Computer slowdown
Why should I clean my computer?
You know it is time to perform a major clean up on your PC when:
• It’s taking longer and longer to boot up
• Your PC is running slower than usual
• You are getting error messages
Various problems can cause system performance issues, such as:
• Fragmented data on the hard disk drive
• Outdated drivers for internal components or external peripherals like docking stations
• Outdated or corrupt operating system files (and deleted Registry files)
• Disk errors
• Insufficient memory (RAM)
• Hardware failure
• DLL issues
• Reduced storage capacity due to “file bloatâ€
• Competing applications
• Browser add-ons/plug-ins
• Virus, spyware, or malware
Possible solutions:
*HARD REBOOT
*UPDATE 3RD PARTY SOFTWARE
*INSTALL SSD, ADD MORE RAM (16 GB)
*BLOW DUST OUT OF COMPUTER (To prevent problems)
*DELETE TEMPORARY AND OTHER UNNECESSARY FILES (Orphan files) AND PROGRAMS (GoTo *PROGRAMS AND FEATURES IN CONTROL PANEL) (WINDOWS ADMINISTRATVE TOOLS -> Disk Cleanup)
*RUN FILE CHECKER TO FIND POSSIBLY CORRUPT FILES ( GoTo Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow (note the space between "sfc" and "/") and press Enter.
*CHECK HARD DRIVES FOR INTEGRITY ) (From Command Prompt type chkdsk c: /r) (Chkdsk Command (Examples, Options, Switches, and More) (lifewire.com)
*REMOVE FILES FROM DESKTOP FOR FASTER BOOT TIME
*CAN ALSO REMOVE PROGRAMS FROM BOOT UP (CONTROL+ALT+DELETE, StartUp tab.) THUS REDUCING CENTRAL PROCESSOR USE BY REDUCING START UP PROGRAMS (See Task Manager below).
*TRANSFER ARCHIVABLE FILES TO EXTERNAL DRIVES
*USE ONLY ONE ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM (multiple malware might be okay but not advised)
Task Manager (Control+Alt+Delete)
The app gives you insight into what's taxing the processor, how much memory something is taking up and even how much network data a program has used. By default, the list is broken down into Apps and Background Processes. It's refreshed constantly, with the various columns constantly updating. My advice is to let Task Manager run for a few minutes and just watch it. Watch for apps that shoot up to the top of the list, then disappear a few seconds later. Look for processes that stay at the top of the list with high memory or CPU use. You can Google names to find out more about a process. Instead of letting your antivirus program scan whenever it sees fit, schedule it to run at times when you're not likely to be using your PC.
Browser overload
Your web browser could be the culprit, especially if you've lost count of the number of windows and tabs you have open. Each window and tab takes up memory and processing power and over time that will begin to slow down your PC.
You can view a breakdown of extensions and tabs that could be to blame in Task Manager by clicking on the arrow next to your browser's name. Alternatively, if you use Chrome, it has a built-in task manager of its own. Launch it by pressing Shift+Esc while using Chrome, or click on the menu button > More Tools > Task manager.
Notification tray (next to the volume and Wi-Fi indicators). When you close some apps, such as Slack, they keep running in the background. (Type Notifications in Search)
• Pause OneDrive syncing. This is something even Microsoft admits can slow down your computer. Pause OneDrive by clicking on the OneDrive icon in the notification tray, select More and then Pause syncing.
• Check available storage space and hard drive health. If your hard drive or SSD is running out of space or is getting old, it could be failing. If you aren't comfortable testing your hard drive, take your computer to a technician who can properly diagnose the issue and, if required, upgrade your storage. (Glary Check Disk) (Windows Administrative . Tools ->Computer Management->Disk Management) (Spin Right) (From Command Prompt type chkdsk c: /r)
• Turn off your computer. Don't just restart it, but completely power it off and walk away for a few minutes. This gives your computer a chance to clear out memory and start fresh the next time it's turned on.
Antivirus ScannerIf you have an antivirus scanner on the computer, spyware protection program, or another security utility, make sure it's not scanning your computer in the background. If a scan is in progress, it decreases the overall performance of your computer.
