Computer Running Slow? 7 Ways You Can Fix the Problem

Dealing with a slow computer can be an incredibly frustrating experience. Unfortunately, there’s no easy fix, as there could be many different factors at play.

But there are some things you can try. Here are 7 things to consider if you want to speed up your computer.

  1. Turn off Some Startup Programs

Whenever your computer turns on, it’ll also load up a number of programs on startup. This might include music players such as Spotify and gaming clients like Steam.

Booting up these programs makes it take longer for your computer to turn on, and it can also slow down your computer while it’s running. Make sure the only programs you’re running are ones you actually need.

  1. Close Some Tabs

Modern internet browsers such as Google Chrome can use an awful lot of system resources. If you have tens of tabs open at once, you’re likely to suffer from slowdown.

Make sure you keep the number of tabs you have open in check if you want your computer to run well.

  1. Get More RAM

In some cases, your system might slow down because it doesn’t have enough RAM available. If you only have 8GBs of RAM, it might not be enough for you to have a smooth experience on your computer. Consider upgrading to at least 16GBs of RAM.

  1. Run a Virus Scan

If you’re experiencing an unexplainable slowdown, it could be down to some kind of virus or malware. You should regularly run virus scans to ensure there’s nothing like that on your computer.

For most users, the Windows Defender software that comes with Windows 10 should be more than enough.

  1. Check Your Internet Connection

Slowness when using your computer is not necessarily anything to do with your own system. If your computer is slow at loading webpages, it could be a connection issue that’s causing it.

Run a speed test and see if you’re getting the internet speeds you should be getting. If you aren’t, consider calling your ISP.

  1. Check Task Manager

On a Windows system, you can press ctrl, shift, and escape to bring up the task manager. This will tell you how much system resources the various programs on your computer are using.

If anything is using a large amount of memory or CPU, that could be what’s slowing you down.

  1. Get a New Computer

With any computer, there comes a time when it’s simply too old to keep up with the demands of modern applications and operating systems. Eventually, the only way to get decent performance will be to purchase a new computer.

Bring in the Pros

Sometimes, computer problems can become incredibly complex and difficult to fix. If you can’t figure out what’s wrong with your system, and these tips don’t make a significant difference, consider bringing your computer to a professional for an analysis.

If you’re thinking of ditching your computer and getting a business laptop instead, take a look at our article on the best business laptops to buy in 2019.

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