Desktop computer or laptop running slow? What are the reasons behind it and how to fix it?
When we buy a new computer it's as fast as a lightning bolt. However, as time goes by, computers tend to become slower and slower. There are many reasons why a computer can become slower, among which the most common are:
The solutions listed below work on any laptop (Dell, Asus, Acer, HP, Msi, MacBook, iMac, Mac) on any operating system (Windows, Mac OS, and Ubuntu). They will help you speed up your computer, and improve its performance. All you need to do is to follow them to the detail.
Every activity you do on your computer leaves residues. The residues such as browsing history, temporary files, etc. accumulate and the computer becomes slower. Even though they are made to make operations faster, if they become corrupt, they turn out to do quite the opposite. In order for you to improve the computer's speed and performance, you need to do a system cleanup.
Windows offers a utility known as Disk Cleanup. To run this tool, follow the steps below:
Under Files to delete, select the file types to get rid of (by ticking the checkboxes next to them) and click on OK.
*Repeat this for each drive separately ( "C:" "D:" "E:" and etc.).
A good communication between your computer's hardware components and the operating system is made possible thanks to the drivers. Installation and regular update of the drivers is a must, in order to fix a slow computer, and to be able to use your computer's full potential.
You can update drivers following one of the approaches below:
Note: For more information on installing and updating drivers, the how to download drivers and how to update drivers guides can assist you.
Everything we do on your computers leaves residues known as temp files. A small amount of temp files won't do harm. However, a greater amount of temp files can slow down the computer.
Cleaning temp files manually is not an easy task, as it's hard to tell what can be deleted, and what not. This is why it's best to download and install dedicated software like CCleaner, Advanced Systemcare (which are one of the best for the task, according to users), and scan and clean your computer on a weekly basis.
One of the reasons why computer is slow may be the amount of fragmented files. When you install and uninstall applications or when you move files, you leave behind leftovers known as fragmented files. Fragmented files can slow your computer down if they aren't taken care of.
Windows has an easy-to-use built-in utility that defragments your hard drive, called Disk Defragmenter.
If you use a hard disk drive, to run the utility, follow the steps below:
Note: If you are using SSD (Solid-state Drive) DO NOT DEFRAGMENT IT, because if you do, you might damage it. SSDs store data in a sequential order (as opposed to random order).
Also, don't defragment the System Reserved partition, because it is meant only for system files, which are important for the computer.
This is a must-do. Remember: an update a day, keeps the repair guy and hackers away. Also, with every update, improvements are introduced, as well as new features. To update Windows to the latest version, follow the steps below:
If you don't know how to check for updates and update your operating system, check out the don't know how to update the operating system solutions.
The built-in Aero technologies give Windows a three-dimensional look, with semi-transparent window frames. Microsoft added Aero with Windows Vista, and kept it through Windows 7. It's on by default in both of those Windows versions-except for the Windows 7 Starter Edition, which lacks Aero entirely. However, this three-dimensional look can slow your computer down, especially the older computers.
If you wonder how to fix a slow laptop or computer, running on Windows 7, consider disabling Windows Aero. In order to disable Windows Aero right-click the anywhere on your desktop -> Personalize -> find the Windows 7 Basic theme on the list and select it. The windows aero will be automatically disabled.
If you own a Dell computer (desktop or laptop) and if you wonder "why my computer is running slow and freezes," you can contact their technical support on 1-800-624-9897, Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and explain them the situation. They will help you resolve the issue as soon as possible.
If you're not from the United States, you can find the correct support hotline on Dell's website.
If you own an Acer computer (desktop or laptop), and if you have the "my computer loading slow" issue, you can contact their technical support on 866-695-2237, 24/7, and explain them the situation. They will help you resolve the issue as soon as possible.
If you're not from the United States, you can find the correct support hotline on their website.
If you own an HP computer (desktop or laptop), you can contact their technical support on 800-407-4005, 8am - 8pm ET Mon. - Fri., and explain them the situation. They will help you resolve the issue as soon as possible.
If you're not from the United States, you can find the correct support hotline on their website.
While you are browsing the Internet, you might accidentally (or deliberately) install extensions. They usually change your homepage and offer you various games, programs, music, and other content you are not interested in. But, they can also slow down your browser and computer, because the extensions will require more of your computer's resources. To resolve computer speed issues while browsing the net, the best solution is to remove the extensions.
To remove browser extensions if you use Google Chrome:
To learn how to remove browser extensions from other web browsers, check out the how to remove browser extensions solutions.
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