To understand why your computer is slowing down and how to fix this problem, you need to check all possible options by elimination - one after another. To make this task easier, below is a list of the main reasons why your computer or laptop slows down and how you can speed it up.

The first and most common reason is that you have too little RAM installed. The problem here is that programs are constantly updated and every year they “eat” more and more resources.

If previously Windows XP and Opera 12 required approximately 200 MB of RAM, now Windows 10 and the latest version of Google Chrome require about 2 GB of RAM. And this is exactly half (many laptops have 4 GB installed). Add here Photoshop, Word text editor, music player - you will immediately understand why a laptop or computer slows down, freezes and works slowly.

To understand whether the problem is really in the RAM or not, launch the task manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Del. Then open the “Performance” tab and see how much RAM is occupied at a time when the PC is very slow.

The screenshot above shows that Windows 7 “eats” 2.2 GB of RAM. But here 8GB is installed, so in this particular case there is no problem.

What to do if the computer is very slow precisely because of the RAM? There are several options here:

Weak processor

Another reason is that the processor is too weak. In fact, this problem closely intersects with the previous one. If you run several programs at the same time, the processor may not be able to cope with such a load.

To check this, launch the task manager and open the “Performance” tab. Here you can see the percentage of processor load.

If it's too high, you have two options. The first is to buy a new processor. And secondly, try to reduce the number of programs running simultaneously to a minimum.

Viruses and malware

If your computer or laptop starts to slow down for no reason, there is a high probability that you have caught a virus. Unfortunately, today it’s easier than ever to catch an infection on the Internet. But finding it and removing it is already a problem.

There are a lot of viruses today. There are miners that load Windows at 100%, as a result of which the PC or laptop is very slow. So much so that it is generally impossible to work with it - the mouse responds to pressing after 30-60 seconds.

To check whether a laptop or computer has really become slow due to viruses, you need to scan it with an antivirus and a malware removal utility.

Computer slows down due to hard drive

If your PC or laptop is slow and stalls, although it was fine before, then the problem may be with the hard drive.

There may be several reasons for this:

Overheating of components

Another popular reason why a computer freezes is overheating of components. This is especially true for laptops. If the laptop began to slow down after a certain time (but immediately worked fine when turned on), then the problem is probably overheating.

This needs to be constantly monitored, because high temperatures affect not only the brakes - sooner or later something can burn out or fail.

Small paging file size

This problem is directly related to the lack of RAM. After all, the paging file is virtual memory, which is activated if there is not enough standard memory. This problem is especially common among gamers.

Due to the insufficient size of the paging file, the computer begins to lag. And not immediately, but after some time. As a result, even on a powerful computer, CS Go, Warface, Tanks and other not very demanding games lag.

This, of course, is not the only reason why this problem may occur, but it’s still worth a try. Fortunately, fixing this problem is not difficult.

Too many junk files

Another reason why the computer began to slow down lies right on the surface. The problem here is a large amount of “garbage”: temporary files, old registry entries, accumulated browser cache, etc.

The fix is ​​very simple:

• remove programs that you have not used for a long time;
• tidy up your desktop (remove everything that is not needed);
• empty the trash (it also takes up space);
• delete your browser cache.
• clean the registry and temporary files.

Lots of startup programs

If your computer slows down at startup, then the reason is obvious - you have added too many programs to startup. After all, they all need time to load. It may take 5 minutes for them to turn on. It is because of this that the computer takes a long time to load and slows down.

They can also interfere with you in the future. You will launch a browser or a toy, and all startup programs will remain enabled! Don’t be surprised that in this situation, even on a productive computer, games or programs slow down.

In general, if your laptop is very slow, clean the startup. This will help speed up Windows and eliminate lag.

The computer slows down due to the browser

It often happens that the browser slows down the computer. Yes, he eats a lot. And if only 2 or 4 GB of RAM is installed, this is a problem. Here, even one browser can completely load your PC.

