How does malware slow down my PC performance?

Malware can slow down your PC performance in a variety of ways. Malware can take up valuable computer resources, reducing the amount of memory or processing power available to programs that need it. Malware can also install additional programs onto your PC, adding to the amount of files running in the background and bogging down the system. Finally, malware can also change system settings, making your computer run slower or preventing certain programs from running at all.