Computer performance can become slow over time for a variety of reasons, but fortunately there are some simple steps you can take to speed it up and improve its performance. Below are a few ways to help get your computer running smoothly again.
1. Run virus scans: Running a virus scan is a great first step in trying to fix a slow computer. Viruses and other malicious software can cause major issues with your computer, including slowing it down. Make sure you update your virus protection software and run a full system scan to make sure your computer is virus-free.
2. Update software: Outdated software may be one of the primary causes of your computer’s slowed performance. Many applications have regular updates that not only keep them running efficiently but also provide bug fixes that can help speed up your computer. Having the latest versions of programs installed can also help improve overall performance.
3. Check startup programs: Many programs run in the background as soon as you start your computer, but some may be unnecessary or even cause a decrease in performance. Check your startup programs to identify which ones are necessary and which ones are slowing down your computer. You can usually disable programs from the Task Manager or by editing your computer’s startup settings.
4. Clear disk space: If your hard drive is almost full, your computer will slow down drastically. Delete any files or programs you no longer need and try to keep at least 15% of your drive space free. You can also try using a disk defragmenter to reorganize your files for faster access.
5. Update your hardware: In some cases, outdated or malfunctioning hardware can cause your computer to run slowly. If you’ve been using the same computer for a few years, it may be time to consider upgrading some components such as the RAM or processor. If you’re not comfortable making hardware upgrades yourself, you might consider taking your computer to a repair shop for assistance.
6. Limit browser extensions/plugins: Browser extensions and plugins can often cause your computer to run slowly, especially when they are poorly coded or haven’t been updated in a while. If you find that your browser is running unusually slow, try disabling or removing any unnecessary extensions.
7. Clean up your desktop: Keeping too many files and icons on your desktop can slow down your computer. Try clearing out the clutter and moving any unnecessary files to separate folders.
8. Disable visual effects: Visual effects can make your desktop look nice, but they can also take up valuable resources that could be put to better use. To turn off visual effects, open the Control Panel, go to System and Security, and choose System. Next, click on “Advanced system settings” and then select the “Performance” tab. Uncheck any of the boxes that are not necessary.
9. Check for spyware: Spyware can install itself on your computer without you realizing it, and it can slow your computer down significantly. Run a spyware scan to make sure there are no malicious programs running in the background.
10. Set your power settings: The power settings on your computer can also cause it to run slowly if set to a “power-saving” mode. Change your settings to “High Performance”, which will make sure that your computer runs at its optimal speed.
By following these steps, you should have a much faster and more efficient computer. If your computer continues to run slowly after trying these steps, it may be time to consider looking at purchasing a new computer.