There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a slow-running computer. We tend to need the computer to work at an optimal speed to get our work done, so a slow speed can really ruin our mood.
There are several reasons why your computer might be working slowly. There can be a virus, or the computer may need a software update. You may also have forgotten to reboot the computer; there can be a potential issue with the hard-drive such as a lack of storage or a malfunction. The issues can be as simple as too many apps and browsers being open to a more serious hardware failure.
This is just a brief summary of all the things that may be causing the problem; if you wish to learn about the causes and the solutions to your problem in more detail, keep reading ahead.
What Are Some Factors That Cause The Computer To Function Slowly
Again, you can’t find the solution to a slow computer without first identifying the problem. Various things may have gone wrong if your computer speed is unusually slow.
Your Computer Might Have A Virus
This is one of the most common problems anyone who owns a computer faces. Viruses can creep into your software for several reasons, but the most common is downloading or installing corrupted files. These viruses have tell-tale signs such as unnecessary pop-ups or extremely slow browsing speed.
Some of the viruses, such as Malware, are harder to detect, but at times the computer cannot perform its full function until after the virus has been removed.
How To Get Rid Of The Virus
There are several ways of getting rid of a virus. The first step is to always evaluate what download may have triggered the virus and then uninstall it. If you suspect that your computer has a virus, it is best to run the software through a virus scan.
Downloading anti-virus software can resolve the issue if your suspicions prove to be true. You can also have software programs like Malwarebytes specifically designed to get rid of undetected viruses.
The Computer’s Operating System May Be Corrupted
The operating system of your computer can be corrupted for various reasons, including improper shutdowns, bad installations, and bad drives. Forcing a computer to shut down when it’s still processing is the lead cause of a corrupted operating system. A corrupted operating system can significantly slow down the speed of your computer. A broken operating system can result in the ‘blue screen of death where the computer stops functioning entirely.
How Do We Fix A Corrupted Operating System?
If you suspect that there is a problem with your computer’s operating system, the first step is to check to make sure that the problem exists. This is done by typing SFC in the command prompt window and pressing enter. Doing this not only checks to see if a problem exists, but in the case that a problem is detected, it also downloads the necessary files needed to remove the corruption and reboot your operating system’s health.
Your Hard Drive Might Be Failing
Often with time and with overuse, the computer’s hard drive begins to fail. This is bound to happen to most computer users at one point or another. The problem is one that can go undetected because most of the time when our computer is slow, we think the culprit is an issue with the software.
The hard drive may also even be damaged in some parts, so the issues it causes can be sporadic. This reduces its ability to be detected. It is like an invisible problem, hindering the functionality of your computer.
How Can We Detect And Resolve A Failing Hard Drive?
To check a failing hard drive, you need to open the command prompt and type in ‘check disk utility’ this will notify you if a problem exists. Specific computers have diagnostic tools inbuilt that allow you to identify the problems with the hard drive. A third-party utility app can also be used.
If a problem is identified, it is best to shift your data or back it up and replace the drive as soon as possible.
You Might Have Left Too Many Background Apps Open
If you have too many applications running simultaneously and those apps are poorly written or consume too much power, there is a chance that the processing speed of your PC will slow down.
How To Resolve This Issue?
The solution isn’t that hard at all. It is best to close your browsers and uninstall apps that may take too much space. You can always start with the most recently installed app and go from there.
Overheating Can Slow Down Computer Speed
An average CPU runs between 100 and 150 Degrees Fahrenheit, which is the CPU alone. Other processing parts and GPUs only add to the amount of heat generated by your computer. When your computer begins to overheat, it slows down to prevent excessive heat generation.
Some tell-tale signs of an overheated computer include the bottom side warming up or smoke coming out of it. This also takes a toll on the computer’s overall performance.
How To Keep Track Of The Computer Heat?
Since the CPU is the most heat-generating part of the computer, keeping track of the CPU can help you track and manage the overall heat of the computer. Free tools such as the HWmonitor by CPUID can be a great help.
What Can We Do If The Computer Overheats?
Seeing a temperature higher than 200 Degrees Fahrenheit is not a good sign because it can also damage other parts of your computer. If this happens, you can shut down your computer and allow it to cool down. You can also use a can of compressed air to blow out the dust from your computer before giving it cool-down time.
The Conclusion
In short, several factors can result in a slow computer speed. These range from software issues to hardware issues. If your computer’s speed is frustratingly slower than usual, it is best to check out what the issue may be.
