Are you asking yourself “why is my computer so slow”? There are a ton of things that might be the culprit. Check out this guide to find out what they are.
Are you stuck asking yourself – “Why is my computer so slow?”. Well, worry not much longer.
Computers get slow for various reasons, some not as impressive as they sound, and some as sinister as no one could imagine.
In any case, this article will cover the 9 things that are most plausible in your case.
If you want to know the cause behind the sluggishness, keep reading to learn more.
1. Too Many Applications/Tabs Open
Even though our computers are made to execute millions of tasks at one point in time, they struggle to hold up several applications and tabs when they are open together.
This has to do with computer memory, and its processing speed, which is responsible for program switching, and retention. As for keeping tabs open, for future reference, if some of them are on auto-refresh, this means they are constantly being updated and loading/unloading data.
You will certainly feel it over the long-term. And if you are using music apps, they are known for storing data cache, which will significantly slow down your computer. In order to resolve this issue, just quit apps that you don’t use, and stick to a single browser window at a time. You can bookmark pages, and get back to them later if you wish.
2. Hard Drive Memory
Another common issue for many slow computers is a maxed-out hard drive, which means you get decreased performance. It is often said that even a partially full memory will affect your computer efficiency quite noticeable.
Downloads, temporary files, app updates, programs all take up space on the drive. There’s a reason you can’t run the latest graphic applications on an old computer, they simply can’t handle it.
In any case, clean out your computer trash. Move large files to the cloud, and delete those that you don’t use. If that’s not enough, consider increasing your RAM or buying a high-capacity SSD, which will make your computer blazingly fast.
Here’s how to check disk space on mac.
3. Software Updates
This goes hand in hand with the previous point, but it is often of repeating nature. Many software applications have automatic updates activate, which means they will be overloading your hard drive without you even knowing about it.
Not to mention, auto-updates can put your computer at risk of a security breach. In this case, it’s best to get a maintenance solution that handles updates, and patches. It should also be able to deploy software upgrades off-hours so that you are not affected by infection breaches.
4. Start-Up Applications
Much like automatic updates, applications often have auto-startup functions. This means that when you boot up your computer, you get a surge of apps that turn on automatically. This proves to be a drag on your processing speed, both for when you start it up, and throughout the day when you’re not aware of their presence.
5. Virus
It is possible that your computer is infected with a virus, which won’t make itself known. They often hide in encrypted files, they can pop-up and demand ransom. But most viruses are in the background, collecting information, such as passwords, financial usernames, health care, etc.
Consumer anti-virus solutions have a hard time detecting such operations, which means you need to find a constantly evolving security solution that is multi-layered and addresses the hidden culprits.
6. Over-Active Anti-Virus Software
Having anti-malware software in the background is vital to regular internet use. However, it might be over-active, thus bleeding into the problem of your slow computer.
Background scans take up lots of operational memory, and they slow down the computer tremendously. Some scans can take hours at a time, which means you might not even know about it until it’s already done and a pop-up appears.
7. Cryptomining
Sometimes a slow computer is like that because somebody else is using it for cryptocurrency mining. This can happen because of the code on a website, and you still have that tab open. Some websites deliberately tell you that they are doing that to earn income, instead of showing ads.
However, some sites don’t ask for permission, and they can install an extension, which will use your processing power to earn cryptocurrency for them.
8. Why Is My Computer So Slow? Dust!
In many cases, the issue is internal, not external. If you are using a laptop, dust issues are more likely. However, even a stationary computer can get particularly dusty. Check the vents, see if there are lots of dust particles.
Clogged ventilation will prevent processor cooling, which is paramount to the speed of your executive function on the computer. Heat raises the risk of crashes, malfunctions and hardware damage.
Make sure that your devices are not clogged, and that they are not overheating because you put a pillow below them or something like that.
9. Low Power Mode
Some laptops provide you with options for power settings, and more often than not they optimize performance. However, in some cases, the setting could work against you, and your laptop might be in low power mode.
This means that the fan speeds are set to quiet, and you’re not getting the best possible cooling to performance ratio. If you like, you can create your power plan, which will be tailored to your own needs, and thus provide you with the best possible performance.
Slow to Fast
Now that you know the answer to the question of “Why is my computer so slow?”, you are well on your way to transmuting it from slow to fast states of capability.
Nobody likes a slow computer, not only do they make work harder, but they also make you feel slow. Get your computer up to speed, and become free from the bondage of technology.
If you’re interested in a variety of other interesting articles, ranging from lifestyle to wellness, check out some of our categorical pages at the top.
