Thanks to computers and the Internet, organizations and institutions all are moving rapidly towards a paperless working environment. Computers are now being used widely for practically every task including document preparation, communication, assignment preparation, research, shopping, doing business and more.As compared to the past, it is no more a niche or a luxury; it has in fact become a need today. It has become extremely difficult to imagine a life without computers.
Since we use it so often, we must also take care of its maintenance. Unfortunately, many of us don't. Poor PC maintenance leads to slow PC performance and exposes it to the risk of errors like runtime errors, BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors, system crashes and system freeze to name a few.
If you think that your PC is not working fast and smoothly like it use to, there can be several reasons behind its slow performance that are all linked to poor PC maintenance.
Top Reasons Why Your System's running Slow
Let's see what the reasons are:
1. Too Many Programs Starting at Boot-up
Sometimes when you install programs on your PC, they are automatically run on your PC when Windows start. This is because they are designed that way. This feature comes in handy if you use that program every time you use your PC, however, if you don't, this can be frustrating as it can waste your memory and slow down the time it takes for the Windows to finish starting up.
So, if you have too many programs that are configured to run automatically on your system, then you should change its configuration settings to ensure fewer programs run.
2. Too Many Programs Installed
If you love to download and install applications on your PC like games and other apps, then it might be one of the reasons for your slow PC performance. Therefore, in this case, you should remove and delete unnecessary programs on your PC.
3. System Infected by Malware
This is a common reason for slow PC performance as it can cause a great deal of damage to your computer. Malware or Spyware are basically malicious programs that stealthily enter your system through downloads or opening websites or emails that contain viruses. They get installed in your system without your knowledge. These malicious programs can damage and corrupt your files, applications and your operating system in no time. So, they must be removed before the damage is done.
4. Registry Issues
Registry is a location in your system where practically all data and activities carried through and on your PC are saved and stored. When this becomes corrupted or bloated, the system starts performing slow and can also result in abrupt shut down. If the issue is not fixed timely it can lead to Blue Screen of death errors too.
To solve this problem, install a registry cleaner that scan and fix any broken or corrupted files.
Poor Security Software
Many security programs are bloated with software. They need a lot of system resource and memory. Furthermore, when these heavy programs run on your PC to detect malicious programs, it can reduce the speed of your PC. Only install programs from trusted sources and even then scan them before installation.
Hard Disk Fragmentation
Hard disk fragmentation can also slow down your PC. If you've been using the same PC for years, chances are your computer files can get scattered. It leads to fragmentation of files. So when you want to access the files, the system takes time to search through the hard drive for the fragmented pieces of those files. This hence increases the response time. A simple solution would be to run available defragmentation programs and collect your files in the right locations.
Page File
Windows Page file is a temporary source of memory that is used by the PC in processing various functions. When the page file is too small, the OS (operating system) does not have enough room to move which results in poor PC performance and open the system to the risk of several types of error codes. To solve this, increase the page file size on your system.
Over Heating
If you don't give your PC adequate ventilation space, it tends to heat up. And when this happens, your PC starts to run slowly and eventually the heated parts start to fail. If unchecked for long periods, these components will overheat and stop working.
Always ensure your PC is well ventilated and that nothing is blocking the PC's air vents. Occasionally blow your computer with a can of compressed air to get rid of dust that maybe clogging your system. This might help boost your PC performance.