Why is my computer so slow?

There are many potential culprits behind a slow computer but here (based on people who have come to the Library on Tech Help Tuesdays with slow computers) are my top five…

Your computer needs to be restarted

A lot of processes can still be running in the background from your previous computer sessions — using up your computer’s resources and dragging down its performance.

Possible solution: Restart your computer. (Hopefully it will be this simple!)

You have too much stuff running

One of my Tech Help appointments brought in a computer that had (unbeknownst to her) had numerous web browser windows open and each of those web browser windows had 40+ tabs — and as a result her computer was barely operational.

Possible solution: Close every application that you are not using. But a more practical solution might be to power off your computer and then restart it.

Your computer has malware

Computer viruses and other forms of malware can not only seriously impair the performance of your computer but it can also put your personal information at risk.

Possible solution: Back up your files and then factory reset your computer.

It’s worth noting here that new computers often ship with superfluous, unnecessary, resource-hogging applications collectively termed “bloatware” which can also slow down your computer — and a factory reset can sort that out as well.

Your computer might be outdated

In a nutshell, computers have an average life expectancy of 7-8 years. Computers simply degrade over time. If your computer is that old then it might be time to buy a newer one. However, before you put your old computer out to pasture, you may want to try factory resetting it to see if some more use can be squeezed out of it.

Possible solutions: Back up your files and then try a factory reset. If a factory reset does not improve the performance of your computer then purchasing a newer computer may be necessary.

Upgrading your computer’s memory, processor and hard drive may also extend the life of your computer.

Your computer might be damaged

Computers are often dropped; have things accidently spilled onto them; are subjected to power surges and a host of other potential catastrophes from existing in the physical realm.

Possible solution: Have it repaired if the computer is still under warranty. Depending on your computer, having it repaired if it is not under warranty may not be economically viable.

Video summary