click the Start button and select "Control Panel" from the Start menu.
- This would be a good time to remove programs that you do recognize, but no longer need. Old games, unused browsers, utilities that you used once and then never used again, and other legitimate programs can add to your computer's bloat. Remove them to free up some space and potentially speed up your computer's start-up time.
- Internet Explorer - Click the Tools button and select "Internet options." Click the "Advanced" tab and click "Reset." Check the "Delete personal settings" box and click "Reset."
- Chrome - Click the Chrome Menu button and select "Settings." Click "Show advanced settings" and then scroll to the bottom. Click "Reset settings" and then click "Reset."
- Firefox - Click the Firefox Menu button and then click "?". Select "Troubleshooting Information" and then click "Refresh Firefox." Click "Refresh Firefox" again to confirm.
Removing Adware and Cleaning Safari (Mac)
- Perform a web search for each program that you don't recognize to see what it does and if it is safe.
- Once you've downloaded the file, double-click it and drag Anti-Malware for Mac into your Applications folder.
- If you get a message saying that you can't install the program since it's not from the App Store, right-click ( Ctrl -click) the downloaded file, select "Open," then select "Open" again.
Optimizing Your Computer (Windows)
- In Windows 10, you can find the Windows Update utility in the "Update & Security" section of the new Settings menu.
- Open the Computer/This PC window ( ⊞ Win + E ) and find your Windows drive (usually C:). This drive should have at least 20% free space available for optimum performance.
- Check your Downloads and Documents folders to see if you're stockpiling old files you don't need anymore.
- Open the Control Panel and select "Uninstall a program" or "Programs and Features." Make your way through the list of installed programs and remove the ones you don't use anymore. Highlight a program and click "Uninstall" to remove it. If you aren't sure what a program is, look it up using a web search.
- A free program called "PC Decrapifier" can scan your computer for software that many people consider unnecessary. These unwanted programs typically come preinstalled on computers, and are referred to as "bloatware." You can download PC Decrapifier for free for home use at pcdecrapifier.com . It doesn't need to be installed, just run the program after downloading it and allow it to scan your computer. If it finds any bloatware, it can remove all of it at once.
- Windows 10 and 8 - Press Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Click "More details" to expand it, then click the "Startup" tab. Select the items you want to remove from your startup and click "Disable." If you aren't sure what a program is or if its required for startup, perform a web search for it.
- Windows 7 and Vista - Press ⊞ Win + R and type "msconfig." Click the "Startup" tab. Uncheck the box next to each item you want to disable. If you don't know what one of the programs is, you can look it up online. Just type the "Startup Item" name into a search engine and the first results should let you know what it is.
- Instead of using Norton as your antivirus, consider using Windows' built-in Microsoft Defender. Avast and Bit-Defender are also two popular free options. See Turn On Windows Defender for instructions on using Windows Defender.
- If you use iTunes for your media, consider a program like foobar2000 or MediaMonkey, both of which support syncing your iOS device.
Optimizing Your Computer (Mac)
- Open the Mac App Store and click the Updates tab at the top of the window. Review and install any available updates for your system and installed programs.
- Uninstall old programs by dragging them from the Applications folder to the Trash.
- Check your Downloads and Documents folders to see if there are any old files that you can delete.
- Programs like CleanMyMac3, Disk Inventory X, and DaisyDisk can find and remove tons of old junk files from your computer. You can free up a significant amount of space using a file removal tool.
- Use Monolingual to remove unused language files. You can get it for free from monolingual.sourceforge.net/ . Don't remove the language you use or the English language, as this can cause problems with the operating system.
- Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
- Select the "Users & Groups" option then select "Login Items."
- Select an app that you want to prevent from loading at startup and click the "-" button. You may need to click the padlock and enter your admin password first.
- Launch Disk Utility from the Utilities folder in the Applications folder.
- Select your hard drive in the left frame.
- Click the "First Aid" tab and then click "Verify Disk." The scan will begin, which may take a while to complete.
- Click the "Repair Disk" button if the scan reports any errors.
Keeping Your Computer Running Smoothly
- Look for open-source alternatives, which generally will not have any adware in the installer.
- Avoid download sites like CNet or Tucows, as these will try to get you to use their ad-serving download manager programs.
- See Install an Antivirus for detailed instructions on finding and installing an antivirus program.
- You can purchase cans of compressed air or use an air compressor to remove most dust from inside the computer.
- See Clean a PC for tips on cleaning all of the dust out of your computer.
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- ↑ http://www.pcworld.com/article/2047667/how-to-solve-the-10-most-common-tech-support-problems-yourself.html
- ↑ Jeremy Mercer. Computer Repair Technician. Expert Interview. 26 July 2019.
