Efficiency is crucial in any work environment, and nothing hampers productivity more than a sluggish computer. Whether it’s apps taking forever to launch or your PC being unresponsive during startup, these issues can be frustrating. So what’s causing your computer to slow down? In this blog post, we’ll explore bad habits, hardware limitations, and how an MSP like IT Partners can help manage these challenges seamlessly.
Bad Windows Habits That Make Your Computer Slow
While the list below is not exhaustive, it covers some of the most common issues that contribute to a slow Windows computer. The solutions provided are basic and only scratch the surface. For more complex issues, professional intervention may be necessary. You may also be limited by your IT Department what you can do on your machine which is a good thing if they actually take care and solve your issue. We also recommend that if you feel overwhelmed consider contacting us and get started with IT Partners an MSP that lets get your business going again faster and more efficiently.
#1 Too Many Startup Applications
The Problem:
You arrive at work, coffee in hand, ready to tackle the day’s tasks. You press the power button on your computer and then… you wait. And wait. The culprit? An overload of startup applications. These are programs that have been set to launch automatically when your computer boots up. While some of these might be essential, like your email client or antivirus software, many are not. Over time, as you install new software, this list can grow, each new addition consuming valuable system resources and making your startup time longer.
The Solution:
The first step in tackling this issue is to identify which programs are set to start automatically. Microsoft provides an official guide on how to manage startup programs. Here’s a quick summary:
- Select the Start button, which looks like the Microsoft logo.
- Select Settings.
- On the left-hand side of the window, select Apps.
- Select Startup at the bottom of the Apps window.
- Use the toggles to determine which apps you want to run on startup. Toggle On if you want the app to open on startup or Toggle Off if you don’t want the app to open on startup.
You can also view the startup impact of each app beneath the on/off toggle. Apps can have a high, medium, or low impact on your startup time, based on their CPU and disk usage.
More Involved (and Costly) Solution:
If you’ve trimmed down your startup applications and still find your boot time lacking, it might be time for a hardware upgrade. Most modern computers come with solid-state drives (SSDs), which are much faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). If your computer is older and still uses an HDD, upgrading to an SSD can dramatically improve your startup times. However, this is a more involved and costly solution that may require professional installation.
Pro Tip:
Be cautious when disabling startup programs. Some might be crucial for system functions or security. If you’re unsure about a particular program, it’s best to leave it enabled or consult with a professional.
#2 Running Multiple Programs
The Problem:
In today’s multitasking work environment, it’s common to have several applications open at once. Whether it’s your email client, a web browser with multiple tabs, or specialized software like Adobe Photoshop, these programs can consume a significant amount of your computer’s resources. This is especially true for resource-intensive applications that require a lot of CPU and RAM to function smoothly. Having too many of these open can lead to sluggish performance and even system crashes.
The Solution:
The key to managing this issue is awareness and discipline. Be mindful of the programs you have open and close those that you’re not actively using. This will free up system resources for the tasks that truly need them. If you find that your computer is still slow, consider revisiting your startup applications to ensure only essential programs are running.
- Close Unused Programs: Make it a habit to close programs that you’re not actively using.
- Check Task Manager: Use the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see which programs are consuming the most resources and consider closing them if they are not essential.
More Involved (and Costly) Solution:
If you’ve taken these steps and still experience sluggish performance, it may be time to consider a hardware upgrade. One of the most effective upgrades you can make is to increase your RAM. More RAM allows your computer to handle more tasks simultaneously without slowing down. This is particularly beneficial for those who frequently use resource-intensive applications like video editing software or 3D modeling programs.
Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure how much RAM you need, a general guideline is to have at least 8GB for basic tasks and 16GB or more for resource-intensive tasks. Always consult with a professional if you are unsure before making hardware changes to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
#3 Running Out of Disk Space
The Problem:
Disk space is like real estate; it’s all about location, location, location. In this case, the location is your computer’s hard drive, and it can get crowded quickly. Between large files, software installations, and system backups, you may find yourself running low on space. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to reach 100% disk usage for your computer to slow down. Even when you’re hovering around 90%, you may start to experience sluggish performance.
The Solution:
The first step in solving this issue is to identify what’s taking up space on your hard drive. You can use built-in tools like Disk Cleanup on Windows to remove temporary files, system files, and other data that you don’t need.
- Run Disk Cleanup: Open the Start menu, type “Disk Cleanup,” and select the app. Choose the drive you want to clean, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Uninstall Unused Programs: Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Apps’ to see a list of installed programs. Uninstall those you no longer use.
More Involved (and Costly) Solution:
If you’ve cleaned up your disk and still find yourself running low on space, it might be time for a more permanent solution. Upgrading to a larger hard drive or adding an additional drive can provide you with the space you need. If you’re using an HDD, consider switching to an SSD for faster data access and boot times.
Pro Tip:
Consider using cloud storage solutions for files that you don’t access frequently. This can free up local disk space while ensuring that your files are accessible whenever you need them.
#4 Browser Tab Overload
The Problem:
In the digital age, multitasking often extends to our web browsers. It’s not uncommon to have multiple tabs open for various tasks—be it work, social media, or research. However, each open tab consumes a portion of your computer’s RAM. The more tabs you have open, the more RAM you use, and this can lead to a noticeable slowdown in performance. IT also might be stressing you out.
