A slow PC is an incredibly frustrating experience, especially if you rely on your computer for work or personal use. Programs taking way too much time, basic functions lagging, taking way too much to boot, and not being able to install any program are some of the signs of a slow PC.
Don’t worry, it is time to end this misery because we will explore some of the most common reasons why your PC might be running slowly, and also provide some helpful tips and solutions to speed it up.
Why is my PC So Slow?
There could be a couple of reasons why your PC is running so slow. PC gets slow all of a sudden and sometimes it is not possible to find out the reason for the same. Sometimes it is a hardware issue and sometimes it is a software or program issue that is causing the distress. Let’s find the culprit.
1. Not Enough RAM (Random Access Memory)
If your PC doesn’t have enough RAM, it can struggle to keep up with the demands of running multiple programs at once. RAM is a volatile memory which means that its contents are lost when power is turned off or lost. When you turn on your computer, the operating system and other essential software is loaded into the RAM from the hard drive.
This allows the CPU to quickly access the necessary data and instructions to run programs and perform tasks. As you open more programs or files, more data is loaded into the RAM. Insufficient RAM will cause definitely make your PC slow.
2. Hard Drive Issues
If your PC’s hard drive is nearly full, your PC’s performance will be affected. This is because there is less space available for your operating system and applications to store temporary files, swap files, and other data. When there is insufficient space, your computer may take longer to access data and run programs, which can cause it to slow down.
Other than that, if there is any hardware damage of the Hard Drive, you will see poor performance of your PC. Signs of a failing hard drive include slower performance, frequent crashes, error messages, and strange noises coming from the hard drive.
3. Too Many Programs Running in Background
Running too many programs at once can put a strain on your PC’s resources and slow it down. That basically means, background programs are extracting hardware resources and fewer resources are left for you. Resources means, RAM, CPU power, storage, cache memory etc. This might be one of the biggest reasons why your PC is running slow.
4. Outdated Software & Drivers
Outdated software & Drivers can significantly slow down your computer’s performance. Old software can be vulnerable to security threats, such as viruses and malware, which consume system resources and slow down processing speeds. Moreover, outdated drivers may not be compatible with newer hardware and software, leading to performance issues.
New software updates often contain bug fixes and performance enhancements, which can significantly boost your computer’s speed and performance. To avoid these issues, it’s important to regularly update all software installed on your computer, including operating systems, applications, and drivers. This will help keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently, and prevent security vulnerabilities from causing further slowdowns or damage.
5. Malware or Virus Infections
Malware or virus infections can have a serious impact on your computer’s performance. These malicious programs can consume system resources and slow down your computer, making it unresponsive and difficult to use.
Some types of malware can also cause data loss, corruption, and system crashes. It’s important to have reliable antivirus software installed on your computer and to regularly scan for and remove any malware or viruses that may be present. This can help prevent performance issues and protect your computer from further damage.
6. Overheating
Overheating can cause your PC to slow down or even crash, as the components inside your computer may throttle their performance to prevent damage. Overheating occurs when the room is not ventilated enough or cooling fans are failing. In extremely hot weather, there are chances that your PC goes into the overheating stage.
Now that you know the basic reasons that are slowing down your PC, here is how to fix these issues and get the blazing-fast PC running smooth AF.
Fix Slow PC Speed
Here are some of the solutions you can follow to fix the slow PC. First, try the free solutions, and if that didn’t help you out, spend some cash and update your old, lethargic PC into a super-fast, buttery smooth PC.
1. Upgrade Your RAM
Adding more RAM to your PC can significantly improve its performance by allowing it to handle more programs and data at once. This will reduce lag and make your PC run smoother. If you have a good budget to spend on your PC, go for 16GB or 8GB DDR5 RAM.
Here is how to upgrade RAM on a PC:
2. Clean Up Your Hard Drive
No, don’t wash it with water. Removing unnecessary files and programs from your hard drive can free up space and optimize performance. Defragmenting your hard drive can also help by organizing files and making them easier to access. There is a lot of clutter over time that stressed out the hard drive. Cleaning it can solve a lot of problems.
You can also upgrade to SSDs for much faster processing and overall performance. SSDs are small in size but much more efficient in speed & performance. The only drawback of SSD, when compared to HDD is, it is more expensive than HDD. If your budget allows, update to SSD.
3. Close Unnecessary Programs
Closing programs that you’re not currently using will free up system resources and speed up your PC. This will reduce lag and improve overall performance. If you are using Google Chrome, make sure you close the tabs you are not using otherwise they will eat all your RAM. Google Chrome is a RAM eater. Instead of that, you can use the latest Microsoft Edge browser which is improved and better now.
Other than that, open Task Manager by pressing CTRL + Shift + ESC and check the background process. Close the unnecessary programs for improving PC speed.
4. Run a Malware Scan
Running a malware scan with reliable antivirus software can detect and remove any malware or viruses that may be slowing down your PC. This will improve performance and protect your PC from further damage. You can use programs like Malwarebytes Free, Norton 360 Deluxe, and McAfee+ to scan your PC. You can also remove the Malware using these programs.
5. Update Your Software & Drivers
Updating your software, including your operating system, applications, and drivers, can improve performance by ensuring that you’re using the latest, most optimized versions. Updates often contain bug fixes and performance enhancements. Updated drivers also get compatible with new programs, software and devices connected to your PC that makes it work fast.
6. Keep Your PC Cool
Overheating can significantly impact your PC’s performance. Make sure that your PC has adequate ventilation and is kept cool to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance. Keep your PC in a well-ventilated room, and update its Cooling system.
If you are living in an extremely hot geographical location, use AC and fans to control the temperature especially if you are running heavy programs on your PC like Blender, Adobe Premier Pro, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, AAA games, or any other 3D rendering, video editing, music production software.
Fix Slow PC: Conclusion
A slow PC can be frustrating and time-consuming, but there are several factors that can cause it. These include a lack of RAM, a fragmented or nearly full hard drive, malware or virus infections, outdated software, and overheating. The good news is that there are solutions to these problems that can help improve your PC’s speed and performance.
Upgrading your RAM, cleaning up your hard drive, closing unnecessary programs, running a malware scan, updating your software, and keeping your PC cool are all effective ways to boost performance and make your PC run smoother. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a faster, more efficient PC experience.