- ↑ http://www.reedcorner.net/arg/
- ↑ http://lifehacker.com/5825953/how-can-i-diagnose-and-fix-my-slow-computer
About This Article
If you want to clean up a computer and fix problems for free, start by rebooting the computer. If you want to remove adware on Windows, open the Control Panel and click on the option to “uninstall a program.” Find recently-installed programs that you don’t recognize, then select the program and click the “Uninstall” button. You can also download a free utility like AdwCleaner to scan and remove any common adware and malware. For tips on removing adware and cleaning Safari on a Mac, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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15 Common PC Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them
You don’t have to run to the repair shop every time your PC ends up with an issue. Many of the common PC problems have a rather simple solution , and you can fix them yourself with a few simple steps .
To help you troubleshoot common PC problems yourself, I have listed 15 most common PC hardware problems and what your options are if you face any of them.
Read Also: How to Fix Corrupted Windows System with System File Checker
1. PC Overheating
A heating PC slows down the whole system and leads to frequent crashes . Additionally, PC components may also get permanently damaged due to constant exposure to heat.
There are two main reasons your PC heats up , i.e. either the cooling system isn’t working properly or the PC is heating to the point your cooling system can’t handle it anymore. In either case, I have written a comprehensive article on different solutions to handle an overheating PC . Do check it out.
2. Dysfunctional USB Port
If your USB port stops working, it’s not necessary that it’s broken . Below are some solutions that can fix this issue:
Method 1: Restart the PC
Restarting the PC is the answer to many problems, and it is a common solution to USB port problem as well.
Method 2: Uninstall USB port driver
Uninstalling the driver of the USB port will force Windows to reinstall it when you will restart the PC. This may fix the problem. Here is how to do it:
- Press Windows + R keys and enter devmgmt.msc in the Run dialog to open the Device Manager .
- Here, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers option.
- Now right-click the entry USB Host Controller and then click on Uninstall .
- Repeat this for all entries with USB Host Controller to uninstall drivers for all the USB ports.
- Once deleted, restart the PC and Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers and fix any driver issues.
Method 3: Disable USB selective suspend
USB Selective Suspend is a Windows power saving feature that suspends unused or idle USB ports to conserve power . Sometimes it could stop a USB port from working. Here is how to disable it:
- Press Windows + R keys and type powercfg.cpl in the Run dialog to open Windows Power options.
- Here click on Change plan settings next to your current plan and then click on Change advanced power settings .
- Now, expand USB settings and disable USB selective suspend setting .
- Restart the PC to see if it fixes the USB port issue.
Note: This option should be kept enabled if you want to save battery power. If it doesn’t fix the USB port issue, then enable it again .
3. PC keeps disconnecting from WiFi
If your Wi-Fi is working fine but your PC keeps disconnecting from it, then your PC’s network card may not be receiving full power . Windows has a built-in power saver option that gives less power to the network card . You need to disable this feature:
- Go to Advanced settings in the Power Options .
- Here expand Wireless Adaptor Settings and then expand Power Saving Mode .
- Set this to Maximum Performance .
4. PC beeps
The PC motherboard is smart enough to detect problems and sounds beeps in different rhythms to tell you. Here is an article on what it actually means when the PC beeps multiple times .
If the PC doesn’t start after the beeps, then it’s usually difficult to solve the problem yourself. However, I’m going to list down two of the most common problems due to which beeps occur, and thankfully, you can solve them yourself as well.
Problem 1: Out of place RAM
A problem I recently dealt with. If the RAM inside your PC gets loose or out of place, then your PC will beep 2-3 times and won’t boot at all. The solution is simple, open up the PC (laptop users should let an expert handle this) and reinsert the RAM . Here’s how:
- Take out the RAM completely and clean any dirt inside the slot using a cotton bud.
- Now insert back the RAM and put enough pressure on both ends to ensure it is fully inside.
- Afterward, close the clips and make sure they’re properly locked . Even a slightly loose RAM will be unable to work.
This video should help you properly install the RAM
Problem 2: Recently added hardware
A damaged or wrongly installed hardware component could lead to beeps . Take out any newly added hardware components and see if it solves the problem. If the PC works fine afterward, then either get it installed properly or get it fixed (or replaced).
5. PC Fans not working
If you notice one or more fans in your PC aren’t working, then it could be due to the dirt inside. You will have to open up the PC and use a compressed air can or a leaf blower to clean up the fans and other components.
Here’s a video to help you with the cleaning process:
If dirt wasn’t the problem, then you can also use the SpeedFan app to see what is the problem. The app will let you control the fans to make them work again . Although your PC motherboard must support fan control to use this app.
6. PC not using a portion of RAM
Sometimes your PC may not use a portion of RAM. For example, You may have 4GB of RAM, but your PC only uses 2GB when you check it from the Task Manager . This is usually a Windows setting issue.
