Computers are essential devices for modern people to handle work and school tasks. When a computer has issues, it can be very frustrating, especially without an IT department at home to assist. Nowadays, most people use the simple and user-friendly Windows system. The most common issues are that Windows takes a long time to boot up or suddenly runs very slowly, requiring you to spend a lot of time waiting. This affects work efficiency and degrades the user experience. If your Windows is experiencing these issues, follow the steps in this article for a few minutes to troubleshoot. As long as there are no hardware problems or the hardware isn’t too old, we will guide you through a step-by-step analysis and understanding. A few simple and free actions can greatly improve your user experience.
The Magic Mirror for Your Computer’s Performance: Task Manager
Before diving into the main topic, let’s get to know the “magic mirror” of your computer system: Task Manager. Task Manager is the main window that allows you to understand your computer’s operating status. This application lets you delve into the reasons behind the heavy load on your processor, the amount of memory consumed by applications, and even how much network data an application is using. To open Task Manager, you can press “Ctrl + ALT + Del” simultaneously and then click on Task Manager.
In Task Manager, you’ll see the applications currently running along with a wealth of related information. In Windows 10, you can directly see the details, but in Windows 11, opening Task Manager by default will first show the currently running applications. To see more details, click on “More details” at the bottom to view additional application details.
In the Task Manager window, you should pay attention to the sections for applications and background processes, as they will be continuously updated. The author’s suggestion is to open Task Manager and let it run for a few minutes while observing the list. Note any applications that constantly move to the top of the list and disappear within a few seconds. If you find names you don’t recognize, you can Google them to learn more. To close applications or processes that you suspect might be causing performance issues, simply click on the item and then click “End Task.”
Note: If you are not confident in your ability to troubleshoot computer issues, do not make changes to Windows processes, as you may not be able to resolve system problems caused by ending certain processes.
Possible Reasons for Windows Slowdown
Windows can slow down for various reasons, but the main cause is usually “insufficient performance of the computer hardware.” Therefore, the most effective solution is to replace and upgrade the hardware. However, before taking this approach, you can try to resolve the slowdown issue yourself. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the reasons behind Windows slowing down. Here are the possible causes for Windows slowdown.
Insufficient Disk Space
One of the reasons for a Windows slowdown is insufficient hard drive capacity. When the boot disk (C:\) lacks space, it severely affects the computer’s speed and overall performance. You might notice that downloading files, running programs, and editing files become very slow. Therefore, we recommend backing up important data from the boot disk to other disk partitions or hard drives to free up space on the boot disk. Developing a good habit of regularly backing up data not only reduces the pressure on hard drive space but also protects data integrity, preventing slowdowns caused by insufficient hard drive capacity. Additionally, replacing your hard drive with a Solid State Drive (SSD) is an effective way to speed up Windows, as SSDs have faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives.
Too Many Startup Programs
If your Windows takes a long time to be ready after booting up, it is likely because you have too many applications set to start automatically with Windows, which affects the overall speed of reaching the desktop. You can edit the list of applications and services that start automatically to disable those that don’t need to launch immediately at startup.
- Step 1: Open Task Manager and switch to the “Startup” tab.
- Step2: Select the items from the list that don’t need to start at boot time and then click “Disable” in the bottom-right corner.
Excessive Background Applications
Windows slowdown can be related to background applications. Even if you don’t manually open programs, some may still start in the background, such as monitoring software, encryption software, antivirus software, etc. These programs consume computer resources and put a strain on performance. The solution is to review all background applications on your computer and close those that are not used regularly or are not important. You can also “prevent applications from starting automatically” to speed up your computer and improve overall performance.
Steps to Check and Manage Background Applications in Windows:
- Step1: View background applications in Task Manager.
You can open Task Manager by pressing “Ctrl + ALT + Del” and then clicking on Task Manager, or by using the “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” shortcut key to open it. Check the applications that are currently running. - Step2: Manage processes.
In Task Manager, switch to the “Processes” tab, review the open applications, and disable any that are unnecessary and not in use.
Lack of Shutdown Habits
If a computer is not shut down for long periods, it can lead to overheating of hardware components such as the hard drive, motherboard, CPU, and graphics card. This can impact the lifespan and performance of the hardware, as computer components are “consumables” and prolonged operation can cause instability, leading to Windows slowdown or even issues where the hard drive becomes unreadable. Extended periods of operation and running programs can result in insufficient cached memory, further affecting the computer’s performance. To ensure stability and speed, it is recommended to establish good computer usage habits, allowing the computer to clear memory and start fresh during the next boot.
