What To Do When Your PC Is Suddenly Running Slower
It can happen all of a sudden. One day, your PC (or laptop) is running perfectly fine. Then, when you start it up the next day, it seems like it’s operating at a glacial pace, taking ages to boot up, to open apps, or even to simply load new web pages. This moment comes to us all, but it might not yet be an indicator that you have to switch to new hardware. Here, we’re going to look at some of the common reasons that your PC or laptop might start running slower, and what you can do about it.
Run a Quick Virus Scan
If your computer suddenly slows down, a virus or malware could be the culprit. Malware can drain system resources, leading to reduced performance. Running a quick virus scan is a simple way to detect any malicious software that could be affecting your device. Use reliable antivirus software to perform a full system scan, as this can catch hidden threats that may be slowing down your system. Keeping your antivirus software updated and scheduling regular scans can prevent future issues. Removing any detected malware can often result in an immediate performance boost. Ensure your software can catch spyware, as well. While this kind of software isn’t the most dangerous, it can be a serious resource drain.
Ensure It’s Not Just an Internet Problem
Before delving into more complex troubleshooting, it’s essential to rule out an internet issue. Sometimes, a slow computer can be due to a sluggish internet connection rather than the computer itself. Test your connection speed using online speed-testing tools to see if it matches your provider’s promised speed. If it’s lower, restart your router or contact your provider for assistance. If you rely heavily on cloud-based apps, slow internet can make it seem like your computer is lagging, so improving your connection may resolve the issue without further adjustments. Of course, a slow internet connection can be just as bad as a sluggish PC nowadays, so take the time to get on top of it.
Check What Apps Are Running on Startup
Programs that run automatically at startup can significantly slow down your computer, especially if you have multiple applications loading simultaneously. Checking which programs launch at startup allows you to disable any unnecessary ones. On Windows, you can access this setting through the Task Manager, while on Mac, it’s available under System Preferences. By disabling non-essential programs, you free up resources that can enhance your computer’s speed. Regularly managing these startup programs can prevent a build-up of unnecessary background processes. When you install a new program, make sure to check whether or not it boots up on startup. This is often the reason for a sudden change in operational speeds on a new start.
Be Mindful of Your Browser
Web browsers, particularly Chrome, are notorious for consuming large amounts of memory, which can slow down your computer. Is Chrome using too much memory? If you have many tabs or extensions open, consider closing some of them or switching to a less resource-heavy browser. You can also use the task manager within your browser to see which tabs or extensions are using the most memory. Additionally, clearing your browser cache can free up space and reduce strain on your system. By managing your browser’s resources, you can enhance overall performance and prevent lags.
Clear Up Some Disk Space
Low disk space can also contribute to slower computer performance. Check your storage settings to see if your drive is nearly full, as operating systems require a certain amount of free space to function efficiently. Delete unnecessary files, uninstall unused applications, and empty your recycle bin. Cloud storage can be an effective alternative if you have files you don’t want to delete but don’t need to access daily. By clearing up space, you allow your computer to operate at its optimal speed.
Consider Updating
If your computer is older or running outdated software, these factors can also cause sluggish performance. Old hard drives, especially traditional HDDs, wear down over time and process data slower than newer SSDs. Replacing an HDD with an SSD can make a substantial difference. Additionally, updating your operating system and other software to the latest versions can improve performance, as updates often come with optimizations and bug fixes. Investing in a few upgrades may prolong the life of your computer and help it run more smoothly.
With the tips above, you should hopefully be able to troubleshoot the issue and find a fix that doesn’t require investing in new hardware. However, there will come a point that such a switch may be necessary.
