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this happens they get extremely frustrated as it will causes hindrances to their daily tasks.
When the users experience a slow in performance they get panic and ask themselves why is my computer slow ? In this case it is not actually the fault of the computer, overtime many computers don't show similar performances when they were brand new. For an example if your PC is more than 5 years old simple tasks such as opening and closing a window can take a considerably long period. Even the fastest and the powerful computers out there can experience a decrease in performance overtime.
Apart from the age there can be many user actions that can limit the performance. If there are software and hardware issues that can be a reason too. Therefore the only way the computer can show these signs is by slowing down its performance. Before moving into the decision of purchasing a new machine users should know what actually is the reason behind a slow working computer. By identifying the root cause they can overcome this situation and restore the performance and speed back to normal.
In this article I will be listing out the 11 Reasons for Computer Running Slow . At the end of the post you will get a clear idea of what causes speed issues if your computer is running slow for no reason.
Let's get in,
1. Insufficient RAM
Random Access Memory ( RAM ) is the volatile memory which stores temporary data. Therefore it is one of the key factors that influence the speed of the computer. A RAM will be working and providing processing power to the computer only if it is turned on, a RAM will not be working if the computer is shutdown.
Sometimes the amount of RAM you have on your computer is not sufficient enough to run todays operating systems and programs. Unlike earlier, 32 bit operating systems today demand at least 2GB of RAM and 64 bit operating systems today demand at least 4GB of RAM.
Using Graphic intense programs like Photoshop and playing high end games will consume your RAM more. If you have any type of RAM shortages it will result in a slow working computer.
2. Insufficient Hard drive Space
Free Hard drive Space is the part of the hard drive that is not in use. These space are used by virtual memory for the fluid functioning of the programs and the operating system. Experts advise to keep at least 15% of hard drive as free space for a smooth performance.
When you run programs, browse the web temporary files gets stored inside the hard drive. This will reduce all the virtual memory needed for the programs to run. Other than that Installing many programs, Musics, Movies, Games takes up the hard drive space.
There is a chance of performance reduction by 50% if the hard drive space is less than 20% available. In short more the hard drive gets filled slower it becomes.
3. Hard drive failure
Any type of failure in the components of your computer may result in a slow working computer. Especially the hard drive since it is mechanical. To prevent this Solid State Drives (SSD) are introduced as they are completely electrical.
If you are using a traditional hard disk drive instead of a modern solid state drive chances are high that your hard drive may be failing. When your hard drive gets failed it will not only show the signs of a slow computer it will also frequently freeze and crash.
[ FURTHER READING : 5 Signs of Hard drive Failure | Bad Hard drive Symptoms ]
4. Background Programs
Unless you have a powerful high end PC, running several programs may limit the performances of the computer. Many do the mistake of not reading the terms and conditions when installing new applications. In the terms and conditions they might have mentioned that their programs will be running on the background all the time. Especially the Anti Virus programs tends to run on the background all the time to scan for viruses.
As soon the computer is turned on these programs continue to run making the boot process slower. This makes them occupy more space on the RAM which ultimately slows down the computer.
5. Unnecessary Browser Tab and Add-Ons
A browser which has a single tab opened may load faster than a browser which has multiple tabs opened. This is because every time a new tab is opened it get saves in the RAM taking up the RAM space. The problem could be even worse if it is an auto refreshing web page.
There are other possibilities where the browser add-ons are slowing down your computer. Browser add-ons are extensions that are created to enhance your surfing experience. Sometimes the add-ons may be downloading unnecessary ads which slows up your computer.
6. Outdated Drivers
When you install any new application the operating system will not be able to communicate with it. For this purpose drivers are introduced to tell the operating system on how to use the application. Many people do the mistake of ignoring the software update popups. This will not only lead to a slow computer it will also lead to bugs and glitches.
7. Overheating CPU
Central Processing Unit (CPU) is known as the brain of the computer since it is where the data processing takes place. It is normal for a CPU to get hot as electrical current always pass through it.
An ideal temperature of a CPU should be 70 - 90 °C. Many factors may cause excessive heat to built up inside which directly effects the CPU. When this happens the CPU will be automatically reducing its speed as a compensation.
8. Malware Attacks
Any type of Malware especially the Spyware is capable of slowing down your system. These Malware generally install programs that runs on the background all the time. They are intended to create an income to the attacker. Notably the malware may come in the form of popup advertisements that directs to a malicious site.
A malicious site can also use your computer for Cryptocurrency mining (Crypto hijacking) which meas the computer's processing power has been used by the attacker to mine a crypto currency. In all these situations malwares uses all the resources of the RAM which finally impacts the speed of the computer.
[ FURTHER READING : 10 Signs of Malware Infection | Computer Virus Symptoms ]
9. Overactive Anti Virus Program
Anti Virus programs are designed to provide protection against the viruses. Like every other program they too take up your RAM space. There are advanced anti virus programs that can function smoothly only in high end PCs. They generally run on the background all the time scanning and removing any type of foreign threats.
Some anti virus programs automatically runs for hours scanning your entire PC, making an impact in the processing power. Therefore how often the scanning process takes place is one of the factors that decides the speed of the computer.
10. Slow Internet Connection
A lot of things we do with our computer in online. Therefore we are practiced to blame our computer to whatever the things happening on the internet. If webpages takes longer time to load, download programs, open online applications, update drivers then the culprit should be your internet connection.
In this case try using Speed check sites that analyze the speed of your internet connection. These sites are also capable of identifying and reporting any type of internet connection errors.
11. No Regular Reboot
Sometimes a simple rest may solve the issue of a slow computer if your computer has been running for a long time. Many programs run on your computer taking up the RAM space. As mentioned RAM is a volatile memory where all the temporary data gets stored.
By a simple reboot given to the computer, all the temporary data stored inside the RAM gets flushed off. This will make the RAM function more efficiently increasing its speed. A rebooting can also fix the issues of bugs and glitches.
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