10 Reasons That Cause A Slow PC

Does your computer take ages to load up programs or software applications such as Word or Excel? A slow PC will seem to take an awful long time when running software or processing information. Below are 10 of the most common reasons why your slow PC could be taking it’s time.

1. Spyware and Malware

This is one of the most common reasons for a slow running PC. Spyware and malware are malicious programs that silently install on your PC without your knowledge and collect all sorts of information usually on your browsing habits. These programs run secretly in the background and can greatly affect the performance of your system.

2. Lots of Applications Running at Start Up

You probably have lots of different programs installed on your computer and many of these will load automatically when your system starts up. This causes your PC to take a long time when booting up as all of them will require main memory to load.

3. Windows Registry Corruption

The registry is the core of the Windows operating system and the control centre for executing all programs and applications. Any changes or damage to the registry can lead to all sorts of problems including causing the PC to take a long time starting up or shutting down. A maliciously altered or infected registry can also cause programs or applications to run incorrectly or not at all.

4. Fragmented Memory

For optimal performance your PC should have all related files and folders stored together in one specific place on your hard drive. Usually this isn’t viable especially with data frequently getting deleted or saved. As a result it will take your PC longer to find all the pieces of the files and folders you are looking for.

5. Security Applications

Some security software can cause your PC to run slowly. These type of programs use up a lot of your systems main memory and as they are continually working in the background monitoring activity, this can put a strain on your processor. Security software is a vital application your PC but unfortunately can sometimes hinder the performance.

6. Programs Partially Deleted

In order to remove programs or applications completely from your PC it is necessary to remove more than just a few files. If this isn’t carried out properly, some files could get left behind or the registry might not have been alerted and hasn’t updated itself and will still try to execute commands for deleted programs. This causes poor system performance as the hard drive will become clogged with unnecessary files. A registry cleaner can fix this in seconds.

7. Volume of Page File

This is an area of the memory used temporarily by the PC for processing instructions and considered as a buffer for use by the operating system. If only a small percentage of the memory is allocated for this purpose, it can result in poor stability and system performance.

8. Opening Too Many Windows or Tabs.

If you have too many open windows or tabs on your browser this will use up a lot of memory and processing power causing your PC to slow up. Storing too many files in the temporary internet folder can also cause this to happen.

9. Virus Infection

This is another of the primary causes of a slow PC. These programs execute malicious commands and can cause havoc with your PC, forcing it to slow down or even shut down, sometimes causing irreparable damage.

10. Problems With Hardware

Poor maintenance and upkeep of the component parts which make up your PC can cause slow performance and crashes. Hardware problems are mostly caused by wear and tear, overheating and dust gathering around them.

There you have it, the top 10 reasons for a slow running PC. Examine which may be causing yours and bring it back up to speed!

Tags: pc running slow, slow pc, why is my pc so slow