With time and heavy usage, your computer or laptop inevitably slows down. A computer running slow can be very frustrating because it becomes very difficult to complete your tasks on time. As you use your laptop, you download many programs, install extensions, store pictures and movies, create and destroy files. All this activity fills up your hard drive and builds up trash, which impacts the performance of your laptop. Later on when you try to open websites, they halt, programs don’t run, every process takes time to complete and your year old laptop feels like a piece of junk.
Why is My Laptop Running Slow?
To help you revive your slow laptop, we have listed a few possible things you’re doing that might be the reason behind your computer running slow.
1. Running too many Programs
Apps which load at the same time as your operating system can be the root cause behind your computer running slow. Since most of these apps aren’t used on a regular basis, they take up valuable space on your laptop. These apps consume resources which slow down your overall experience. Some programs even contain malware or viruses which might get downloaded unknowingly and create problems. Newly downloaded programs make their way into start-up which results in your computer running slow.
2. Too Many Browser Tabs and Add-ons
Browser extensions sometimes create huge problems and not every one of these is useful. Some add-ons come with free software downloads which often contain viruses. These add-ons might actually be the cause for your computer running slow. Add-ons often display pop-up ads every time you open your browser. Too many browser tabs can also hog up too much of your RAM. When you have multiple tabs open on your browser, switching between them can sometimes cause your laptop to hang.
3. Less RAM
New systems and applications need at least 4GB of RAM or they will result in your computer running slow. The newer operating systems and applications need more RAM to run and work smoothly. While they provide a good user experience, at the same time, they also take up a large portion of RAM. Less RAM makes the operating system load slowly and reduces its efficiency.
4. Hard disk space and failure
A low hard drive space can make it work less efficiently. If you have too little hard disk space, you might notice your computer running slow. The hard disk might even get corrupt and cause you to lose all your data. As hard disks are a mechanical device, they can also get physically damaged.
5. Too many files
Too much clutter always makes it difficult to find a particular thing. The same principle goes for your laptop as well. Laptops are not devices meant for the storage of files. Keeping old files and stacking them up might reduce the speed of your laptop. Make sure you routinely clear out your laptop memory to prevent your computer running slow.
6. Cache files
Cache is something that helps pages load faster and easier, but too many cache files can create problems. If you browse the internet a lot, it’s important that you clear all your browsing history from time to time. Unless you do this, you will start noticing your computer running slow.
7. Too many fragments
Laptops are often used to store files and applications. Over time, too many fragments of these files are created, which clog up your system and result in your computer running slow. These fragments need to be taken care of every now and then to avoid slowing down your laptop.
8. Virus and Antivirus
Anti-virus programs keep running in the background to protect your system from malware. Virus scans always slow down the overall system. Since they are active in the background, checking various software, they can impact your laptop speed. Doing away completely with anti-virus programs isn’t an option either because viruses, spyware and malware can also result in your computer running slow. To protect your laptop without slowing it down, speak to your service center agent to find the best anti-virus program for you.
Keeping your laptop and software updated helps maintain the overall health of the system. Updated software always gives you a better result in faster systems. The hardware of your laptop, operating system and software should always be kept updated to improve overall speed and fix bugs and issues. If the issue of your computer running slow persists, visit your nearest Dell Exclusive Store to get it checked out. Our team of experts are sure to provide you the best laptop care
