Is Your Computer Running Slow? 5 Common Causes and Fixes

There is little more frustrating in our digital lives than a computer that moves at a snail's pace. 

That simple task of opening a file or loading a webpage can become an exercise in patience. 

If you're finding yourself staring at a loading icon more than your actual work, you're not alone. 

A slow computer is one of the most common issues we encounter, but the good news is that many causes can be fixed right at home.

Here at Datchet Computer Man, we want to empower you to solve minor issues yourself. 

We've put together a guide to the five most common culprits behind a sluggish computer and the steps you can take to fix them.

1. Too Many Startup Programmes

The Problem

When you switch on your computer, a host of programmes may be launching in the background without you even realising it. 

Over time, as you install more software, this list grows. 

Each programme consumes system resources, particularly RAM, and can significantly increase your boot-up time and reduce overall performance.

The Fix

You can take control by disabling unnecessary start-up programmes.

On Windows (10 & 11):

1. Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` to open the Task Manager.

2. Click on the 'Start-up apps' tab (it may be called 'Start-up' in older versions).

3. Review the list. For any non-essential programme (e.g., Spotify, Steam), right-click and select 'Disable'. Be careful not to disable your antivirus or critical system drivers.

On macOS:

1. Go to 'System Settings' > 'General' > 'Login Items'.

2. Under 'Open at Login', you will see a list of applications that launch automatically.

3. Select an app you don’t need at start-up and click the minus ('-') button below the list to remove it.

2. Your Hard Drive Is Nearly Full

The Problem

Your operating system needs free space on your hard drive to function efficiently. This space is used for temporary files, system updates, and as 'virtual memory' (a swap file) when your RAM is full. 

When your primary drive (usually the C: drive) is more than 90% full, you will notice a significant slowdown.

The Fix

Freeing up disk space is a straightforward way to boost performance.

1. Run Disk Clean-up (Windows): Search for 'Disk Clean-up' in the Start Menu, select your C: drive, and let it analyse your files. You can safely delete temporary internet files, system error reports, and items in your Recycle Bin.

2. Use Storage Management (macOS): Go to the Apple menu > 'About This Mac' > 'Storage' > 'Manage...'. From here, macOS provides tools to 'Optimise Storage', 'Reduce Clutter', and move files to iCloud.

3. Uninstall Unused Software: Go through your installed applications and remove any you no longer use.

4. Move Large Files: Transfer large files like photos, videos, and documents to an external hard drive or cloud storage.

For more in-depth clean-ups, our Darchet computer services include full system health checks to safely remove junk files and optimise your storage.

3. Potential Malware or Viruses

The Problem

Malicious software (malware) running silently in the background is a notorious cause of system slowdowns. Viruses, spyware, and adware consume processing power and memory as they perform their harmful tasks, from tracking your keystrokes to displaying unwanted ads.

The Fix

Running a full system scan with a reputable antivirus programme is essential.

1. Ensure Your Antivirus is Active: Make sure you have a quality antivirus solution installed and that its definitions are up to date.

2. Perform a Full System Scan: Do not just run a 'quick scan'. A 'full' or 'deep' scan will check every file on your system. This may take a few hours, so run it overnight.

3. Remove Threats: Follow your antivirus software's instructions to quarantine or remove any threats it finds.

If a scan doesn't solve the issue, you may have a more persistent infection. 

This is a critical time to seek professional computer repair in Datchet to ensure the threat is completely removed without damaging your data.

4. Outdated Software or Operating System

The Problem

Those update notifications are easy to ignore, but they are crucial for both security and performance. 

Updates for your operating system (like Windows or macOS) and your individual applications often include performance optimisations, bug fixes, and critical security patches that keep your machine running smoothly and safely.

The Fix

Manually check for and install any pending updates.

• On Windows: Go to 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Windows Update' and click 'Check for updates'.

• On macOS: Go to 'System Settings' > 'General' > 'Software Update' to see if a new version is available.

5. Insufficient RAM (Random Access Memory)

The Problem

RAM is your computer's short-term memory. It's where active applications and processes are stored for quick access. 

If you are running multiple demanding programmes at once (like a web browser with 20 tabs, a video editor, and an email client), you may exhaust your available RAM. 

When this happens, your system has to use the much slower hard drive as 'virtual memory', causing a significant bottleneck.

The Fix

You can either reduce your RAM usage or physically upgrade it.

1. Monitor Usage: In Windows Task Manager or macOS Activity Monitor, check the 'Performance' or 'Memory' tab to see how much RAM is being used. If it's consistently maxed out, this is likely your issue.

2. Reduce Usage: Be mindful of how many applications and browser tabs you have open simultaneously.

3. Consider an Upgrade: For many laptops and most desktop PCs, adding more RAM is a cost-effective upgrade that delivers an immediate performance boost.

When DIY Fixes Aren't Enough: Contact DaTchet Computer Man

While these five steps can resolve many performance issues, sometimes the problem is more complex—perhaps a failing hardware component or a deeply embedded system error. 

Instead of spending hours troubleshooting, you can rely on professional, local expertise.

Our team at DCM provides comprehensive diagnostic and repair computer services. 

We can quickly identify the root cause of any slowdown and recommend the most effective solution. 

Whether you need a hardware upgrade, a thorough virus removal, or a complete system tune-up, we are your local experts.

Don't let a slow computer disrupt your day. 

For reliable and efficient Datchet computer repair, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will resetting my PC make it faster?

A: Yes, resetting your PC (reinstalling the operating system) will almost always make it faster as it removes accumulated junk files, unwanted software, and potential malware. However, you must back up all your personal data first, as this process will erase it.

Q2: How much does it cost to fix a slow computer?

A: The cost can vary. If it's a software issue fixed with a system tune-up, the cost is minimal. If it requires a hardware upgrade like more RAM or a new Solid State Drive (SSD), you will have the cost of the part plus labour. We always provide a clear quote before beginning any DCM repair work.

Q3: Is it better to upgrade my old computer or buy a new one?

A: This depends on the age of your computer and the cause of the slowness. For a PC that's only a few years old, a targeted upgrade (like an SSD) can make it feel brand new for a fraction of the cost of a replacement. We can provide an honest assessment to help you decide.