If your computer is running slowly, it can be due to several causes, ranging from outdated software to insufficient computer hardware. Read on to learn about the most common causes of computer lag and what you can do to fix it. One of the most common causes of slow performance is when there are too many programs running in the background. These background processes can be caused by malware or by legitimate programs that have been allowed to run indefinitely.
To improve your computer's performance, you should make sure that only the applications you need are open and that you have the latest updates for Windows and device drivers. You can also use ReadyBoost to help improve performance. In addition to the reasons that explain the slowness of a computer listed above, another common cause of slow performance is overheating. When computer components get too hot, they can start to malfunction, which can cause crashes and general slowdowns.
If the CPU (central processing unit) overheats, it can affect the computer's performance. To prevent this from happening, you should make sure that your system manages the size of the page file and that there is enough free disk space. You can also invest in a “cooling pad” that sits underneath the device and provides airflow directly to the device, which will normally solve any overheating problem. Another cause of slow performance is malware or other malicious programs running on your computer. These programs can run silently on the computer and consume a large amount of the device's resources and energy, significantly reducing the computer's performance.
To prevent this from happening, you should use an antivirus program to scan your computer regularly for any malicious software. If you've done everything you can to try to resolve the problem and your computer is still running slowly, it might be time to invest in new equipment. Let Crucial help you find a 100% guaranteed compatible update. Fill in your system details below and we'll show you the 100% compatible upgrades, guaranteed when you buy from Crucial.