Also, your computer may be malfunctioning due to the fact that you have:

• an old version of the browser is installed;
• too many tabs open;
• Video launched in Full HD quality.

There are several ways to fix this problem:

1. Install the latest version of your browser.
2. Try to close all unnecessary tabs - this will reduce the load.
3. Check your browser for viruses and remove them (if any).

Driver problems

First, check whether you have installed the drivers at all. To do this, go to Start - Control Panel - Device Manager and see if there are yellow exclamation marks there. Their presence indicates problems with the drivers and the need to reinstall them.

Too much dust

How long has it been since you cleaned your system unit or laptop from dust? But this can make him warm up. Dust disrupts normal air circulation, and then you wonder why the laptop slows down so much and what to do.

This procedure must be performed at least once a year. And if you don’t know how, contact a service center, this service is not that expensive.

Computer games lag

There can be a lot of reasons for this. After all, in addition to standard Windows optimization, it is necessary that you have a powerful laptop that meets the recommended system requirements. But if your Dota 2, Warface or CS Go lags, then this is a problem. It can be fixed by changing the settings in the game, video card settings, etc.

Visual effects

If you have an old laptop or PC, it may slow down due to visual effects or a large number of gadgets. What do you need more: a beautiful desktop or the ability to work normally at a computer? In the latter case, you can install a simpler theme by disabling unnecessary effects.

Instead of conclusions

Now you know why your laptop slows down and how to speed it up. These tips are universal and apply to all PCs and laptops running Windows. Therefore, if your computer or laptop is slow and slow, try speeding it up using the methods described above.

Time is a fundamental factor that in one way or another affects everything that surrounds us. The computer system is no exception. In the case when you use a laptop, so to speak, in intensive mode, sooner or later you will definitely encounter something that slows down the laptop. What to do? It turns out that everything can be foreseen in advance. If for some reason “the high-speed train has left,” then with the help of useful tips from this article the performance and speed of your portable device will become better than before. We invite you to the world of exciting optimization!

There can be an incredible number of reasons. And all of them must be identified for a subsequent comprehensive solution. Because if you miss the unimportant and insignificant, you will again encounter the effect of inhibition.

So, ask yourself a few questions:

• How old is your computer?
• Is your laptop hardware “weak” for the programs and applications installed on it?
• Do you often use your laptop in hostile environments?

If you don’t know the answer to the question: “The laptop is slowing down - what to do?” - this means you have never performed complete preventative maintenance on your PC. Most likely, you do not use specialized software for optimization. This is why your computer is “overloaded” with various digital junk. Let's solve the problem practically!

Cleaning the Windows operating system

If the hard drive has a separate system partition, usually designated by the Latin letter “C:,” then everything is normal. Otherwise, at one “wonderful” moment you may be left without information that is important to you. The operating system will collapse - the data will go “to nowhere”! So, make the correct layout of your disk space.

Windows Rescue Service: Properties Window

• The laptop is running slowly - go to the Start menu.
• Then go to the "Computer" section.
• Hold the marker on the system drive shortcut and click the right mouse button.
• From the context menu, select “Properties”.
• If you see the “Disk Cleanup” button, then you are on the right track - click it.
• In a few minutes, a list will open in front of you that will need to be edited, so to speak.
• After you have checked all the items you need to delete, activate the “OK” button.

It will not be superfluous if you use the “Advanced” tab. However, do not rush, since the Windows uninstallation service, which does not work quite correctly, is unlikely to delete entries in the OS registry. Be patient, this problem is slowing down the laptop, what to do - we will definitely solve it!

Removing unused or simply unnecessary programs

This step is an extremely important point in optimization. Since the clutter of software often becomes the main problem of computer slowness. Standard Microsoft OS tools do not have a competent uninstallation method. Paradoxical but true. Perhaps someone considers this company’s decision justified... but the register is still “not rubber”.

• Install the free version of the “Your uninstaller” program.
• After opening the main window of the mentioned software, select the object to be destroyed and click the “Delete” button.
• Affirmatively click “Next” and in a few minutes all data will be erased.

