Your computer is running slow. You don’t know why, and you have no idea how to fix it. This can be a frustrating experience, especially when you need your computer to be working quickly and efficiently. This blog post will discuss six reasons your computer might be running slowly and how to fix them!
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Bottlenecked CPU
A gaming-related term, although one that may apply to other activities as well. The CPU bottlenecking scenario happens when the processor in the computer isn’t powerful enough to keep up with the task requirements. A CPU bottleneck is when you combine a low-end CPU with high-end equipment, usually a GPU. For example, if you purchase a super-quick graphics card and an entry-level desktop CPU, the low-end processor won’t be able to keep up. As a result, the entire system will lag. CPU limitations can also occur in CPU-dependent programs. This implies that the game’s needs far exceed the processor unit’s capacity. 3D modeling and video editing applications are two other resource-intensive software that may cause bottlenecks. CPU bottlenecks are simple to fix. However, determining the source of the problem is more complicated. To adequately address any bottlenecks, you must first determine what is causing them. Is it the GPU or a pre-installed program that’s causing the lag? Once you’ve discovered the reason for the problem, you can fix it. Typically, upgrading a worn-out or low-end CPU with a more recent version is beneficial. If the CPU inhibits the GPU, upgrade to an Intel Core i9 processor, currently the best gaming processor available. The software or hardware you use with your computer could also be the source of the problem. Uninstalling a program from your PC if it’s causing issues is usually a good idea. Of course, most people would want to enhance their computers rather than downgrade them.
Hard Disc Drive Is Outdated
A sluggish computer often reveals an old hard disk. The average lifetime of a hard drive is three to five years. While reports of hard drives lasting a decade or more, don’t expect it to happen. Aside from being sluggish, other indicators are that your PC’s hard disk is out of date include clicking sounds and excessive heat. Is there any strange noise coming from the computer when it has a lag? If your slow computer frequently freezes up, there’s a good chance the hard disk is too old. You can upgrade an old hard drive. It’s recommended before the blue screen of death replaces a failing disk. A new hard disk drive will not be too costly. However, upgrading the RAM may be more expensive than you think.
Storage Space Exceeded
Memory is stored on computers in a variety of ways. The typical storage drive in a computer holds files and programs. A hard disk is the most common type of storage drive. The storage drive could be an SSD (solid-state device) in recent computers. When the storage space on your PC is full, it might slow down your system. You can free up space on the storage drive by removing old useless files. To make room for new ones, delete temporary files. Uninstall programs you aren’t using anymore. You may also move pictures and movies to an external storage device, such as a USB flash drive. On your computer’s storage drive, you’ll need at least 200 MB of free space. In most cases, there should be more than 500 MB. It’s conceivable that your PC has a small storage capacity. Computers with 500GB hard drives are still available. You may want to consider getting a 1TB or larger storage drive instead. To keep your computer running quickly, you’ll need to upgrade the storage drive.
Short On RAM Memory
The short-term, “volatile” memory in your computer is RAM. Unlike permanent memory, RAM operates when you turn the PC on. The operating system relies heavily on RAM for the efficient execution of tasks. Running out of RAM can make it difficult to complete certain operations on your PC. RAM for PCs has increased significantly in recent years. Modern computing, particularly Chrome-based computers, necessitates a sufficient RAM supply for PCs. In the early 2000s, a computer needed just 2 GB of RAM. Today, modern 64-bit systems require at least 4 GB of RAM. Upgrading the RAM is a terrific method to improve the overall performance of your PC. But first, make sure that the game lags because of a lack of RAM. It is easy to remove and replace the current RAM sticks in your computer.
Unnecessary Background Programs
When your computer is running slowly, it’s likely because of the number of programs that are trying to run simultaneously. This problem can be caused by having too many unnecessary background programs open on your computer. You can identify these unwanted programs by opening the Task Manager in Windows. In macOS, you would use Activity Monitor to see which programs use the most CPU or memory. In Windows, you can stop these programs from running by selecting them and clicking “End task.”
Malware And Viruses
A computer virus or a malware program may cause a slew of issues. A sluggish computer is just one of them. If you’re using your PC for work, ensure it’s clean with anti-virus or malware scanning software. With the Windows Defender tool, home users can enjoy many security benefits. A malware protection program can delete or quarantine harmful files or programs from your PC. When the infection is gone, your computer should function as normal. It’s strongly advised that you have your computer examined by a professional if there’s a malware problem. Remnants of the infection might still be present in your system. A specialist may be able to backup and restore your data safely. In general, if your PC is quite old, you will encounter performance issues. Update the CPU or purchase a new computer to get a quick boost in performance.
Conclusion
In all, there are many potential explanations for a slow computer. However, you can narrow down the problem and find a solution by taking the time to troubleshoot. Nothing is worse than staring at a spinning wheel on your screen while waiting for your computer to load. Hopefully, this article has helped you determine why your computer is running slowly and how to fix the issue.