Note: If only a few MBs (200-400MB) of RAM isn’t being utilized, then it’s probably being used by PC hardware and you can’t do anything about it.
The solution to this problem is simple – Windows must have been configured to only use a portion of the RAM . Here is how to fix it:
- Press Windows + R keys and type msconfig in the Run dialog to open System Configurations .
- Move to Boot tab and click on Advanced options .
- Now check the checkbox next to Maximum memory and enter the maximum amount RAM you have installed (in MBs).
- Click on OK and restart the PC to let it take effect.
Good to know: While you are at it, you should also check the checkbox next to Number of processors option and ensure your PC is utilizing all the CPU cores as well. Set it to the maximum number if you want to use all of the CPU power.
If this didn’t fix the problem, then there is also a chance one of the RAM isn’t installed properly . Try reinstalling it.
7. Overworking fan
Your PC fan runs according to how much your PC is heating . The higher the temperature, the faster the fan will run. In case your PC temperature is fine (you can use HWMonitor to check it), but the fan is running at full speed; then you’ll have to manually control it.
You can use the SpeedFan app for this purpose as well. It will tell you the running speed of all the fans inside your PC so you can manage their speed. Don’t worry about app compatibility, overworking fan problem only happens with motherboards that can control the fans.
8. PC crashes before loading the OS
If your PC only shows manufacturer logo and then crashes right before it was supposed to load the operating system, then it’s a problem with RAM or hard disk . As the OS is unable to load, then either the RAM is corrupted and can’t hold the boot loader or the hard drive is damaged and can’t load data inside it.
If you have multiple RAM slots, then taking out each one of them one by one and starting the PC will help find the culprit. In the end, you will have to replace the corrupted RAM or the hard disk, whichever has the issue.
9. PC isn’t powering on
If your PC is not powering on at all – not even a single light in it, then it must be a problem with the power source.
Desktop users: If your PC’s extension cord, power outlet, and other connections are working fine, then the problem may be with the PC’s power cable. Replace the power cable of the monitor with the CPU’s (if you don’t have a spare) to see if it turns on. You’ll have to get a new power cable if this fixes the problem.
Laptop users: Take out the battery and put it back before starting the laptop. If this doesn’t work, then take out the battery again and connect the charging cable to the laptop . Start the PC on charger power and see if it works. You will have to replace the battery if it fixes the problem.
Note: You should also remove all types of external devices connected to your PC while trying this. A malfunctioning device might cause this issue.
10. Noisy PC
If you hear a lot of extra noise while using the PC, then most probably it is a plea to clean it up. Get it cleaned or use a can of compressed air or leaf blower to clean it up yourself. If you have overclocked your PC GPU and CPU, then they could be the reason for the noise as well.
Here is a video with simple methods to clean your PC:
There is also a chance that a disc inside the DVD ROM is making the extra sound . You can check this article about all the PC components that create noise for more information.
11. Noisy hard drive
If you hear clicking or grinding sound from the hard drive , then it might be time to get a new one. Hard drives have a limited lifespan and loud sounds are the main sign of a near hard drive failure . You can use CrystalDiskInfo hard drive monitoring tool to check the health of your hard drive. The tool will tell you the current health of the hard drive with signs like "Good", "Caution" or "Bad".
You should back up all your data immediately and try to get another hard disk before this one fails on you.
12. Blue Screen of Death
The dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) can occur due to both software and hardware problems , but usually, it’s a hardware problem. Whatever the cause, BSOD requires immediate attention as it’s a sign of a big problem .
BlueScreenView is a great Nirsoft utility that will show important information if you have recently suffered a Blue Screen of Death. You should be able to identify and solve the problem using this information. Below are some common reasons for BSOD and their solutions.
Read Also: How to Fix “Apps Not Responding” in Windows 10
1. Corrupted drivers
A corrupt driver may be the cause of BSOD. To find that out, use the following steps:
- Open Device Manager by typing devmgmt.msc in the Run .
- Here expand each menu and look for a yellow triangle icon next to each driver.
- If you find any, right-click on it and select Update Driver Software to update its driver.
You can also use a third-party app like IObit Driver Booster to automatically find and fix driver problems.
2. Too much pressure on the RAM
If you open too many programs that RAM can’t handle , then it may freeze the system and show BSOD. For that, you should either stop opening too many programs or upgrade the RAM.
3. Faulty hard disk
BSOD is also a sign of a dying hard disk , use the instructions in problem #11 above to identify hard disk problems.
4. Heating PC
Heating PC also leads to BSOD if too much pressure is put on the components . Use the instruction in problem #1 to solve it.