- Habit 1: Regularly shut down your computer.
It is advisable to shut down your Windows computer periodically after use. This helps clear temporary memory in the system and improves Windows speed and performance. - Habit 2: Ensure proper cooling.
Maintain good ventilation around the computer case and avoid piling items near the fan vents. It is also recommended not to remove the computer’s fans, as they help lower the temperature of the hardware.
Clearing the Computer’s Registry
The computer’s registry is responsible for storing “configuration information for running applications.” When programs are uninstalled, their registry entries might not be completely removed. These residual registry entries can consume system resources, leading to a slowdown in computer performance.
- Suggestion 1: Trusted Registry Cleaner Software.
It is recommended to use trusted registry cleaner software, such as Wise Registry Cleaner or CCleaner. These tools can scan, identify, and remove invalid registry entries without compromising the stability of the operating system. - Suggestion 2: Regularly Clear the Registry and Avoid Manual Deletion.
Regularly clean the computer’s registry to prevent invalid entries from affecting performance. Additionally, avoid manually deleting registry entries, as removing the wrong entries without understanding their purpose can cause system instability and affect the normal operation of the computer.
Computer Infection
Computer infections are a common cause of slow performance. When a computer is infected with a virus, it can “consume CPU and RAM resources,” leading to slower Windows performance or even preventing booting with blue screen errors. If you suspect that your Windows slowdown might be due to a virus, check for unknown shortcuts, toolbars, unfamiliar software, or add-ons. It’s essential to install antivirus software.
What should I be aware of?
Ransomware remains prevalent in recent years, along with many variants. As long as your computer is connected to the internet, be cautious when clicking on any web pages and links. Avoid opening unknown links and emails to stay safe. It is recommended to install antivirus software and keep it updated with the latest virus definitions.
- Method 1: Install Antivirus Software and Perform Regular Scans.
Install reputable antivirus software and update its virus database. Regularly perform comprehensive virus scans to detect and remove potential malware. - Method 2: Avoid Opening Unknown Web Pages and Downloading Unknown Files.
Avoid opening unknown web page links and only download files from reputable and secure websites to prevent ransomware attacks and slowdowns. - Method 3: Update Operating System and Applications
Operating systems and programs may have vulnerabilities that viruses can exploit. Since developers regularly release updates, it is recommended to keep your operating system and applications up-to-date.
Although antivirus software can protect your computer from viruses, it might also slow down Windows performance. Antivirus software actively scans for malware and viruses, which can reduce system speed. This does not mean that antivirus software is bad; rather, you should not let the software determine the scan schedule. Set antivirus scans to occur during times when you are not actively using your computer, such as at night while you sleep or during your lunch break, to avoid impacting your work.
Windows includes a free security protection software built into its system called Windows Security. For a more detailed introduction to this software, you can refer to this article. How to use Windows Security to protect against viruses and threats?
Replacing SSD and Expanding Memory Capacity
Slow Windows performance is a common issue, and one of the most effective ways to address it is by replacing the hard drive with a Solid State Drive (SSD) and expanding the memory capacity. Upgrading your computer’s hardware can improve Windows speed and extend the lifespan of the computer. Here are recommendations for replacing an SSD and expanding memory capacity:
- Suggestion 1: Replace with a Solid State Drive (SSD).
Traditional hard drives are limited by their mechanical structure, which affects data read speeds. However, SSDs, with their chip-based storage, significantly improve data read speeds. Replacing a traditional hard drive with an SSD can enhance the speed of Windows boot-up and accelerate program execution, leading to overall improved performance. - Suggestion 2: Expand Memory (RAM) Capacity.
Insufficient memory capacity can cause the computer to slow down, and Windows’ performance in running programs may become noticeably sluggish. Expanding the memory capacity can help speed up Windows and enhance overall computer performance and speed.
Addressing Windows performance issues involves a combination of software and hardware solutions. By managing startup programs, cleaning up disk space, handling background applications, and performing regular maintenance, you can significantly improve your computer’s speed and responsiveness. For persistent or severe issues, hardware upgrades like SSDs and additional RAM offer substantial benefits. Regular updates and cautious browsing habits further ensure a smooth and efficient computing experience.