Is Your Computer Running Slow? Here Are Some Potential Reasons Why

By Margaret.

It’s incredibly frustrating when you’re trying to get some work done only to find that your computer won’t work as fast as you’d like it to.  A sluggish machine can make you want to tear your hair out if you’re on a tight deadline.

There’s nothing worse than the timer icon appearing and your screen freezing up altogether.  Don’t panic, however. Slow-moving computers are more common than you might think.

Even newer computers can start acting up if you don’t take the proper precautions.  If your computer has started to move slower than usual, then here are some of the possible causes you might want to consider.

Too Much Junk On Your Hard Drive

Each time that you use your computer, it starts to accumulate more and more junk.  Between temporary files, cookies, and downloads, your hard drive can quickly begin to gather unnecessary stuff.  Over time, it will start to slow down your computer’s performance.

It may be time to clean things out.  It’s essential to get rid of unnecessary junk every now and then, especially if your computer’s performance starts to drag.

Try to keep an eye on what your hard drive’s maximum capacity is and how close you’re getting to maxing it out.  Doing so will make sure that you’re not pushing your hard drive too much.

Too Many Programs Open

Your computer will start to run slow when there are too many processes open.  Multiple tabs, programs, and chat windows will all drain your computer’s memory.

The more things that are open, the more things that your computer has to attend to.  Try to keep as many windows closed as possible when you work. If you aren’t using a program, close it. It’s that simple!

You Have a Virus

Unfortunately, malicious software can be the cause of your computer’s sudden drop in performance.  It’s usually pretty obvious when your computer is infected; however, for some people, they may not realize the telltale signs.

If you start seeing mysterious pop-ups, encrypted files, or an abnormally slow performance, it may be time to run a virus check.  Some viruses are not only built to destroy your computer, but also compromise your personal data.  Information like your financial details and passwords could be used to steal your identity. Therefore, it’s critical that you catch the problem as early on as possible.

It’s Too Old

Unfortunately, computers weren’t made to last forever.  The average lifespan of a laptop is about five years before it starts to run down.  Since technology progresses so quickly, an older machine may not be able to keep up with the latest programs and websites.

Unless you’re willing to suffer through your computer dragging through processes, you’re better off accepting that you’ll need to buy a new machine every five years or so.

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Published
May 30, 2019