13. Blank monitor
If your monitor isn’t showing anything, then this could be a problem with the monitor itself or the graphics card . You should connect the monitor to another PC to see whether the problem is with the PC or the monitor.
If the monitor isn’t powering on at all , then replace the power cable with a working one and see if it helps. Here is a good article on how to fix a monitor that isn’t showing anything .
14. Monitor goes black after few seconds
If the monitor goes black after few seconds of display, then it could be a problem with the color quality or screen adjustment . Press the auto-adjust button on your monitor to see if it fixes it. If not, then you will have to change display color from 32bit to 16 bit .
You can connect the PC to another monitor to adjust colors from your graphics card settings . Pressing the auto-adjust may show the display for few seconds. You can use this to your advantage and adjust the color while pressing auto-adjust.
15. Keyboard issues
If your keyboard is making noise and won’t type repeated words properly , then there is no problem with the keyboard. You must have enabled toggle keys and filter keys in Windows settings that cause such a problem. To disable them:
- Open the Control Panel and click on Ease of Access .
- Here click on Change how your keyboard works button.
- Now uncheck the checkbox next to Toggle keys and Filter Keys to solve this problem.
How to Fix Mouse Left-click Malfunction in Windows
Left-click of your mouse is the most used function that helps open files and programs and confirm commands... Read more
Rounding up
Many of the above hardware problems can be easily fixed by tweaking the settings or using a software . However, some of them will definitely require you to pay a visit to the computer repair shop.
It’s good to at least know what is wrong with your PC so you can take the measures accordingly . Do let us know in the comments if you faced any PC hardware problem before and how you solved it.
8 common IT issues solved using remote desktop software
In our article, we look at how IT professionals using remote desktop software can clear your computer headaches
Computers are great, but inevitably there will come a time when something doesn’t work as intended. Those who sometimes struggle with technology can spend hours hunting for answers on the Internet, getting more and more frustrated.
The solution is often to get someone more experienced with computers to take a look at your device. But visiting in person might be expensive or impractical.
Luckily, many operating systems can enable someone to remotely access your computer to help you out. And in this article, we’re going to look at how remote desktop software can be used to solve some common IT problems.
1. Emails not working
This is one of the most common causes of computer frustration. You’ve created a new email account and you’re trying to set it up in your email software. But you can’t send or receive, or maybe both.
The solution is most likely due to incorrect settings, but sometimes what you’ve missed is something small like not ticking a checkbox or updating a port number.
Using remote access software, an IT professional can either take control of your device, or you can screen share with them while they explain to you what you need to do. Once able to see all the settings, the technician can usually identify the problem quickly and get you up and running.
2. Internet is really slow
Also high on the list of the most frustrating computer-related problems is slow Internet. You might have a plan with supposedly very fast download speeds, but everything takes much longer than you think it should.
Most often this happens when you’re trying to connect wirelessly using WiFi. The solution might be that new drivers for your modem or router need to be installed. Or maybe spyware or viruses on your computer are the sources of the problem.
A technician who has remote computer access will be able to troubleshoot these possible scenarios and install and configure whatever is necessary to fix the problem.
3. Computer running slowly
Your Internet might be working OK, but your computer, in general, is just very slow. Opening and closing applications takes ages, and a lot of the time you’re wondering why nothing seems to be happening.
Hard drives running out of disk space can often cause computers to slow down. Or maybe you’ve installed lots of apps over time that are all running silently in the background, competing for your computer’s resources.
With remote desktop software, your computer’s hard drive and system configuration can be audited to identify areas that could be slowing things down.
4. Setting up a backup strategy
It’s not something that everyone thinks of, but it should be. Computer hard drives often fail, and if you only have single copies of your important files on your computer, you risk losing everything if the hard drive goes down.
So it’s important to have a backup strategy that involves copying your computer’s data to more than one location. That other location might be an external hard drive connected to your local network, or it might be a cloud backup server. It’s actually a good idea to have both to be doubly secure.
Setting up backups initially can be tricky if you’re not that tech-savvy, so it might be a job better suited to an IT pro with remote computer access.
5. Printer not working
Being unable to print is another common IT problem. And similar to slow Internet issues, it could be related to the drivers or firmware for your printer that are installed on your computer.
Updating these doesn’t usually take long, but finding them in the first place is often difficult for those who don’t really know what they’re looking for. An experienced IT technician will be able to quickly locate the required software on the printer manufacturer’s website and install it from their remote PC.
6. Certain programs not working on new computers
So you’ve just bought a new computer and tried to fire up your favorite program, but it wouldn’t start or you got an error message and it quit.
Not all old software programs will work on newer operating systems. For some, unfortunately, it means you won’t be able to use that program anymore. Others might still work if the software is upgraded or other components are installed on your computer.
