10 Common Reasons Your Windows PC Is Slowing Down and Fixes

Is your once-speedy PC now moving slower than a snail? Many Windows users share this frustrating experience. Fortunately, identifying the culprits behind your PC's sluggish performance is the first step to restoring its efficiency. This article explores ten common reasons for slow performance and offers actionable solutions to help you reclaim speed.

Key Takeaways​

• Startup Apps: Limit unnecessary applications from launching at startup.
• Storage: Ensure sufficient storage space is available, utilizing tools like Storage Sense.
• Background Apps: Monitor CPU usage through Task Manager to close resource-hogging apps.
• System Files: Use repair commands to fix corrupt system files.
• Driver Updates: Keep your device drivers and apps updated for optimal performance.
• Cooling: Prevent overheating due to poor ventilation.
• Upgrades: Consider hardware upgrades for outdated components.

  1. Unnecessary Startup Items​

  When numerous applications are set to run at startup, they can negatively affect your PC's boot speed and overall performance. This is particularly common among users installing multiple third-party applications that come with default settings, often leading to performance drags. Solution:
• Disabling Startup Items:
  • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  • Select Apps, then Startup.
  • Disable unnecessary applications to speed up startup.

    2. Low Device Storage​

    Storage capacity on your device can significantly impact performance. When your storage becomes too full, it can lead to sluggishness as the system struggles to perform tasks efficiently. Solution:
  []Freeing Up Space:
  • Go to Settings ➜ System ➜ Storage.
  • Enable Storage Sense for automatic cleanup.
  • Configure its settings to clear out old files and empty the Recycle Bin automatically.

    3. A Buggy App Consuming High CPU Usage​

    Resource-heavy applications running in the background can excessively utilize your CPU, causing slowdowns. Identifying these applications is crucial for keeping your system responsive. Solution:
  []Using Task Manager:
  • Right-click the Windows Taskbar and choose Task Manager.
  • Monitor processes for high CPU usage.
  • Select the resource-hogging application and click End Task to terminate it.

    4. Corrupt System Files​

    System files can become corrupted, leading to instability and performance issues. Running a system scan can help restore these files. Solution:
  []Repairing System Files:
  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • Allow the scan to complete and restart your computer.

    5. Bogus Files from Unofficial Sources​

    Downloading software from unofficial sources can lead to malware or unwanted files that slow down your PC. It's essential to maintain software integrity. Solution:
  []Running a Security Scan:
  • Open Windows Security.
  • Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
  • Select Scan Options ➜ Full Scan ➜ Scan Now. This will help clean out harmful files.

    6. Outdated System Drivers​

    Using outdated drivers can lead to compatibility issues, causing various performance problems. Regularly updating your drivers is essential for maintaining system health. Solution:
  []Updating Drivers:
  • Access Device Manager by right-clicking the Windows Key.
  • Navigate to the desired device, right-click, and select Update Driver ➜ Search Automatically for Drivers.

    7. Outdated Apps​

    Keeping applications updated is not only important for accessing new features but is also critical for performance optimization. Outdated apps can bog down system resources unnecessarily. Solution:
  []Installing App Updates:
  • Open the Microsoft Store.
  • Click on Downloads from the sidebar.
  • Hit Get Updates to install pending updates.

    8. Overheating​

    Excess heat can cause thermal throttling, significantly impacting your CPU’s performance. It's crucial to ensure your system remains adequately cooled. Solution:
  []Monitoring and Managing Heat:
  • Clean your PC's fans and check for dust buildup inside the case.
  • Use software tools to monitor temperatures and adjust cooling settings if necessary.

    9. Old PC Parts​

    Sometimes the hardware itself may be the limiting factor in system performance. If your components are outdated, it might be time for an upgrade. Solution:
  []Upgrading Older Components:
  • Assess your PC's specifications.
  • Consider upgrading the CPU, GPU, or adding more RAM to enhance performance.

    10. Out-of-Date Windows Version​

    An old Windows operating system can impair system capabilities, causing various performance issues. Solution:
• Updating Windows:
  • Go to Settings ➜ Windows Update.
  • Check for updates and download/install any pending updates.

    Conclusion​

    By following these straightforward methods, you can identify the primary causes of your PC's sluggishness and take effective steps to restore its speed. Regular maintenance and updates can significantly enhance your computing experience, making your days easier and more productive. Bookmark this guide for future reference whenever your PC seems to be lagging. In addition to these built-in methods, you can also consider third-party applications like HWiNFO or O&O AppBuster to monitor performance and manage bloatware effectively. For more information or details, you can refer to the original article from XDA Developers here: 10 things that are slowing down your PC (and how to fix them).