Clearing the digital clutter

Some programs for setting up a laptop allow you to quickly fix various types of errors that complicate the operation of the OS. You have already familiarized yourself with one of the standard solutions. However, the radical method is still better - the CCleaner optimizer.

• Download this “lightweight” program from the Internet.
• After installation and launch, activate the “Cleaning” section.
• Click on the “Analysis” button.
• After that - “Cleaning”.

Editing the Startup list

Another reason why a laptop slows down is the excessive load on the OS with various programs and utilities that are activated immediately after starting the Windows operating environment. Priority software works in the background, that is, secretly, “not an eyesore” for the user. However, “eaters” of system resources can be found in the tray. The very bottom area of ​​the screen (right) is often crowded with shortcuts to programs and applications running simultaneously. By eliminating some of them, you can achieve a significant increase in OS performance and speed. How to do this, read below.

• In the search bar of the Start menu, enter the command "msconfig".
• In the results window, activate the “exe” file.
• After the service window opens, go to the “Startup” tab.
• Uncheck the checkboxes for mediocre programs and utilities.
• Reboot your system.

You will be pleasantly surprised how much faster your computer boots. When a laptop (Windows 7, version eight or XP) slows down, this is one of the most important actions in the general optimization complex.

Disable unnecessary OS services

Of course, the developers of the Windows operating environment have provided for literally all scenarios for using the system. However, some of the services can be disabled “painlessly”. This action is especially relevant for owners of laptops whose hardware is not particularly powerful.

• In the Control Panel menu, find and activate the Administrative Tools icon.
• Then click on “Services”.
• The entire list of enabled Windows services will be displayed in the right area of ​​the working window.

Attention: you should not thoughtlessly deactivate (seemingly unnecessary) utilities, as there is a high probability that you will disable elements that are critical for a stable operating system. For the sake of wisdom, seek competent advice from experts.

Putting things in order in the Windows registry

If your laptop starts to slow down, you need to check the OS system log for erroneous and therefore unnecessary entries in the main database of the operating environment.

• Open CCleaner again.
• Go to the “Registry” tab to a new working window.
• Now you should activate the “Search for problems” button.
• After a short scanning process, click “Fix”.
• Affirmatively agree to the service request to continue.

Remember: you should not disturb the system registry too often. This can have a detrimental effect on the usefulness of the operating OS!

Defragmenting your hard drive

Traditional type HDD requires systematic maintenance. After all, the user is constantly downloading, installing and moving data. The “dispersion” of digital records makes it difficult for the mobile reading mechanism of the hard drive to work. A laptop running slowly is a consequence of neglecting the defragmentation process. Let's fix the situation...

• Activate the “Computer” service shortcut.
• Select the system disk by long pressing the right mouse button.
• From the drop-down list, select Properties.
• Now you need to open the “Service” tab.
• The first operation will be “Check the disk for the presence of...”.
• Then, after the reboot, defragment the service partition.

It is worth noting that in some cases it makes sense to optimize literally the entire disk space of the hard drive. Therefore, be patient and defragment each HDD partition step by step.

Personalization of new systems

Another method, the description of which will give you the answer to the question of how to increase the speed of your laptop.

• While in the desktop area, right-click the context menu.
• From the list, select Personalization.
• If you use the “Simplified Style” design from the base unit, you will certainly feel an increase in the “combat efficiency” of your electronic machine.

Graphics resources are especially valuable when the PC hardware configuration does not have a discrete video card. The operation of the integrated chip is supported by the computer's CPU and RAM. It may well turn out that the “culprit” of low performance is the activated “Aero” design. Switch to a simpler personalization scheme. To fine-tune, follow: “Control Panel” - “System” - “Advanced Settings”. In the “System Properties” window, activate the first “Options” button, which is located in the “Performance” block.