The Solution:
Managing your browser tabs effectively is crucial for maintaining good system performance. Here are some steps to help you keep tab overload in check:
- Close Unnecessary Tabs: Regularly review your open tabs and close those that are no longer needed.
- Use Bookmarks: If you find something interesting but don’t have time to read it immediately, bookmark it for later instead of leaving the tab open.
- Check Browser Extensions: Some extensions can help manage your tabs more efficiently. Consider installing one that suits your needs.
More Involved (and Costly) Solution:
If you find that you consistently need to have many tabs open for your work or personal use, it might be worth investing in a RAM upgrade. More RAM will allow you to have more tabs open without affecting your computer’s performance.
Pro Tip:
Modern browsers like Google Chrome and Firefox offer features like tab “sleeping” or “hibernation,” which can free up resources without closing the tab. Make use of these features to optimize your browsing experience.
#5 Using Power Saving Mode
The Problem:
Power Saving Mode is designed to extend battery life by reducing system performance, which is great when you’re on the go and need to conserve battery. However, when you’re plugged in or when performance is a priority, this setting can be a hindrance. It limits the resources available to your system, leading to slower processing speeds and reduced performance.
The Solution:
The quickest way to address this issue is to switch your power settings. On most Windows computers, you can easily toggle between different power plans.
- Go to Control Panel: Open the Start menu, type “Control Panel,” and select it.
- Navigate to Power Options: Once in Control Panel, look for ‘Power Options’ and select it.
- Choose a Power Plan: Here, you’ll see options like ‘Balanced,’ ‘Power Saver,’ and ‘High Performance.’ Select ‘High Performance’ when you’re plugged in to maximize system resources.
More Involved (and Costly) Solution:
If you find that even the ‘High Performance’ setting isn’t giving you the speed you need, you may want to consider hardware upgrades. A faster processor or more RAM can make a significant difference in your computer’s performance. Or a laptop that has a bigger battery or a more optimized hardware configuration.
Pro Tip:
You can create custom power plans that suit your specific needs. For example, you can set your computer to switch to ‘High Performance’ automatically when it’s plugged in and revert to ‘Power Saver’ when it’s running on battery.|
Ignoring Software Updates
The Problem:
Software updates are easy to ignore. Those pop-up reminders often seem to come at the most inconvenient times, prompting many of us to click “Remind Me Later” or even disable updates altogether. However, ignoring software updates can lead to performance issues and security vulnerabilities. Outdated software may not be optimized for speed and can also expose your system to risks like malware and hacking attempts.
The Solution:
The best practice is to keep your software, including your operating system, up to date. Most software comes with an auto-update feature, but it’s good to manually check for updates periodically.
- Enable Auto-Updates: Make sure that the auto-update feature is enabled for your operating system and key software.
- Manual Checks: Periodically, take the time to manually check for updates, especially for critical software like antivirus programs.
More Involved (and Costly) Solution:
If you’re running very outdated software, the best course of action might be a complete system upgrade. This could mean updating to the latest version of your operating system or even replacing old hardware that is not compatible with newer software.
Pro Tip:
Use automated update management tools to ensure you never miss an update. These tools can schedule updates for times when they won’t disrupt your workflow, like overnight or during weekends.
Overheating and Dust Build-up: A Silent Performance Killer
The Problem:
Dust isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it can seriously hamper your computer’s performance. Whether you’re using a desktop or a laptop, dust can accumulate inside, blocking fans and causing your system to overheat. When this happens, your computer automatically slows down to prevent damage, leading to noticeable performance issues.
The Solution:
Keeping your computer clean is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. Here are some steps to help you manage dust and heat:
- Regular Cleaning: Use compressed air to blow out dust from your computer’s interior. Make sure to power off the computer and unplug it before cleaning. Note: When using compressed air, keep the fans from spinning to avoid damaging them.
- Check Fan Performance: Ensure that all fans are working correctly. If you notice any irregularities, it might be time for a replacement.
More Involved (and Costly) Solution:
For those experiencing significant overheating issues, advanced cooling solutions might be necessary. This could mean installing additional fans or even adopting liquid cooling systems for desktops.
Pro Tip:
If you’re uncomfortable cleaning your computer yourself, it’s best to consult a professional. Also, consider the placement of your computer. Good airflow can help reduce dust build-up and improve cooling. Avoid placing your computer directly on the floor or near vents and windows.
The Best Solution Using a Top Rated MSP: IT Partners
The Challenge:
Managing all these factors can be overwhelming, even for the tech-savvy. Between startup applications, multitasking, disk space, browser tabs, power settings, and software updates, there’s a lot to keep track of. And that’s not even considering more advanced issues like defragmentation, temporary files, and potential malware.
The Solution:
That’s where we come in. As a Managed Service Provider, IT Partners ensures your computers are well-maintained, appropriately spec’d, and up-to-date. We offer a range of services that can help you focus on what you do best: running your business.
- Regular Maintenance: We perform routine checks to ensure your systems are running smoothly.
- Hardware Upgrades: When necessary, we can guide you through the process of upgrading your hardware for better performance.
- Software Management: We keep track of software updates and perform them at times that are convenient for you, minimizing disruptions to your workflow.
Why Choose IT Partners?
Choosing an MSP is more than just outsourcing IT tasks; it’s an investment in your business’s efficiency and security. With IT Partners, you benefit from a dedicated team of experts committed to ensuring your technology runs seamlessly. Don’t let IT issues hold you back—contact us today to take your business IT to the next level.
Share This Post