Computer Running Slow? How to Fix a Slow Computer

Is your computer running slow? Need a quick fix? Learn how to fix a slow computer with a mobile technician from HAILaGEEK! Download the app today for tech repair when and where you need it.

When your computer suddenly slows down and those long load times become your new normal, you have options. Often, fixing lag problems with a computer sounds like a daunting task. Fortunately, it’s not always as difficult as people think.

In this guide, we show you how to fix a slow computer with steps that deliver instant results! Here, we focus on Windows computers but we’ll follow up soon with an article on how to speed up a Mac.

Why Is My Computer Running Slow?

More often than not, a slow computer is the result of too many programs using up too little resources. With multiple programs running, your computer eats up a lot of processor power, its fast memory fills up, and it starts swapping out memory with much slower storage space.

This causes a major impact on your computer’s performance and speed. Below, we look at some of the quickest ways to fix a slow computer. Then, we offer up a few ideas for upgrades that help you speed up your device.

How to Fix a Slow Computer

When your computer suddenly slows down, it’s important not to panic. More often than not, there’s an easy way to speed up your computer with a simple tune-up. Let’s take a look at a few different tactics!

Tactic 1: Programs That Slow Down Computers

When you have programs that eat up a lot of memory, it’s time to determine whether they’re worth it. In some cases, these are high-level apps, programs that start automatically (even though you don’t use them), or something you forgot to close. Oftentimes, shutting down extra apps helps to speed up a computer.

How do programs slow down my computer?

When programs are idle, they still take up resources. Some use up very few resources in this mode. However, others still require a great deal of RAM and processing power. This is especially true when they check the Internet for updates or continue tasks in the background.

Unfortunately, this leaves the programs you actively need with fewer resources. Often, a computer running slowly simply needs more resources. When programs have to fight for scraps, it drags the whole system down.

Close Programs You Don’t Need

The easiest way to fix a slow computer is to close out unnecessary programs running in the background. To do so press Ctrl + Alt + Delete. Then, select the Task Manager.

In the Task Manager, go to the Processes tab. Here, you can see what programs are open. Moreover, it shows you how much of the memory and CPU each program uses. From there, you can shut down programs you don’t need to run.

Disable Automatic Start-Up

Oftentimes, computers have programs that start up automatically whenever you power up your device. Additionally, there are programs that did this at the initial start-up that no longer need to run. When you want to know how to fix a slow computer, keep in mind that disabling these helps with lag programs.

If you have a computer running slow, check what programs have automatic startup enabled. Running Windows 10? To see this, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time, then, select the Task Manager. Running Windows7? Press [Win] + [R] and enter “msconfig”.

Now, click on the Startup tab.

From there, it shows what items open when you start your computer. Think about what you really need to open whenever you start your device. Then, disable what you don’t need.

Tactic 2: Check Your Browser & Internet Connection

When you notice your computer running slow, it’s a good idea to check the version of your web browser. Is it the most recent version? Typically, most browsers have an About section to show you the version number.

Often, browsers prompt you to update whenever you open a window. When you see the option to update your browser, go for it. If you can enable automatic updates, that’s even better.

Do you use Chrome or another browser that allows extensions? Too many add-ons or extensions slow down your browser. Generally, these browsers have a menu called Extensions or Add-ons where you can delete any extensions you no longer use.

Lastly, make sure your Internet connection is stable. Slow wifi? We have a guide for that, too!

Tactic 3: Defragment Your Hard Disk Drive

If you read that and thought, “...what,” it might be time for some help. Before you pass this section over, try out HAILaGEEK and get some help at home! Our trusted technicians can meet you at home, at work, or even at a cafe to offer tech service.

When you defragment (or defrag) your hard drive disk, you decrease the time it takes your system to find different data required to run programs. That data lives on the hard disk before it heads over to RAM so that the program can find it.

If your computer has an HDD, the system records data in small groups and holds it on various spots within the disk. Over time, related pieces of data spread across the disk. When this happens, it takes longer for your computer to find each piece of data.

With a computer running slowly, a quick defrag helps to speed things up.

How to Fix a Slow Computer with Defragmenting

When you want to know how to fix a slow computer, here’s what to do to defrag a disk.

1. Click the Start button or Windows button

2. Select the Control Panel

3. Find System and then Security

4. Under “Administrative Tools,” click the option to “Defragment your Hard Drive”

5. Alternatively, click Analyze Disk to see whether the process is necessary

6. Lastly, opt for this process to run on a regular schedule

Tactic 4: Update Hardware

When you identify and upgrade hardware, it has the potential to make an old, slow computer feel brand new. Additionally, it’s often more cost-effective than buying a new computer.

There are two essential pieces of hardware when it comes to a computer running slow:

• Memory

• Storage Drive

When you don’t have enough memory or a faulty disk drive, it causes your computer to slow down.

Not sure whether you need an upgrade? Call on a mobile technician from HAILaGEEK! Our team of mobile techs meets you where you are and knows how to analyze your hardware. We’re happy to make recommendations or even help you upgrade your system.

Tactic 5: Upgrade to a Solid State Drive

The storage drive on your computer keeps the things you use on a regular basis.

• The operating system

• Documents

• Programs

• Pictures

• Videos

• Music

When it becomes outdated or starts to slow down, it has a major, noticeable impact on your computer’s performance. With a quick upgrade, you have a simple way to speed up a slow computer.

How does an SSD speed up my computer?

The biggest difference between the traditional drive and an SSD is the technology. In an HDD, the drive mechanically moves an arm across a spinning platter. That’s how it finds each piece of data it needs.

However, an SDD accesses the data through digital means, using flash memory chips. This allows the drive to retrieve data quickly and more efficiently.

Tactic 6: Add More RAM (Memory)

While programs and videos live on a storage drive, memory (RAM) stores the data you need as you use it. This allows it to retrieve information quickly. Generally speaking, it functions as a pool of resources that allows your system to complete tasks.

Consider it this way. When you do any of the following, it uses memory.

• Move your mouse (or the cursor)

• Open a new tab as you browse online

• Type out an email or the next page of your novel

• Create a spreadsheet with your monthly budget

• Edit a photo or a video

• Play a game

• Listen to your favorite song

• Watch something on YouTube that your colleague sent you

If you notice your computer running slow as you attempt to do these everyday tasks, it might be a good idea to add some more memory.

How does adding RAM speed up my computer?

The more memory your computer has, the larger its pool of resources. This allows it to work fast and multitask more efficiently. When you add more memory, it’s the most straightforward answer to “how to fix a slow computer.”

Often, upgrades like adding memory sound a bit intimidating. However, the process is fairly simple. All it takes is a screwdriver, the owner’s manual, and a good how-to video loaded up on your phone.

Still, if you don’t want to take the risk, our trusted technicians are ready to help you install what you need! Download the HAILaGEEK app today for tech repair when and where you need it.

What to Do With a Computer Running Slow: The Bottom Line

When you have a computer suddenly running slow, monumental changes often aren’t necessary to fix it. If you want to know how to fix a slow computer (on your time, where you are), the technicians at HAILaGEEK are always available.

With a few small, manageable changes, your slow computer delivers better results that last!

The Difference

so great

so wrong

What's so great about ?

What's so wrong with the other options?

•	HAILaGEEK^TM techs are available the majority of the day and night, especially after normal business hours.

•	A qualified technician is rarely available outside normal business hours.

•	A HAILaGEEK^TM qualified tech is usually available within the hour when needed, with no contract required

•	The wait time for a qualified tech is often over 12 hours, unless you have an expensive monthly contract

•	HAILaGEEK^TM allows technicians to charge by the hour, which (not surprisingly) means “we can do that!” for your special requests.

•	When you pay by the job, you (only) get what the big corporation has decided is part of the job. Get ready to hear “oh, we can’t do that” a lot.

•	HAILaGEEK^TM’s app empowers the customer to find the right tech to fix their problem within a few minutes.

•	It takes the customer hours and several phone calls or online research to find the right tech.

•	HAILaGEEK^TM techs can sign on to work when it works with their life, and sign off when it doesn’t.

•	Technicians with unpredictable work schedules can’t list their “business hours” so they miss opportunities.

•	HAILaGEEK^TM brings the work to the techs, and handles all the payment and advertising

•	Excellent technicians are sometimes discouraged by all the administrative work required to start and promote a business

•	HAILaGEEK^TM techs are able to set their rate of pay based on fair market value of their skills, and are paid fairly for their time spent on jobs

•	Service companies often overcharge, yet poorly compensate their techs for their skills and time, resulting in high turnover and poor service

•	HAILaGEEK^TM techs meet consumers where the repair is needed for reasonable per minute charges.

•	Onsite service costs extra; frugal consumers have to carry their devices into the shop for repair.

•	The HAILaGEEK^TM App helps the consumer predict when the tech will arrive, how much the work will cost, and the quality of the work performed

•	Many small tech companies suffer from poor communication, spoiling otherwise successful transactions with unclear expectations.

•	HAILaGEEK^TM lets the consumer choose exactly which tech they are comfortable working with

•	Other tech companies usually send the tech of their choice, regardless of consumer preference

•	As an authorized vendor, HAILaGEEK^TM engages 3 skilled techs to review disputed jobs and assess the quality of the work

•	Customers who are unhappy with a technician’s work can often only guess if their expectations were reasonable.

•	The HAILaGEEK^TM app allows techs to see what previous techs have done, preventing redundant work and cost.

•	Without our app, independent techs don’t know what previous techs did already, causing more unnecessary work and cost.