Five Fast Ways To Fix A Slow Computer

Few things in life are as frustrating as a slow computer. When a trusted device functions consistently for years, patience becomes hard to find when it suddenly stops working correctly. At times, however, a little patience is all it takes to get a computer back in working order.

There’s good news and bad news when it comes to troubleshooting problems at home. The positive? Slow computers will plague everyone eventually unless you constantly invest in new devices. What’s more, most minor problems can easily be remedied.

The bad news? There are dozens of reasons why a computer might start slowing down. In this article, consumers will learn about the most common issues that will cause a slow computer — and viable solutions.

When memory is the top problem, computer users can take a few simple steps to limit the number of programs running in the background. First: choose which programs should automatically start once the computer is booted. Open Task Manager by hitting Ctrl + Shift + Esc. This window will show which programs are currently running and how much memory they are using.

In Task Manager is the Startup tab, which provides the opportunity to select which applications to run at start-up. Removing the unnecessary programs should give the computer a performance boost in the memory department.

Google’s web browser is a notorious memory hog — one that gets worse with every new tab that’s opened. While it’s difficult to make the switch from such a trusty browser, it could be in the computer’s best interest. If deleting Chrome isn’t an option, limit the number of tabs open at once.

While most casual computer users shouldn’t run into this problem, it can certainly arise for the DIY enthusiast. Computer builders wondering why their builds keep slowing down or shutting off may want to keep this in mind. When a CPU overheats, the processor automatically slows itself down — and sometimes shuts off altogether.

How could this happen? One cause is a faulty processor fan. After years of shipping CPUs with woefully inadequate fans, Intel has finally made strides in this department. However, if reapplying the stock fan doesn’t help, it may be time to invest in a third-party fan.

Mechanics all have stories about working on cars that were in desperate need of routine maintenance. Tech support workers can share similar horror stories about computers that have been neglected for years. When necessary maintenance tasks are finally completed, it can make a world of difference for computers that seem like their days are numbered.

The first essential? Defrag the hard drive. In Windows 10, the Defragment and Optimize Drives app can take care of this task. From there, be sure to turn the machine off every once in a while. While computers can run for years (and even decades) without ever being powered down, it’s woefully inefficient. Powering down a computer clears the memory, giving the machine a chance to take a breath and start fresh the next time it’s booted up.

Software update reminders may be annoying, but they exist for a reason. It’s easy to ignore these pop-ups and finally install updates once things slow down, but why wait? Set updates to install in the middle of the night or whenever the computer isn’t in use.

The expression “nothing lasts forever” rings true in the computer hardware domain. Just like the aging baseball pitcher losing a fastball, computer hardware simply cannot perform at 100 percent efficiency forever.

Thankfully, a new hard drive — and especially new and expanded RAM — can breathe new life into an aging computer. Installing RAM is deceptively easy and something that can be done in less than 15 minutes. Be sure to verify that the RAM is compatible with the motherboard and its speed settings.

A new computer isn’t immune to most of the issues above, so it’s best to protect this investment with an extended computer warranty from Upsie. With 24/7 online claims and excellent customer support, there should never be any question as to whether an Upsie extended warranty is a wise choice.

The terms and conditions are easy to understand — and Upsie costs up to 70 percent less than warranties sold elsewhere. In addition, customers can make unlimited claims up to the purchase price of the device. This is a no-brainer for anyone seeking valuable peace of mind. Upsie protects your computer from damage and defects, ensuring that you get the most out of your purchase.