Non-standard situations: laptop slows down after reinstallation

A common mistake made by many novice users is placing a new copy of the distribution on top of an old, ineffective one. The process of replacing system files is an extremely unreliable way to update the OS. After some time, the “bloated operating system” will begin to slow down again. Well, if the user has not previously scanned his hard drive with a special anti-virus utility, then trouble is inevitable. The malicious code will make itself known again. As a result, you will waste your time, and in some cases even your nerves.

• After downloading and installing the free antivirus utility “Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool”, run it on your PC.
• After scanning, delete infected files.
• Before installing a new Windows OS, the hard drive must be completely formatted.

Instead of a conclusion

So, you are familiar with the main points of the problem: the laptop is slowing down, what to do. However, the recommendations described above are not the entire list of optimization methods. There are a lot of programs, the use of which helps the user restore lost stability and productivity to their “iron friend” in just a couple of clicks. Within the framework of this article, only one of them was discussed. But, if you begin to notice that the sound on your laptop is slow, then it may well be that the problem lies in a technical malfunction of the device. Perhaps a simple reinstallation of audio drivers will help in such a situation. Anyway, don't despair! If you found this article, you will certainly find the necessary answer to your question in the future. Happy optimization to you!

About 10 years ago we could not imagine life without a computer. Today, almost every one of us uses a laptop. But time is not kind to your favorite gadgets. If your laptop is running slower than before, there could be a number of reasons for this.

But this does not mean that you cannot help him.

We have found several effective ways to help your device and are sharing them with you.

1. Do some spring cleaning

• Over time, we accumulate a lot of files and programs that we don't use. To properly clean up your laptop’s memory, it’s worth understanding the types of unnecessary files and where they are stored. There are special applications that will find bulky and unused files, offering to get rid of them. Maybe it's time to forget about that very video from graduation?
• If you want to do everything manually, then use the standard operating system tools. On Mac OS, look at the "Other" section in "Storage", and on Windows, start with the "Desktop" and the "Downloads" folder.

2. Update your system

• Updates for Mac OS or Windows are not only necessary for security, they can also improve system performance. For example, Apple promises that the new Mac OS (High Sierra) will make your Mac faster and more functional.
• As a rule, the system downloads the necessary updates itself, but it’s never a bad idea to check their status. For Windows, this can be done in the “Control Panel - Windows Update” section, for Mac - “About this Mac - Software Update”.

3. Clean startup

• When installing programs, some of them are added to startup, that is, they are launched when the laptop is turned on. Even if you don't use them, they eat up your laptop's resources.
• In modern versions of Windows (8 and 10), this section can be found in the “Task Manager” (Ctr+Alt+Del). In Windows 7, press Win+R and write “MSConfig” in the line; in Mac OS - “System Preferences - Users and Groups - Login Objects”.
• Programs that are required at startup can be enabled or disabled manually. The main thing is not to touch those components whose names are unclear to you.

4. Get rid of viruses

• If the laptop's performance suddenly deteriorates, then the problem may be due to malware. Modern viruses are so cunning that even with an antivirus installed you cannot feel safe.
• If you suspect that something is wrong with your laptop, use the free utility from Dr.Web. Disable your antivirus, check your computer with the utility and, perhaps, everything will fall into place. Most importantly, do not forget about prevention: any suspicious sites, files or email messages can pose a threat.

5. Look inside

• You take your laptop to work or on trips, it sits either on your lap or on the dining table. This leads to dust and dirt quickly sticking to the laptop, which is almost impossible to see from the outside.
• You can tell if a laptop is dirty by its temperature and the sound of its operation: if the device is hot and noisy, you have a problem. You can solve them by opening the case and armed yourself with a brush or entrusting it to professionals. To ensure everything goes smoothly, before disassembling the laptop, you should take a photo of it assembled and watch a couple of video tutorials on YouTube.

6. Change what you can.

• Many laptop models, like regular PCs, can be improved. For example, increase the amount of RAM, which will lead to increased performance. In addition, instead of a regular hard drive (HDD), you can install a solid-state SSD. The speed of work is guaranteed to increase. Finally, don't forget that many laptops have a removable battery. When the resource comes to an end, it can be updated.

