There are so many things to worry about on a daily basis: did you turn off the coffee pot? Did you pay all your bills? The last thing you should worry about is: is my slow computer affecting my work?
Very few things are as frustrating as trying to work on a slow computer. In fact, studies show that Americans lose an average of two hours per week simply waiting for their computer to catch up. That’s 104 hours per year. Don’t let a slow, underperforming computer continue to waste your time. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and fix it with these simple steps:
– Uninstall Unnecessary Programs
– Update Your Software
– Upgrade Your Hard Drive
– Add More RAM
– Scan for Malware
– Get help from a Professional
Read on to discover how these steps can quickly boost your computer’s performance.
1. Uninstall Programs You Don’t Use
Many computers come pre-installed with “bloatware” that slows down performance. According to Microsoft’s benchmark tests, removing bloatware from six computers improved start up performance by about 40%. By removing these programs, you’re giving your computer the breathing room it needs to run smoothly again.
“According to Microsoft’s benchmark tests, removing bloatware from six computers improved start up performance by about 40%.”
Here’s how to start clearing out the clutter:
On Windows:
Open the Start Menu: Click on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Go to Settings: Click on the gear icon to open Settings.
Navigate to Apps: In the Settings menu, click on Apps.
Find Programs: Under Apps & Features, scroll through the list to find programs you no longer use.
Uninstall: Click on the program you want to remove, then click the Uninstall button. Confirm the uninstallation.
On Mac:
Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon in your Dock.
Go to Applications: In the left-hand sidebar, click on Applications.
Find the Program: Browse through your list of applications to locate the ones you no longer need.
Uninstall: Drag the unwanted app to the Trash in your Dock. Alternatively, right-click and select Move to Trash.
Empty Trash: To permanently remove the program, right-click the Trash icon in your Dock and select Empty Trash.
2. Upgrade to an SSD and Increase RAM
If your computer is still running slow after removing programs, it might be time to upgrade your hardware. Replacing an old hard drive with a solid-state drive (SSD) can result in a massive boost in speed. Not only will your computer start up faster, but everything from looking through files to opening apps will be a lot faster. Read this to know more about why you need an SSD in your computer: 5 Reasons Why You Need to Upgrade to an SSD
Adding more RAM is another effective way to speed things up, especially when you’re multitasking with multiple programs open. The more RAM, the easier your computer can handle your workload.
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3. Keep Your Software Up to Date
Outdated software often causes slowdowns. Make sure your operating system and apps are up to date. It can patch security vulnerabilities and optimize your system’s speed. Set your computer to updates automatically, so you don’t miss any important patches.
On Windows:
Open the Start Menu: Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Go to Settings: Click on the gear icon to open Settings.
Select Update & Security: In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.
Check for Updates: Under Windows Update, click Check for updates. If any updates are available, they will begin downloading automatically.
Install Updates: Once downloaded, follow the on-screen prompts to install the updates. You may need to restart your computer.
Set Updates to Automatic: In the Advanced options section under Windows Update, ensure Automatic updates is turned on.
On Mac:
Open System Settings: Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences).
Go to Software Update: In the Settings window, click on Software Update.
Check for Updates: Your Mac will automatically check for updates. If updates are available, click Update Now or Upgrade Now.
Enable Automatic Updates: Check the box that says Automatically keep my Mac up to date to ensure your system installs updates in the background.
4. Defragment Your Hard Drive (For HDD Users)
If you’re still using a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), defragmentation is a must. Over time, files on an HDD become scattered, causing your computer to slow down when it searches for data. Defragmenting organizes these files to be easier to find, improving speed and efficiency. Note: SSDs don’t need to be defragmented.
5. Run Regular Virus Scans
Malware can cripple your computer’s performance. It’s essential to run regular virus scans with trusted anti-virus software to catch and remove malicious programs. Many times, the presence of malware is the hidden reason behind unexplained slowdowns.
If you don’t have antivirus installed on your computer or you’re unsure, call us at (210) 759-0544 and we’ll help you install antivirus software onto your computer.
6. Free Up Disk Space
A full hard drive is one of the main culprits behind slow performance. Make it a habit to clean out temporary files, old downloads, and duplicate documents. Move large files, like photos and videos, onto an external hard drive or in the cloud to free up valuable space.
How To Guarantee Max Computer Performance In A Single Step
If you’ve tried these steps but your computer is still running at a snail’s pace, it might be time to get professional help. My technicians and I at Steve’s Computer Repair are ready to diagnose and repair any underlying issues with your computer. Whether you want a faster computer, repair your laptop screen, or recover lost data, we can get it done for you same-day. Call us today at (210) 759-0544 and maximize your computer’s performance – without hassle.
