Operating System: We use Windows 7 here in this example.
Pc is running slow.
Cause
This problem can be caused by any of the possibilities below.
- Not enough hard disk space/ Low disk space.
- Leftover programs, bad files and unused registry entries.
- Corrupted Data.
- Missing Windows updates / Outdated drivers.
- CPU is overheating.
- Corrupt Operating System.
- Bad Hardware.
Solution
Determine why the computer is running slow.
Reboot
If your computer has not been reboot recently please make sure to reboot it before following any of the steps below.
Not enough hard disk free space
Verify that there is at least 2000MB to 3000 MB of hard disk free space.
Determine available hard drive space.
Regain computer hard disk free space.
Fragmented hard disk or corrupted data.
Run Chkdsk to verify that there's nothing wrong physically with the computer hard disk drive.
Run Defrag to help ensure the data is arranged in the best possible order.
Remove or disable any startup programs that automatically start each time the computer boots.
Look what programs are running in the background and how much memory they consumed by opening Task Manager. If you are running Windows 7, run Resmon to get a good understanding of how your computer is being used.
If you have an anti-virus scanner, spyware protection program, or any other security utility, make sure it's not scanning in the background because often times these programs can decrease the overall performance of the computer.
Scan for malware
Spyware and another malware is a one of the factors that cause many computer problems including a slow computer. Even if an anti-virus scanner is installed. The recommended is to run a malware scanner on the computer. Use the free version of Malwarebytes to scan your computer or any popular known antimalware scanners.
Hardware conflicts
Verify if any of the Device has no conflicts by looking at Device Manager. If any exist resolve these problems as they could be the cause of your problem.
Update Windows
Make sure you have all the latest Windows updates installed.
If you are on the Internet when your computer is running slower, make sure all browser plugins are up-to-date.
Update your drivers
Make sure you've got the latest drivers update for your computer. Especially the latest video drivers. Having out-of-date drivers can cause minor issues.
Get here driver updater and drivers from DriverPack Solution.
DriverPack 14
Computer or processor is overheating
Make sure your PC/ laptop and processor is not overheating, check the heat sink or the CPU fan, Make sure the computer case is clean and fans are not obstructed. High heat temp can cause a significant decrease in computer performance, some processors will even lower the speed of the processor automatically to help compensate for the heat related issues/problems.
Dust, dirt, and hair can also blocked the air flow, which can also cause a PC/ laptop to overheat.
Memory upgrade
If you have a PC/ laptop for more than a year behind, surely your PC/ laptop will not meet the memory requirements for today. So we strongly suggest that a min. RAM of the PC/ laptop should have a 1GB of memory installed.