How to Fix a Slow Computer

Learning How to Fix a Slow Computer  

Your workday doesn’t freeze when your computer does. There is nothing more frustrating than working on a slow computer. We’ve listed some of the most common issues that cause things to slow down, so you can learn how to fix a slow computer. Let’s get started. 

There Are Too Many Programs Running on Your Computer  

The number of programs you have running will affect the processing speed of your computer. If you have too many programs running, your computer will likely be moving at a sluggish pace. 

How to Fix It: So, how do you fix a slow computer with too many programs running on it? The answer is simple. You just need to quit the programs that you are not actively using. 

There Are Several Tabs Open on Your Computer 

We get it. We have all been there with 30 tabs open on our computer, just in case we need them. The truth is, having too many tabs open can slow down the speed of your device. 

How to Fix It: The obvious answer in this scenario is to close your tabs, but we also know you may want easy access to those tabs while working on your computer. The best thing to do in that case is to use the bookmark feature on your browser to easily save the tabs you are not using on a regular basis. 

Your Hard Drive & Memory Storage Is Full  

Did you know that even when your memory is about 85% full, it already harms the speed of your computer? Or sometimes if you download a new program on an old computer, it can greatly impact the processing abilities of that device. 

How to Fix It: The first step in fixing a slow computer with maxed-out storage is to empty the trash can on your device. From there, you should go through all the items to eliminate space-wasters. Lastly, we recommend moving your storage over to the cloud. 

Software Updates  

Software updates are typically a proactive and necessary part of device maintenance. However, updates can have bugs that cause your system to slow down. If you are operating on an outdated system, a new update might be too much for an older machine to handle. 

How to Fix It: If you find yourself in this situation, you may want to turn off your automatic updates or invest in a newer computer, depending on the cybersecurity risks involved. Regardless, a proactive monitoring and maintenance solution for your computer is always recommended to keep your system running smoothly and safely. 

Does Your Computer Have a Virus?  

It’s possible a hacker gained access to your computer from your device itself. Use the antivirus software you (hopefully) already have to scan for cracks in your security and make sure it is up to date. 

Once you’ve inspected the accounts accessed on your device, back up all necessary files to an external hard drive, update your OS, and shut it down. This can prevent further damage to your – or if the device in question is a work computer, your company’s – files.   

How to Fix It: If you’re unsure about the extent to which your device has been compromised, it’s time to contact an IT Professional.  

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