Some programs use few resources when they are waiting; others, especially if they are checking for updates on the Internet or working on a task, can use a large amount of processing power and RAM storage. There are then few resources left for other programs to use. This can cause slow switching between programs and also slow data updates in some applications. If you want to use your laptop without heating then read this post.
Remove unnecessary programs
To see which programs are using the most resources, press the Ctrl , Alt , and Delete keys together . Select Task Manager . On the Processes tab you can see the items that are currently open and how much memory and CPU each is using. You can then close the programs you are not using to reallocate resources to the programs you are using.
Disable startup programs
Computers often have programs that are enabled to start on power up. Or there are also programs that were necessary when you first turned on the computer but are no longer necessary. To view the programs that start when you turn on your computer, simultaneously press the Ctrl , Alt , and Delete keys . Select Task Manager . On the Startup tab , you can see the items that are set to open when you turn on your computer. Note what you really need to open at boot time and disable the rest of the programs.
Check your web browser and internet connection
If you notice that your computer is running slowly, check to see if you have the latest version of your web browser. Although the information varies by browser, there is an “About” selection that shows you the version number. If there is an option to install new versions automatically, enable it. Having a lot of addons and extensions also slows down web browsing. This also depends on your browser, but you should be able to find a menu called Expansions or Extensions that allows you to delete any expansions or extensions you don’t want.
Defragment your hard drive
Defragmenting your hard drive (HDD) can reduce the time required for the system to find each block of data it needs to run programs and applications. These blocks of data are stored on the hard drive before being moved to RAM so that the program can access them.
If you have an HDD (rather than a solid-state drive), the system will log data in small groups at various places on the drive. Over time, there may be different groups of related data, but they will be spread all over the disk. This causes the system to take longer to find each data group. Disk defragmentation speeds up this process. Learn more about defragmenting your hard drive.
To defragment your drive, click the Start menu or Windows button, select Control Panel, and then System and Security . Under Administrative Tools , click Defragment your hard drive . You can select to have the process run at regular periods, or you can select Scan Disk and determine if the process should be run immediately.
Update hardware that can slow down your computer
Identifying hardware that might need an upgrade not only rejuvenates an old, slow computer, it could also be significantly cheaper than buying a new computer.
The two key pieces of hardware related to the speed of a computer are its storage drive and its RAM). Having very little memory or using a hard drive, even if it was recently defragmented, can slow down a computer.
Upgrade storage with a solid state drive
Your computer’s storage drive is responsible for keeping everything you use every day, including the operating system, programs, documents, pictures, and music. By getting out of date or getting slower, your computer’s performance will be greatly affected.
Why an SSD helps increase computer speed
The key difference between a traditional hard drive and a solid state drive is the technology they integrate. An HDD mechanically moves a drive arm on a turntable to find each piece of data. An SSD, on the other hand, accesses data digitally with flash memory chips. This allows an SSD to recover data, such as documents, images, and videos, faster and with lower power consumption.
Use the Crucial ® Advisor™ tool or System Scanner to find the right SSDs to speed up your system.
Add more memory (RAM)
Unlike programs or videos that are stored permanently on a storage drive, memory stores the data that is currently used and allows it to be retrieved more quickly, acting as a pool of resources for the system to do its job. .
Any time you do any of the following, you are using memory:
move your mouse
Open tabs and switch between them in your Internet browser
Write an email
Create a spreadsheet
Edit photos or videos
Play games, listen to music or watch a video
Why adding memory helps your computer
The more you have, the more resources your system has at its disposal, so you can get things done faster and manage more things at the same time. Adding more memory is a direct way to address slow performance issues when switching between apps, as well as long response times.
It’s easy to add RAM (memory) by using the Crucial ® Advisor tool or System Scanner to see which products are compatible with your system.
The conclusion
The time you spend waiting on a slow computer is frustrating and it all adds up. You shouldn’t make radical changes to fix a slow computer. You only need a few small, sustainable changes that provide immediate and long-lasting results.