In the same way that an IT technician can install updates to fix Internet or printer problems remotely, they can assist with problems with old programs.
7. Computer keeps restarting
These sorts of problems are often hard to diagnose. One of the things to check is that critical system drivers are up to date, for example, drivers for your graphics card, motherboard, and network card. Many of these can be updated remotely over the Internet.
Other possible sources of trouble can be viruses or adware. If your computer doesn’t have any antivirus software, it might be time to install one. An experienced technician can recommend an antivirus package suitable for your needs and install it remotely.
8. Popup ads keep appearing
This is also usually related to adware or malware which may have been inadvertently installed on your computer. There are many programs out there which will claim to clean your computer for you and make it faster. Some will do very little and some nothing at all. So how do you know which one to install?
To get the best result, you often need to turn to a professional with extensive experience using these sorts of utilities. Installing these programs can easily be done by someone with the right knowledge via remote desktop software.
Having problems with your computer can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming exercise to get it fixed.
As we have explained, by using one of the best remote desktop software products available, IT professionals don’t need to be sitting in front of your computer to be able to solve many common problems.
If a technician doesn’t have to visit you, that saves you money. And if you don’t have to visit a store, that saves you time.
- Read our guide to the best remote desktop software
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Find articles and site content, how to fix a slow computer, why is my computer running slow.
Powering several programs takes a lot of processing power, impacting performance and speed. There are two ways to fix this: first, decreasing the number of programs running, and second, increasing your computer’s memory and processing power.
1. Identify programs that slow down your computer
If you rely on programs that use a lot of memory and processing power, it’s best to evaluate your memory allowance and daily consumption and compare that information to the memory demands of those programs you use most often.
Sometimes your memory is being hoarded by high-level apps that start automatically and run in the background, or maybe by a program you opened and then forgot to close. Removing or closing these programs can speed up your computer and even create more space on your drive.
Some programs use very few resources while they're idle. Others can use a lot of processing power and RAM, especially if they check the internet for updates or work on background tasks. This leaves fewer resources for other programs.
Think of this like a budget. Some programs may use a large proportion of your budget, leaving you with little power to complete other tasks. This will result in lagging, delays when switching between programs and slow data updates in other apps.
To speed up a slow computer, close unnecessary programs.
To do this:
- press the Ctrl , Alt , and Delete .
- Select Task Manager . On the Processes tab , you can see what is open and how much of the CPU and memory it’s using.
- You can then close programs that you are not using.
Computers often have programs enabled that start when you power on the computer. Or, there are programs that were needed on the initial start-up, that aren’t needed any longer. Disabling these can fix computer lag problems.
To see what programs are starting when you turn on your computer:
- press the Ctrl , Alt , and Delete keys at the same time.
- Select Task Manager .
- On the Startup tab , you can see the items that are set to open as soon as you start the computer.
- Consider what you really need to open when you start up and disable the other programs.
2. Check your web browser and internet connection
If you notice that your computer is running slowly, check to make sure that you have the most recent version of your web browser. Although location of this information varies by browser, there will be an About selection to show you the version number. If there is an option to install new versions automatically, enable it. Having too many add-ons and extensions can also slow your web browsing. Again, it depends on your browser, but you should be able to find a menu called Add-ons or Extensions that will allow you to delete any that you don’t want.
3. Defragment your hard disk drive
If you have a hard disk drive (HDD), as opposed to a solid state drive (SSD), it saves data in small groups in various places on the disk. Over time and use, different pieces of related data can end up spread all over the disk. It then takes longer for the system to find each piece of data and bring it back together for use when you open a program or app. Defragmenting (or defragging) your HDD can speed up this process, bringing related bits of data back together and thereby decreasing the time it takes for the system to find the data it needs.
Click on the Start menu or Windows button,
Select Control Panel , then System and Security .
Under Administrative Tools , click on Defragment your Hard Drive. You can choose for the process to run on a regular schedule, or you can click Analyze Disk and determine if the process needs to be run immediately.
Note about Solid State Drives:
SSDs do not need to be defragmented because their technology is entirely different than Hard Disc Drives.
4. Identify hardware that can slow down your computer
Identifying and replacing hardware that is due for an upgrade can make an older computer feel brand new again. An upgrade can also be significantly less expensive than buying a new computer.
Your storage drive and memory (RAM) are the two key pieces of hardware most related to the speed of your computer. With too little memory, you will only have limited resources to run multiple programs, while using a dated storage drive can slow down your computer even if it's recently been defragmented.
5. Upgrade your storage with a solid state drive
Your computer's storage drive is responsible for storing the things you use every day, such as your operating system, programs, documents, pictures, and music. Think of this as your computer's long-term memory. Comparable to a physical file cabinet, it is a place to store files you want to keep — even when your computer is turned off. When your storage drive becomes out of date or runs out of space, it will make a noticeable impact on your computer’s performance.
