In addition to CPU, see if any processes are doing a lot of I/O (input/output) or using a lot of memory (Private Bytes or Working Set). Microsoft Sysinternals Process Explorer is an enhanced version of the standard Task Manager and and is well worth getting to know as it can give more detailed information than the standard Task Manager. (Windows Update is one of many system tasks which run in the svchost process, many instances of which will often be seen.) Windows Update has sometimes been known to hog the CPU. This might be a browser or browser plug-in or some program which is running wild. Running Task Manager (from the ctrl-alt-del menu) and sorting the display on the CPU column will indicate whether a particular program is to blame. Speedfan is useful for showing internal temperatures. Cleaning the fan and air filters is required. If the computer is overheating (often indicated by the fan running continuously) it may be that the CPU speed has been automatically reduced to limit heat output. Always download programs from the developer's own or recommended site, and be very careful of pre-checked tick boxes offering additional "recommended" software or toolbars which are very rarely worth having. Steer clear of these sites, and any sites which require you to install a "download manager". PUPs are often installed by download sites, from which they make their money. Antivirus software (if installed) may show it up as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). If the computer is plagued by pop-ups then this is a strong indication of malware, or at least some very undesirable programs. Check online for the computer's user handbook if it's not to hand.) (For example, it might be acceptable to add a 1GB module (1024MB) to a 512GB module, but not to a 256GB. Upgrading memory is easy, but you must make sure you use the right type, and that more than one module form an acceptable mixture. A 32 bit machine (or a 64 bit machine running a 32 bit operating system) is unable to access more than 4GB. Earlier Windows versions will run on less, but no longer benefit from security updates and so should be upgraded or replaced by Linux as soon as possible. Windows 10 needs at least 2 GB, but 4GB is highly recommended, and is required by Windows 11. This comes as part of any Windows installation.Ĭheck how much RAM is installed. Press the Windows key plus S, then type msinfo32 to get a complehensive census of the hardware and software. You should make few simple observations and tests before engaging on a "deep dive". There are a few key things that are well worth trying before giving up on your trusty PC or Windows laptop (and many of these will work for Macs too), but before you attempt anything, it’s vital that you back-up your files. Many of these will make little difference and some may make the problem even worse or install unwanted programs. There are plenty of suggestions online, as well as paid-for products, which claim to fix slowness. Probably the most common reason people ditch their old computer and buy a new one is not that the old one is broken in any way, but that it’s simply running slowly. Consider anti-static precautions when handling RAM or deep disassembly, especially when humidity is very low, or at least touch an earthed metal object before starting. Any computer still having a hard disk can be given new life by replacing it with a solid state disk, but it's a good idea to eliminate other things first.īefore doing anything, it is vital that the user's data is backed up. An older computer, especially one which has been upgraded from an earlier version of Windows, will probably benefit from a memory upgrade. Complete reinstallation of Windows is the ultimate fix for all such software problems.Īn aging hard disk can sometimes run slowly as it automatically corrects read errors. An antivirus scan may reveal something nasty which is consuming resoures. A program such as Ccleaner can find these. You may have apps or browser plug-ins you no longer use or which just "came along for the ride" with something you downloaded. A number of factors can make a Windows computer run slowly.
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