Help! My Computer is Running Slow! How to Speed it Up Today

When a computer is running slow, there are activities happening in the background of your system taking up memory and space. It’s not that your computer hates you, but it loves you so much that it wants to be able to meet your high expectations.

It’s time to learn how to cut your computer a break. This article will teach you what steps to take when your computer is running slow enough to let you run to the bathroom and back without loading.

What to do When Your Computer is Running Slow

  • Reboot it
    Are you guilty of leaving your computer on for days on end? Although leaving the computer on will not hurt it, if you are experiencing problems with computer speed, reboot it to see if it fixes the problem.
  • Close background programs
    Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete. Find out what programs start when your computer starts, and then disable them. You should also look in the “Processes” tab to see which programs are “hogging” the CPU’s resources. Once you identify them, click “End Process” to kill it if you don’t need it.
  • Delete internet temp files
    Run Windows Disk Cleanup utility to clean up temporary internet files from the hard drive. Windows 8 users can follow these Disk Cleanup instructions from the Windows website.
  • Check the Defrag schedule
    If you have Windows 7 or 8, your system should automatically defrag the hard drive if you don’t already have an SSD (Solid State Drive). If you have a spinning hard drive, you can check the Defrag schedule to make sure it is updated on schedule.
  • Clear up some hard drive space
    Uninstall old programs, run a Disk Cleanup, empty the Recycling Bin, and backup old files to the cloud to clear up hard drive space. You need at least 200-500MB of free space for your computer to think correctly.
  • Run a virus/malware scan
    Viruses and spyware are major culprits for slow computers. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to see if any are lurking in your system.
  • Upgrade the memory
    For computers older than two years, you might be able to fix the problem by installing more RAM.
  • Don’t cry
    A slow computer is not the end of the world. It’s frustrating, but there’s an IT solution for every problem, even if the solution is to purchase new computers.

Still Too Slow?

If you’ve followed these steps, and your computer is (still) running slow, you can explore your options for replacing it with best-of-breed products for your business. Contact us directly and let Centre Technologies bring your business’s computers up to date.

Originally published on January 22, 2015

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Centre Technologies Centre Technologies

Centre Technologies is a full-service IT consulting and managed services provider headquartered in Texas, with a focus on mid-sized businesses. As a trusted IT partner for well over a decade, Centre is recognized for its local experience and enterprise-grade cloud and cybersecurity solutions. Centre is committed to helping organizations harness the power of technology to maximize their operational efficiency and exceed their business goals. Learn more about Centre Technologies »

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