The critical difference between a traditional hard drive and an SSD is the technology behind it. An HDD has moving parts, which mechanically move an actuator arm across a spinning platter to find each data portion. However, an SSD accesses the data digitally with flash memory chips, retrieving data like documents, images, and videos more quickly while using less power.
There are several varieties of internal SSDs you can explore to replace a slower drive. Crucial offers both NVMe SSDs and SATA SSDs to help you speed up your computer; however, you'll need to understand the difference between SSDs before making any purchases. Deciding what's best for you depends on a variety of factors, such as compatibility, your system requirements, and your budget.
External SSDs, such as the Crucial X8, are a relatively new version of solid-state drives. External SSDs offer all the benefits of internal SSDs without the need to swap out the drive inside your computer. Plus, they can be used with multiple systems and devices via an external USB cable.
Use the Crucial® Advisor or System Scanner tools to find the right SSD to speed up your system.
6. Add more memory (RAM)
Unlike the long-term storage of your SSD or hard drive, your RAM acts as short-term storage, temporarily holding current data so that it can be quickly accessed. Think of it as a desktop space where you have laid out the files, notes and tools that you are using right now.
Every time you do one of the following things, you're using memory:
- Move your mouse
- Open tabs and surf between them in your internet browser
- Type up an email
- Create a spreadsheet
- Edit photos or videos
- Play a game, listen to music, or watch a video
The more RAM capacity you have, the more tasks your computer can handle quickly at once. Adding more memory is a straightforward way to fix recurring slowdowns when using or switching between apps.
Upgrading your memory may sound intimidating, but it's easy. With a screwdriver, your owner's manual and a good how-to-install RAM guide, you’ll have new memory in your computer within just a few minutes. No computer tech or prior knowledge required.
Ready to upgrade but not sure what you need? Let's find out:
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Why is My Laptop so Slow and How Can I Fix It?
Why is my laptop so slow, slowdown cause #1: you have an overzealous startup, slowdown cause #2: you’re out of memory, slowdown cause #3: your laptop has a virus.
- Programs opening and closing by themselves
- Blue screen of death notifications
- Overworked hard drive filled with suspicious files
- Increased amount of pop-ups
- Sudden slowdown
Slowdown cause #4: Your laptop is too old
Slowdown cause #5: your hard drive is full, slowdown cause #6: your browser is overloaded, how can i fix a slow laptop, 1. restart your pc, 2. check for updates, not sure if your windows 10 laptop needs an update.
- Check the status by accessing the Start menu and clicking on the settings gear at the left corner.
- Within the settings menu, select Update & Security settings, and Windows Update.
3. Delete old programs and files
4. utilize cloud storage, 5. check for viruses.
- Virus, malware, and spyware protection and removal
- Boot-time protection
- Cloud-based protection
- Network inspection
6. Upgrade your RAM
7. upgrade your hard drive, 8. monitor your internet habits, about the author.
Tulie Finley-Moise is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Tulie is a digital content creation specialist based in San Diego, California with a passion for the latest tech and digital media news.
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10 Solutions to Speed Up your Slow Computer Systems in 2022
July 15, 2021 / how to it solutions it support servers technology.
We’ve all heard the old adage that “time is money.” And this is especially true in the business world. In today’s business climate, with technology making everything available at one’s fingertips, things move at a much faster pace. As a result, a slow computer can be a huge issue for employees if it causes them to miss urgent deadlines and fall behind in productivity. The ripple effect of this can affect an entire company, forcing them to pay workers for extended hours with less resulting work product, potentially losing dissatisfied customers, and ultimately impacting the company’s bottom line.
If you have had the misfortune of dealing with a slow computer, you are well aware of how frustrating it can be. Whether the slowdown occurs at startup, when trying to browse the Internet or use web apps, or when attempting to work with specific applications, slow and unresponsive computers are a pain to work with.
Luckily, we are here to help! First, we’ll provide some insight and reasons why your computer may not be performing as fast as it could be. Then we’ll share our five best tips on how to fix the issues that are causing the slowdown. Keep reading.
Reasons Your Computer Is Slow :
Before diving into some of the things that you can do to speed up your PC, it is important to be aware of some of the common reasons why your computer might be slow. The biggest mistake that people make which in turn leaves them worrying about their computer slowing down is not shutting down the computer properly. When you put the laptop or computer to sleep rather than switching it off, it does not flush out the programs from the memory of the computer. Rather, it temporarily pauses the computer. This can take a toll on the RAM and lead to your computer to slowing down.
