Symptoms
- Programs and applications take an unusually long time to load.
- Overall system responsiveness is sluggish.
- Frequent freezing or stuttering during tasks.
- Extended boot times when starting up the computer.
- High CPU or memory usage even during idle periods.
Causes
- Background Processes:
- Numerous background processes consuming system resources.
- Unnecessary startup programs slowing down boot time.
- Insufficient RAM:
- Running applications surpass available RAM capacity.
- Lack of free memory for efficient multitasking.
- Malware or Viruses:
- Presence of malware or viruses affecting system performance.
- Background tasks initiated by malicious software.
- Outdated Hardware:
- Aging hardware components unable to keep up with modern software demands.
- Incompatible or outdated device drivers.
- Storage Issues:
- Low disk space on the system drive impacting performance.
- Fragmented or corrupted files on the hard drive.
Solutions
- Optimize Startup Programs:
- Disable unnecessary startup programs via Task Manager.
- Use specialized software to manage startup items.
- Increase RAM Capacity:
- Consider upgrading RAM for improved multitasking.
- Close unused applications to free up memory.
- Run Antivirus and Malware Scans:
- Perform a full system scan using reliable antivirus software.
- Remove any detected malware or viruses.
- Upgrade Hardware Components:
- Evaluate the possibility of upgrading CPU, GPU, or adding an SSD.
- Ensure all device drivers are up to date.
- Disk Cleanup and Optimization:
- Use built-in tools like Disk Cleanup to free up disk space.
- Defragment the hard drive for better file organization.