We’ve all experienced it, one minute your computer is trotting along quite nicely and the next, it seems to take an eternity just to load a page or start a program. There are a plethora of reasons why your computer will run slow all of a sudden but fear not, the cause can usually be rectified quickly and easily.
Here are our 12 handy tips that should have your system back up and running properly again in no time.
1) First things first. Turn the computer off then on. Sometimes the gremlins in the machine need to be cleared out.
2) What (if any) programs have you just installed? It may not have installed properly or it may have had a nasty surprise included. Sometimes, new programs just don’t play well with others that you already have installed. Uninstall the most recent additions and then run a virus scan to check for malware, spyware and the like.
3) Clean up some hard drive space. Windows users can use the native Disk Cleanup Tool but we find that the CCleaner Program (check below) is far easier and does a more thorough job.
4) Get rid of your old programs. Nearly every computer has tons of programs that haven’t been sued in months, or even longer. Do yourself and your computer a favour and get rid of them. Use the stock standard Windows uninstaller or CCleaner.
5) Download a Virus Checker / Spyware Cleaner. Hopefully you have an anti-virus installed. Run it and make sure that it’s not a virus that’s slowing you down. The same goes for Spyware. Spyware gets into your system in a number of ways and aside from the security implication; they can severely slow down your system. Use one of the recommended programs below.
6) Run a Disk Defragment. This tool rearranges files which are stored on your disk so that your system can access related files more quickly by placing them physically closer together. It can be found by Right Clicking your hard drive, Select Properties, then Tools and click on Optimise. Simply select your drive and let it run (This can take a long while and may be best left run overnight. Note: Do not do this on an SSD if you have one installed as it will decrease its life span.
7) Check for disk errors. This will perform a scan of your selected drive and can automatically fix any errors which may be causing your computer to run slow all of a sudden. Follow the same process as above except select the Check instead of Optimise.
8) Check your internet connection speed if you are trying to do something online and it is running slowly. We recommend http://www.SpeedTest.net. If it is your connection there isn’t much you can do about it but checking your internet service provider (ISP) website may tell you if they are having any problems and possible fix times.
9) Do you use a wireless connection? If so something may be interfering with your wireless signal. Start by turning off your Router for 30 seconds and then turn it back on. If this doesn’t fix the problem, check your routers manufacturer website for tips on how to change the channel.
10) Update your drivers. Hardware components use software drivers in order to be able to communicate with the computer and functional correctly. When these drivers are updated you may need to manually install them. Manual installation can be done through Control Panel => Hardware and Sound => Device Manager. Simply right click on the device that needs updating and select Update Drivers.
11) Check the internals of your system. Sometimes a RAM card can get knocked loose. Power off and unplug the system and check that your RAM cards are seated correctly. Make sure you discharge any static electricity on your person by touching some bare metal on your computer.
12) Check your computer’s temperature. Just like us, an overheated computer won’t function at peak performance. If it is obviously overheating (you can feel and smell it for instance) then shut it down straight away and let it cool. You can also use one the programs below to check system temperatures. To keep it cool you may need to move where it located, check if the fans are still working or leave it alone if the ambient temperature is too high.
This is by no means a finite list but it does cover some of the most common things you can do rectify the problem. So next time you ask why is my computer so slow all of a sudden, you should know how to fix it.
If you need any further help, give us a call on 0432 443 682 and our technicians will be happy to help. Alternatively, fill in our contact form located here and we’ll call you back shortly.
Resources
AVG Free Anti-Virus – Download Here
Ad-Aware Spy Remover – Download Here
Malwarebytes – Download Here
CCleaner – Download Here
Realtemp – Download Here
SpeedFan – Download Here
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