Another common reason that might answer the question, “what is slowing my computer down?” is the installation of too many programs or applications on your computer. Applications and programs take up space in the memory and thus often end up slowing down the computer’s processor. This causes lags causing your computer to delay even when performing the simplest of tasks.
Installing heavier programs like games and video and image editing software can also take up too much space on the computer and end up slowing down the computer. If you have to use such programs, it is recommended that you consider upgrading the computer memory so that your computer is prepared to handle the load of such programs without slowing down.
Lastly, more often than not, your computer might be slowing down because of malware. Malware runs in the background undetected. it can silently exhaust the computer’s resources and end up causing overall lag and delays.
Related Article : Managed IT Services Los Angeles
How To Make Computer Faster?
Here are some tried and tested effective tips that will help you solve this issue ultimately improving CPU performance .
1. Limit Programs That Launch At Startup:
You might have noticed that some programs are launched as soon as you switch your computer on. These are the programs that the computer automatically launches at startup. Some of these programs are the programs that are actually needed, but there are plenty of others that are useless.
The programs that are automatically launched start running in the background and thus take up the CPU resources. Applications that you are not even usingendup exhausting your system ultimately these programs are slowing down your PC.
Go to your computer’s settings and change them to adjust the programs that are launched at startup. To do so:
- Open your task manager. You can do so by going to Settings, opening Apps and then clicking the Startup Tab.
- You will see a list of programs with a toggle option that allows users to disable or enable the programs that will be launched at startup.
- Go through this list and only enable the programs that you require immediately after starting your computer and disable the rest. This will boost your computer’s speed and you will notice a significant difference in its performance.
2. Uninstall Unnecessary Programs:
We often find ourselves downloading too many apps and programs on our computers. We may think we might need or will use them, but 9/10 times that is not the case. These apps and programs take up space on our computers and occupy memory. This in turn leads to complaints about our windows 10 running slow .
If you want to effectively speed up your computer, go through the list of the apps and programs that you have installed on your computer and only keep the ones that are absolutely essential and necessary. To do so, you can follow these steps:
- Click the start button.
- Go to the settings of your computer.
- Go to the Apps tab and click it.
- You will see a list of all the programs and applications that are installed on your computer.
- Browse to the program that you wish to uninstall, click on it and then press the uninstall button.
- The app that you selected will be removed from your system.
- Now you can go ahead and repeat the same process for the other applications that you wish to remove.
3. Perform Windows Disk Cleanup:
If you are unsure about which programs and applications are contributing to slowing down your system, you should perform the windows disk cleanup. It is an automatic disk cleanup strategy. Windows runs the disk cleaner which automatically detects the files and programs that have not been used in a while. Then it will ask for the user’s permission and if granted, the files detected will be removed from the system.
Some people are intimidated by the automatic disk cleanup process because they think it will remove files without asking them first. But in reality, the users are shown the list of the detected programs as well as the space that the program has occupied. Then you can choose the programs that you wish to remove and keep the ones that are essential.
4. Consider Upgrading The Memory:
One of the major reasons that contribute to the slowing down of any computer system is too much pressure on memory. If you only have the programs and applications that are absolutely necessary installed on your system, you should consider upgrading your computer memory.
Some people think that they can upgrade their computer’s memory only by changing their laptops or computers. But in reality, you can easily get the memory upgraded while keeping the same machine.
Upgrading the memory is a great choice for people like programmers, video and image editors, and gamers. These programs and applications are generally heavier than common applications and require more space and may end up taking a toll on your computer’s memory and leading to a slow computer . You should either invest in computers that are specifically developed for these tasks or upgrade the memory of your current computer to fulfill these needs.
5. Scan Your Computer For Malware:
At times we can be careless about the safety and security of our computers. This oversight can leave our computers prone to malware and unauthorized hacking attempts. Lagging can be a simple indicator of this type of breach.
If you are sick of a slow laptop and are wondering about how to improve computer performance, you should run a complete scan of your laptop to be certain that your laptop is free from any sort of malware. Make sure that you have an anti-virus installed on your computer and that you run scans on a regular basis. Moreover, avoid downloading fishy email attachments or browsing websites and internet channels that are not secure. The use of a VPN is also recommended as it will protect your online identity and conceal your online presence thus providing a secure fortress around your computer and reducing the risk of a malware attack.
In Conclusion
We hope this article has given you the tools necessary to identify the reason why your system may be running slow. Most importantly, you now have the general know-how and the tools to care for your system. Remember, you do not need to feel frustrated with constant lags and delays, your computer should serve to increase your productivity and relieve headaches not cause them.
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1. Make sure you have the latest updates for Windows and device drivers 2. Restart your PC and open only the apps you need 3. Use ReadyBoost to help improve performance 4. Make sure the system is managing the page file size 5. Check for low disk space and free up space 6. Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows 7. Pause OneDrive syncing 8.
