Slow Computers – Electronic devices such as computers, laptops, and mobile phones have become a primary need for most people. Computers and laptops are especially needed, considering the practicality of use and complete functionality. From workers to school and college students, computers and laptops are a device to do all kinds of tasks.
One of the most common problems experienced by computer and laptop users is a decrease in the optimal performance of the device. The computer will become heavy and slow if it holds too much data and is used continuously without taking a break. The age factor of the computer can also be the cause of a slow computer.
Generally, troubleshooting a slow computer can be done by adjusting the installed software to the installed hardware specifications. You can also uninstall unused applications, install anti-virus, pay attention to hardware conditions, and so on.
In this article we will discuss several ways to easily and quickly troubleshoot slow computers so it performs optimally again.
Fix Slow Computers
1. Clean Computer from Viruses or Malware
It is very important to check whether your computer is infected with a virus or not. One of the causes of slow computer performance is usually because your computer contains a virus or malware. Hidden viruses or malware attacks can burden the computer device you are using. There are many types of viruses and malware.
The fastest and most practical way to fix a slow computer due to a virus or malware is to install an anti-virus program on your device. There are various anti-virus programs available, both paid and free.
As a recommendation, you can use an anti-virus with a pretty good reputation such as Avast, Kaspersky, ESET NOD, and others. It is advisable for you to use a paid anti-virus program for maximum protection.
2. Don’t Open Too Many Startup Programs
Too many startup programs on your computer are also one of the causes of a slow computer. The number of applications that run at start-up makes RAM work too hard in allocating all the space it has on applications that run at start-up. This of course makes the RAM very clogged.
How to overcome a slow computer due to this by disabling or turning off some start-up programs that run by default on the computer.
In Windows 10, you can limit the activity of some automatic applications by opening the task manager, selecting the Startup tab, on that tab disable some applications, and then restart the computer. For Windows 7 and earlier versions, you can do this by typing msconfig.msc on the start menu, selecting the start-up tab, and turning off some start-up programs such as Tune-Up Utilities which take up a lot of RAM.
3. Check the condition of the computer’s hard drive
Often, the computer becomes slow due to overheating. It could also be because there is a problem with the hard disk. Common problems for Hard disks are low free space, fragmented, it’s an old hard disk and the rpm has decreased, or the hard disk has errors / bad sectors. Temporary files buildup on the hard disk can also be the cause of slow computers.
The way to deal with a slow computer due to hard drive problems is, if the hard drive you have is old, then you need to replace it with a new one. Electronic devices have age and lifespan limitations. If the electronic device is old, it will affect the overall performance of the computer.
If the cause is a fragmented hard drive, then the solution is that you need to defragment the hard drive at least once or twice a week. The trick, type Disk Defragmenter on the Start Menu, then you can do it periodically. Although, on modern operating systems such as Windows 10 and 11, the OS will do it automatically in the background while you are using the computer.
4. Fix Slow Computers by Uninstalling Unnecessary Programs
Personal computers are usually filled with various programs, even programs that are not needed and are never used at all. The problem is, some of these programs can run in the background process and eat up available computer resources.
In addition to making your hard drive full, unused programs running in the background can make the computer slow. To fix a slow computer caused by this you need to delete or uninstall programs that you don’t use and don’t need. This will reduce the workload of the computer’s CPU and improve its performance.
You can check what programs are installed on your computer by clicking Add/Remove Program in Control Panel and uninstalling them.
5. Fix Slow Computers by Disabling Visual Effects on the Computer
In Windows, visual effects function to enhance the appearance of the computer when it is running to make it more visually pleasing. There are quite a few visual effects in Windows 10. Which can eat up quite a bit of your computer’s CPU performance.
The next method to troubleshoot a slow computer is to reduce some of the use of these visual effects. The trick is you can go to Control Panel, click System & Security, select System, select Advanced System Settings, and then select the Performance tab. In there, you just have to uncheck the visual effects that you don’t want or need, then restart your computer.
6. Activate Your Computer System Maintenance
In Windows 10, there is a built-in maintenance system that can later help you manage and take care of data such as virus scans, defragments, and system updates. It all runs in the system background. But you can also set it manually, as a way to deal with a slow laptop. To do this, click the control panel, select System & Security, select Security & Maintenance, click the Maintenance option, and then click Maintenance.
7. Try Restarting Your Computer
How to solve a slow computer with this method may seem obvious and trivial, but in many cases, it can have a significant effect on the performance of a slow computer. Especially if the computer is always used for days without taking a break or turning it off properly. Completely restarting the overall services of the computer will make it fresh and ready to function again. And it also helps to lower the processor temperature.
Computers with non-stop usage will make the processor temperature overheat. This would reduce the computer’s working power, making it sluggish. Before restarting, make sure you save all the important data and documents.
8. Update Windows Periodically
In general computer programs needs update so that their performance remains optimal. Because each version inevitably comes with bugs that need fixes and improvement in performance. Updating the Windows system on your computer can fix some of the bugs automatically. So the next method on how to quickly fix a slow computer is to simply update your Windows 10 regularly. To maintain the computer’s performance so that it continues to function optimally.
