Slow computer? Here’s a few common causes (and solutions) March 5, 2018

There are few things more frustrating than a computer that is running slowly – especially if you’ve got to get stuff done. Here’s a look at some of the reasons your computer may be slow:

Have you rebooted lately?

Sometimes if a computer has been running for awhile without being restarted, it can begin to slow down. Try rebooting and see if it makes a difference.

Are there programs running in the background?

Having programs running in the background is a common cause of a slow computer. You can use your task manager to see what programs are running on your computer and how much memory and CPU they are using. To open task manager, just hold down Alt + Control + Delete.

If you have programs that automatically start when your computer turns on, try disabling or removing them.

Is an antivirus slowing you down?

While security is important, sometimes antivirus or spyware detection software may run a scan in the background of your computer. If a scan is in progress, your computer may slow down. Once the scan is complete, things should speed back up.

Speaking of viruses – is your computer infected with malware?

The various types of malware, including spyware and viruses, can significantly reduce your devices performance. To learn more about malware, click here.

Do you have a bunch of temporary files?

Temporary files are stored on the hard drive. Getting rid of them can improve performance. Programs like Windows Disk Cleanup can be used to delete temporary files and files you no longer need.

To delete temporary files manually, open the Start Menu and type %temp% in the search field. Open the temp folder where you’ll have the option to delete files that are no longer needed.

Does your computer need updated?

It’s a good idea to make sure you’ve got the latest version of Windows installed on your computer. If your computer only slows down when you’re online, make sure your browser and any related plug-ins are up to date. Hardware drivers should also be updated when new versions are released.

Could it be the hardware?

If a component isn’t functioning properly, your computer won’t either. Failing hardware may include a bad hard drive or motherboard.  If you think it could be hardware related, we can help diagnose and fix hardware issues.

Is your computer old?

Computers more than five years old tend to perform more slowly than newer models. When new software is released, it’s optimized to run on newer machines which means it may not play nicely with an older computer.

Need help?

As your leading authority in technology, Integrated Computer Systems is here to help. Give us a call at 308-534-1500 or stop by our office at 121 S. Chestnut Street, on the corner of B and Chestnut.