Most programs will run fine if you open them later, speeding up the time it takes your computer to start up. 2 Clean up the hard drive. Having free space on your Mac will help other programs run, and will reduce loading and saving times dramatically. Always try to have at least 15% of your hard disk space free and available. [4]
Use the free version of Malwarebytes to scan your computer for malware. Hardware conflicts Verify that the Device Manager has no conflicts. If any exist, resolve these issues as they could be causing your problem. How to Identify problems in the Windows Device Manager. Update the operating system
1. Restart your system Click the Windows Start Button often located in the lower left corner of your computer display. Click Power. Click Restart. Note: Restarting clears temporary resources that may be causing issues. For more information, go to: Microsoft Windows 7/8/10/11 Restart Steps. 2. Apply software updates
8 Reasons Your Computer Is Slowing Down (& How To Fix Them) 1. You Have Startup Programs And Applications Running In Task Manager 2. Your Computer Is Infected With Malware 3. You Have Outdated Software Or Operating System On Your Device 4. You Have Too Many Unnecessary Programs 5. There Is No Space On The Internal Hard Drive 6.
Make a habit of trimming the startup items. Open the tool by pressing Windows-R, typing msconfig, and pressing the Enter key. Checking the Startup Item and Manufacturer columns is the best way to ...
Here are nine of the most common network issues to troubleshoot. 1. Slow network. Users complain the network is too slow. There can be many reasons why a network that provided adequate performance in the past is now frustrating its users. For instance, a new application, such as video conferencing or online training videos, may have been added.
Problem: All programs on the computer run slowly Solution 1: Run a virus scanner. You may have malware running in the background that is slowing things down. Solution 2: Your computer may be running out of hard drive space. Try deleting any files or programs you don't need. Solution 3: If you're using a PC, you can run Disk Defragmenter.
If a computer is slowing down, it has a software problem that can be fixed. Hardware problems shouldn't cause your computer to slow down. There are some rare exceptions to this — perhaps your CPU is overheating and it's downclocking itself, running slower to stay cooler — but most slowness is caused by software issues. Blue Screens
To fix this, simply right-click on the file whose default program you want to change and select "Open With.". Click "Choose Another App" from the menu, or it could be labeled as "Other". Check the box that says "Always use this app" and then select the program you want to open the file in from the list.
How to solve slow computer problems. 1: Restart your computer regularly. 2: Run the automated tools provided in the SupportAssist tool. 3: Run a complete hardware diagnostic test. 4: Scan your computer for malware. 5: Restore your Dell computer using Windows System Restore. 6: Reinstall Microsoft Windows. Optional Steps: Check and clean the air ...
Your PC is running slow because something is using up those resources. If it's suddenly running slower, a runaway process might be using 99% of your CPU resources, for example. Or, an application might be experiencing a memory leak and using a large amount of memory, causing your PC to swap to disk.
Check your computer for background network activity as you troubleshoot the slow network. Other network activity could be affecting overall bandwidth. A smart TV streaming movies, a camera constantly relaying HD video, and smart speakers playing music can make everything on the network slow.
The high mathability slow thinking problem solving activities, where the utilization of concept based approaches and schema construction take place, is hardly detectable in end-user activities.
Reboot your computer if you're experiencing issues. This may sound like a simple suggestion, but rebooting your computer will solve more problems than you may think. Make sure to save any open documents before rebooting. 2 Reset your network if you can't connect to the internet.
Method 2: Uninstall USB port driver. Uninstalling the driver of the USB port will force Windows to reinstall it when you will restart the PC. This may fix the problem. Here is how to do it: Press Windows + R keys and enter devmgmt.msc in the Run dialog to open the Device Manager.
RemotePC. $3.48. /year. 1. Emails not working. This is one of the most common causes of computer frustration. You've created a new email account and you're trying to set it up in your email ...
Powering several programs takes a lot of processing power, impacting performance and speed. There are two ways to fix this: first, decreasing the number of programs running, and second, increasing your computer's memory and processing power. 1. Identify programs that slow down your computer
Here in this tutorial, I will show you guys how to fix or solve Windows 10 lagging or slow problems using some quick tips and tricks.Donate Me: www.paypal.me...
A laptop's hard drive is home to all of your computer's data. When people talk about a computer's storage, they're talking about the hard drive. If you don't regularly free up hard drive space your computer performance can take a huge hit, performing slower and slower the more you use it and continue to log information into it.
Go to the settings of your computer. Go to the Apps tab and click it. You will see a list of all the programs and applications that are installed on your computer. Browse to the program that you wish to uninstall, click on it and then press the uninstall button. The app that you selected will be removed from your system.