A slow computer can be one of the most frustrating challenges in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re trying to complete work, browse the web, or stream your favorite content, a lagging device can feel like it’s grinding everything to a halt. But why is your computer so slow? Let’s explore the most common reasons and solutions to help you get your machine back to peak performance.
Have you ever spent minutes waiting for a folder to open, or for an app to launch, all while wondering: “why is my computer so slow?” Then you are in the right place. I’m going to show you the 7 most common reasons why you have to deal with a slow computer, and more importantly – how to fix that.
⏱️ Reason #1: Long system runtime
You might not believe me, but one of the easiest answers to “how to fix a slow computer” is to reboot it. Yeah, when your mom told you “let the computer rest”, she wasn’t kidding. Windows OS can slow down significantly due to an overflow of temporary files, error logs and such, most of which will get wiped upon a restart. Besides, many apps can run background processes after you launch them once, even if it happened days ago.
📩 Reason #2: Too many background apps
Talking about background processes, they are often the reason why my PC is so slow, and even a restart won’t help if they launch alongside the system. In this case, the slow computer fix is as followed: right-click the taskbar at the bottom and click “Task Manager” – there you will be able to check all background processes. If you find any process that would slow Windows 10 for you – feel free to right-click and close the process. You should notice right away how it frees your PC’s resources.
🧨 Reason #3: Too many startup programs
However, that will not help if your computer is running slow due to startup programs. So, how to speed up Windows 10 In this case? Well, you can just disable auto-launch for apps you don’t use too often. Once again, open the Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar, or using the Quick Link menu with the Win+X key combo. In the Task Manager, open the Startup tab, and here you can freely disable any app you don’t need – just right-click it and choose “Disable”.
🧨 Reason #4: No free hard drive space
The next issue is more prevalent on laptops without additional hard drives. How to speed up Windows 10 laptop, if its memory is full?
First, I would recommend creating partitions, if you haven’t already, and keeping your system and all crucial apps, on a separate C: drive. All the non-executable files can be on other partitions, no problem. Ah, just to be clear: this all matters because Windows needs space to run, and running out of hard drive space results in a slow computer.
After creating partitions, If you are still running out of space, consider deleting some apps or unnecessary files. Windows has dedicated tools for that: Storage Sense, which will free space by removing temporary files, and Disk Cleanup, for both temporary files and unimportant ones, such as duplicates or copies. You can find Storage Sense in the “System” category of the settings – just look at the screen for specific directions. And to open Disk Cleanup, just right-click the drive you need to clean in Windows Explorer.
There are 3 more major reasons why your computer is slowing down, and if you want to learn about them – you better watch the video!
DISM & SFC Scan Tutorial:
Open the Windows search bar and type “PowerShell”. Once you find the app, run it as Administrator.
In the console window, type the following line: dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
Now, hit enter and let DISM detect and fix corrupted files for you.
Alternatively, you can use SFC – System File Checker.
Open “PowerShell” again, and type ‘sfc /scan now’, then hit “Enter”.
This process should find and replace corrupted files. Regardless of which option you choose, don’t forget to restart your PC afterward.
Upgrade Your Hardware
If software optimizations don’t suffice, upgrading hardware like RAM, GPU, or CPU can provide a significant performance boost.
Preventative Tips to Keep Your Computer Fast
Avoid Downloading Unnecessary Software: Only install programs that you need to avoid cluttering your system.
Keep Software Updated: Regular updates fix bugs and improve compatibility.
Use Reliable Antivirus Software: Protect your system from malware and viruses.
Regularly Back Up Data: Store important files externally or in the cloud to free up space and ensure data security.
Maintain Adequate Ventilation: Keep your device in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.
When to Consider Professional Help
If you’ve tried all the above methods and your computer is still slow, it may be time to consult a professional technician. They can diagnose hardware issues, replace faulty components, or provide advanced repairs that go beyond basic troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts
A slow computer doesn’t have to ruin your productivity or enjoyment. By understanding the root causes of poor performance and applying the appropriate solutions, you can extend your computer’s lifespan and enjoy a faster, smoother experience. With regular maintenance and a few key upgrades, your machine can keep up with your demands for years to come.