If your laptop doesn't listen to you

The tips you read above are options for solving common problems. Below you will find several nuances that will be useful to you if you want to extend the life of your device.

• Try to know everything about your laptop model. Basic characteristics are written on the device body or under the battery and are contained in the documents. They will be useful to you when contacting workshops or private craftsmen.
• If you think that replacement of spare parts- it’s a costly and troublesome task, then at least don’t forget about the basic things - cleaning the laptop from dust and dirt and clearing the device’s memory.
• If you are wondering how you can improve your laptop, then check out YouTube. Technicians from all over the world share video tips on repairing and upgrading their devices. Perhaps yours is among them?
• Remember that any changes in the device configuration, as well as opening the case, are only advisable after the expiration of the official guarantee.
• Don't let your laptop fall into disrepair. It is best not to fix the breakdown, but to prevent it. Use tips for caring for your device, monitor the condition of the battery, memory and display.

If your laptop freezes, then the cause of this problem may be a number of factors. Usually it is possible to fix the problem at home, but in order for the laptop to work without failures, you first need to find the cause of the breakdown.

Causes of the problem

Possible reasons for a laptop freezing can be roughly divided into two categories:

• Hardware – problems with hardware, for example, overheating of components.
• Software – errors in Windows operation, virus infection, etc.

If the device freezes when loading Windows, then it is most likely a hardware failure. If the system starts up and works for some time, then you need to pay attention to the state of the operating system, although there may be exceptions, which are described below.

Stuck when turning on and off

If the laptop freezes completely when turned on, then you should look for the reason primarily in the physical condition of the components. What problems lead to this situation:

• Problems with RAM sticks - it is unlikely that you will be able to fix them yourself; you will need to disassemble the laptop.
• Hard drive malfunctions - you can check the status of the drive using a bootable USB flash drive with the Victoria program.
• Laptop contamination and components overheating.

If the laptop slows down at the system boot stage, but before that it turns on normally, then try starting Windows in safe mode. On Windows 7, you can select safe mode through the menu, which is called up by pressing the F8 key when you turn on the computer. If the system boots in safe mode, then you need to clean the startup list - one or more programs are slowing down Windows startup in normal mode.

On Windows 8 and Windows 10, the F8 key does not work, so you will have to wait until the system starts. To clear startup:

If Windows boots normally without startup programs, then simply do not allow applications to load with the system. Open the startup list again and mark only those programs that are vital - antivirus, applications for managing the video card. All other applications can be launched manually.

Another unpleasant situation is that the laptop works fine, but when it finishes working it starts to slow down terribly and doesn’t turn off for a long time. This is usually caused by a program or process that the system cannot terminate. When Windows 10 shuts down, a message box always appears telling you which apps are still running. You can return to the system, launch the task manager, and kill stubborn processes manually.

At the same time, check the system with an antivirus - there may be processes that prevent the computer from shutting down normally or are somehow harming the system.

Freezing during operation

If the laptop freezes a few minutes after turning it on, then try to detect some systematicity in the occurrence of problems. For example, Windows freezes after launching a game or program - this means that the problem is in the software that you are trying to launch. Reinstall it or uninstall it since the laptop cannot work with it.

Another reason could be incompatible drivers. If the problem occurs after connecting new hardware and installing software, then you should stop using this hardware or look for other drivers. If, for example, a mouse or other equipment freezes, and not the entire system, then you should also pay attention to the drivers and the physical state of the device.

There are no such obvious indicators - you will have to do a little independent diagnostics of the laptop. If you are wondering how to reboot your machine to begin diagnostics, the answer depends on whether the laptop is responsive to your requests. If you can open the Start menu and click Restart, then use this method to restart.

Is your laptop frozen and not responding at all? Then you will need knowledge on how to turn off a frozen device. Press and hold the power button until the screen goes dark. If this does not help, then unplug the laptop and remove the battery from it - this is a last resort.

After turning it on, first check your laptop using an antivirus. Use not only the installed anti-virus software, but also the free Dr.Web CureIT utility, downloaded from the developer’s official website. By the way, if you install a modern, powerful antivirus on an old laptop, it will also slow down mercilessly due to lack of resources.

A full hard drive can also cause the system to slow down or freeze. Open Computer and see how much space is left on the system partition. If the bar turns red, then you have dangerously full the disk. Try cleaning it of unnecessary files and programs. Also, remove temporary data:

Unfortunately, sometimes the cause of a laptop freezing is not only such a trifle as temporary files. The reasons may also be hardware in nature. If your laptop turns on and runs for a bit, then freezes and won't turn on again, and then after a while it turns on again and runs for a while, then you are definitely dealing with overheating components. To eliminate this drawback, you need to disassemble the laptop, clean it of dust and check the cooling system.

Problems may arise in the operation of the hard drive, motherboard, or RAM. You can independently check the temperature of components using programs like Speccy or run RAM and hard drive tests in MemTest and Victoria. But in such cases it is difficult to diagnose the problem on your own, so it is better to contact a service center to avoid even more serious problems.

Over time, almost all laptop owners notice that the device begins to work more slowly. The reasons for this type of work can be many factors. The most common one is outdated equipment. For example, a new game with high system requirements lags because one of the laptop parameters is too low. Most often this parameter is RAM.

Eliminating the cause is quite simple - you need to, after which it will work stably and quickly again. But insufficient RAM is far from the only reason.

Reduced laptop performance due to viruses

Equipment owners mistakenly believe that if an antivirus with new databases is installed on a laptop, then the device is protected from viruses. In fact, viruses spread easily and quickly through emails, downloaded files, and games from pirated resources. New viruses often work under the guise of system processes, making them very difficult to detect.

Some types of malware are divided into several files and run together with the operating system, making it almost impossible to remove them yourself. Other malware is installed on top of the operating system and settles in RAM, from where only .

If the laptop slows down and freezes, you need to immediately scan the system with an antivirus and delete all suspicious files. As a rule, all antiviruses have a similar interface:

1. You need to run the program.
2. Select “Scan” or “Scan” (depending on the antivirus itself).
3. Wait until the check is completed.
4. Remove suspicious files.
5. Make sure the device is working better.

File fragmentation

Equipment owners may notice that the laptop has become very slow if files are not defragmented in a timely manner. Unorganized operating system files can reduce the device's performance, resulting in freezing and slow performance.

For defragmentation, a program that is already in the operating system, as well as third-party software, is used. The program analyzes the state of unfragmented files and gives a signal about the need to defragment. The process may take some time, but once defragmented, the device will usually run faster. It is recommended to check and defragment regularly.

The registry files also need cleaning. Many uninstalled programs leave behind folders with some files that take up the computer's shared resources, causing it to work slower. For example, there is no point in storing old saves from deleted games or shortcuts to startup programs that have already been deleted. There are many useful applications for cleaning the registry.

Applications running in the background

If even the most powerful laptop starts to slow down, you should make sure that there are no programs running in the background that are reducing the performance of the device. All these processes are displayed in the task manager or the lower right corner. Programs such as antivirus should be running at all times, but some may well be disabled to reduce the load on the central processor and RAM.

Other reasons affecting work speed

A decrease in laptop speed may be caused by the appearance of bad sectors on the hard drive. This is a common problem with laptops that are more than three years old. Third-party software or standard operating system programs can be used to search for bad sectors.

Even overheating a laptop can lead to decreased performance, freezes, spontaneous reboots, and even shutdowns. If the ventilation is clogged, it cannot cope with cooling the processor, video chip and other parts. In this case, the laptop turns off. For this reason, it should be carried out regularly.

Correct operating system settings will help optimize the performance of the processor and RAM. For example, by increasing the paging file, you can significantly improve the performance of the device.