Why is my computer slow is one of the most common questions we get asked, it also seems to be one of the most common issues I deal with for friends and work colleagues.
It’s very rare for me to have a few days without hearing why has my computer slowed down from someone.
There are four main types of computer slowdown of which yours should fall into one of these categories.
1. Has it always been this slow from new?
2. Has it gradually slowed down over time?
3. Has it become slow literally overnight?
4. Does it slow down after it’s been on for a while?
Has it always been this slow from new?
If this is the cases then the chances are it’s simply going to be a slow computer, if you’re running something like Windows 7, and Office 2010 it does take a good dual core processor and at least 3gb of RAM to get the most from it.
Some of this can be rectified however by increasing your computer memory (RAM) to around 4gb, bear in mind though if you computer has a 32bit version of Windows the maximum amount of RAM that can be used is around 3.5gb, or if you have a 64bit version of Windows then 8gb is normally the limit, but this is dependent on your computer, adding any more than these guidelines could be a waste of money, as the extra memory may not be recognized.
Has it gradually slowed down over time?
If this is the case then it usually means your computer needs to have some software maintenance running on it, a bit like a service on your car.
Computer adviser why is my computer slow
This requires optimizing your computer software by, defragmenting, disk checking, and registry cleaning.
If you need a hand with this please checkout our article on this where we cover everything to help your computer to run faster.
Has it become slow literally overnight?
If this is the case something on your computer has changed causing the speed issue, if you installed any software or hardware remove it and try again.
This could be a symptom of a virus, run a malware or virus scan using a good scanner such as Eset or Malwarebytes.
Check with Checkdisk to ensure no disk problems
If your computer has any built in Diagnostics try running these as well; if using a Dell computer hit the F12 key as you power on and select and run the diagnostics option.
Does it slow down after it’s been on for a while?
Check to make sure that the computers CPU/cooling fan is spinning, expelling any hot air, this could be a problem due to a failed CPU fan, or any extraction vents are clogged up with dust and fluff etc, this is more common on laptops which have an in vent on the bottom.
The reason for the slowdown is due to the processor getting too hot as it cannot be cooled due to a fault with the cooling system, it then throttles back or slows down in an attempt to cool itself.