Computer is Running Slow

As technology continues to advance, the demands on our computers have also increased. With so many software programs available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones for your computer. Especially with low spec computers. However, it is important to note that not all software is created equal and some of them can actually slow down your computer’s performance.

In this article, we will discuss some common software items that can make your computer slow and how to address them.

Related Article

Before we continue with Software issues, it is worth mentioning that the impact of hardware on a low spec computer is covered in another article. In this article, we will focus solely on software items but it is important to understand Hardware limitations as well.

• Link to my Article on how Hardware affects computer speed.

Task Manager

The first step in identifying any potential culprits for slowing down your computer is by using the Task Manager. This feature allows you to view the running processes and their CPU, memory, and disk usage. By monitoring these resources, you can pinpoint which software programs are using up the most resources and potentially causing your computer to slow down.

Opening Task Manager

To open Task Manager simply press the Windows key on your keyboard, it is the key that has 4 squares, and type in Task Manager.

Task Manager can also be opened by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc buttons all three at the same time.

If your computer has low or no response you can try pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del buttons all at the same time. This can in most cases allow you to open Task Manager if your computer is non-responsive.

Startup Programs

One common mistake that many users make is allowing too many programs to automatically start when they turn on their computer. These startup programs not only take up valuable resources but also add to the time it takes for your computer to fully boot up. It is important to regularly review and disable any unnecessary startup programs to improve your computer’s performance.

Too Many Background Tasks

Aside from startup programs, there are also other background tasks that can slow down your computer. These include scheduled tasks such as Windows Updates and virus scans. While these tasks are necessary for maintaining your computer’s security and performance, they can also impact its speed if they are running too frequently or at the wrong times.

Unused Background Tasks

Background tasks can take up your computers resources and by reducing which programs are running in the background can help to keep your computer fast. Required Background Tasks are required by the Windows Operating System or other programs so be careful to not close these Required Background Tasks.

Unused Internet Browser Tabs

Furthermore, many users often have multiple internet browser tabs open at once, even though they may not be actively using them. These unused tabs continue to consume CPU usage and can slow down your computer, especially if you have a lot of tabs open. It is recommended to close any unused tabs and only keep the ones that are actively being used.

Microsoft Malware Background Task

One particular background task that has been known to cause slowdowns on low-end computers is the Microsoft Malware Background Task. This task is responsible for scanning your computer for potential threats and can use up a significant amount of CPU resources. If you are experiencing slow performance on your computer, it is worth checking if this task is running and potentially disabling it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while software programs can greatly enhance our computing experience, they can also be responsible for slowing down our computers. It is important to regularly monitor and manage these software items to ensure that your computer is running at its optimal performance. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently.