Even after purchasing a solid piece of computing hardware, several
events can occur that can make your high-performance machine run slow.
Troubleshooting a slow computer requires an understanding of the different
types of computer slowness. Issues with specific hardware components or software
malfunctions create symptoms different from the type of slowdown created by
network errors or viruses. After isolating the cause of the performance issues,
you can take the appropriate steps to fix the problem. Windows includes several
useful tools that can assist in fixing issues associated with a slow computer.
Instructions
1. Find the Source
o 1
Determine if the slowdown that you are experiencing
is a new issue, or if the problem has been present since you first starting
using the machine. Older computer hardware may not meet the minimum
requirements of the software that you are attempting to use. Most software
manufacturers recommend that current computers have at least 4GB of RAM and
160GB of free hard-drive space. If your computer previously performed certain
tasks at normal speed but the same tasks now take longer, then your performance
issues may not be related to outdated hardware. Older video cards may not be
able to handle the new, graphics-intensive games you're attempting to play.
o 2
Pinpoint the scope of your computer’s slowness by
determining if all tasks are affected, or if only certain programs or features
are running slowly. If a specific program is running slowly, then you should
focus your troubleshooting efforts on that specific application. If your entire
computer is running slowly, then your computer could be experiencing a hardware
malfunction or a virus infection.
o 3
Understand the difference between network speed
and computer processing speed. If your computer is plagued by slowdown issues
only when surfing the Web or accessing a network, then your problem is likely
related to the network itself.
2. Hardware or Network Problems
o 4
Check your hard drive to ensure that you have at
least 50GB of free space available, as insufficient free space is a common
cause of computer slowness. Your computer needs the free space to store data
temporarily while it's processing information. Delete unnecessary files and run
the Disk Cleanup and Defragmention tools to repair and reorganize your file
system.
o 5
Check your hard drive to see if it is physically
damaged and is in need of repair or replacement. Click the Start button and
choose "Computer." Right-click the icon of the drive you wish to check,
then choose "Properties" from the context menu that appears. Click
the "Tools" tab and and click the "Check now" button in the
Error-checking section.
o 6
Check the Windows Device Manager to locate any
hardware that may be reporting an error message. Hardware components that are
experiencing a problem will be marked with a yellow triangle in the Device
Manager list.
o 7
For suspected network issues, reset your modem
and wireless router (if applicable) and attempt to reconnect to the network. If
you are using a wireless router, make sure that your computer is not too far
away from the source of the signal. Contact your Internet service provider to
determine if your connection speeds accurately reflect those promised by your
network plan.
3. Problematic Software or Drivers
o 8
Run a scan for virus and malware infections on
your computer. Many computer performance issues are caused by some form of
computer virus or malware, as these forms of software are specifically designed
to hijack your processor and take control of your network.
o 9
Search for an update to the software that you are
attempting to use. Web-browser software is especially susceptible to slowness
if not kept up to date. Try an alternative Web browser to help determine if
your computer slowness is software or network related. For example, if you
usually use Internet Explorer, try Chrome, Opera or Firefox.
o 10
Check for updated device-driver software using
the Windows Device Manager. Windows will search online for the most recent
version of the driver, but you can also check the manufacturer’s official
website for updated driver software. Keeping your drivers up to date will help
to ensure that your computer remains compatible with all other software and
hardware updates.
o 11
Run the Windows Update tool to find the most
recent and critical updates to your operating system. Vulnerable security
issues are often corrected by the Windows Update process, preventing your
computer from becoming infected by viruses and malware.
