It’s a common occurrence: your computer starts to slow down or becomes unresponsive with extended loading times. This article from MiniTool examines the underlying reasons for your computer's sluggishness. Additionally, you’ll discover ways to boost your PC’s performance.

You might notice that your Windows PC is becoming progressively slower over time. Opening a web browser could take several minutes, or applications may take forever to launch. Keep reading to uncover the hidden causes of your computer's slowdown and learn methods to make your PC run faster.

The Hidden Sluggishness in Your Computer

Why does your PC operate so slowly? Numerous factors can lead to a sluggish computer, but it’s not always apparent which one is directly responsible. However, the following five factors are the primary culprits, along with detailed explanations of the hidden causes of your computer’s slowdown.

1. Fragmentation
2. Memory leak
3. Misplaced programs
4. Startup programs
5. Unused programs

1. Fragmentation: When you use a computer program to access a file or save information, the computer requests memory to carry out the task. Once the operation is complete, the block is supposed to be returned to the resource pool. Over time, as you access more programs and your computer stores parts of your hard drive, it becomes less efficient. This can result in wasted storage space that your computer cannot process effectively.

2. Memory Leak: This term refers to applications occasionally failing to release memory blocks back to the system during the memory retrieval process while performing tasks on the PC. This can consume all available memory, causing other programs to crash due to insufficient memory to finish tasks.

3. Misplaced programs: Your computer programs consist of numerous different files. Over time, these files can become scattered across your hard drive, making it harder to open programs.

4. Startup programs: Memory is needed to load computer programs when you turn on your computer. If you launch several different programs simultaneously, your startup time will increase.

5. Unused programs: Your computer’s hard drive has limited space available. Leaving unused programs on your hard drive can cause your PC to slow down.

How to Make Your PC Quicker

1. Utilize the Optimize Tool – MiniTool System Booster

You can try MiniTool System Booster, a PC optimization tool designed for Windows 11/10/8/7. It can safely eliminate temporary internal files, cache, expired cookies, browsing history, etc. Moreover, it lets you uninstall unnecessary apps and disable startup apps, which can aid in making your PC faster.

Download and install MiniTool System Booster on your PC. You can use the Trial version for 15 days.

Step 1: Clear Your Junk Files

You should clean out junk files such as Windows junk files, Internet junk files, browsing history, and cache. Here’s how to accomplish that using MiniTool System Booster.

Step 1: Upon entering its main interface, you'll see the Performance Home page. The ActiveCare button is enabled by default, and you can click the RUN SCAN button.

Step 2: It will begin scanning your PC with ActiveCare. Then, you can click the ISSUES FOUND section to view more scanning results.

Step 3: There are four categories of issues – Internet junk files, Windows junk files, Registry issues, and Available memory.

Step 4: Depending on your needs, click CLEAN in the respective category.

Step 2: Uninstall Programs You Don't Use

If you haven’t used an application or program in a long time, you may have forgotten it’s still on your computer, consuming valuable space. Follow these steps to uninstall them with MiniTool System Booster.

1. Launch it to reach its main interface and click the dropdown menu to select Toolbox.

2. Under the File Management section, choose Advanced Uninstaller.

3. Then, you can see the installed programs listed. Find the app you wish to remove and click the UNINSTALL button.

2. Update Your Browser and Disable Add-ons

If your computer runs slowly while browsing the internet, ensure you're using the latest version of your web browser. If there’s an option to install updates automatically, enable it. It’s advisable to disable unnecessary add-ons and extensions.

3. Defragment Your Hard Drive

Defragment your hard drive to arrange the disorganized data on your hard drive into easily accessible and orderly blocks. If your computer has slowed down over time, defragmentation can help speed it up. In particular, programs with large file sizes (video editors, games, etc.) can cause hard drive fragmentation, and defragmentation will improve their performance.

4. Upgrade RAM

If your PC operates very slowly, consider upgrading RAM (Random Access Memory). A RAM upgrade can speed up your PC and reduce system freezes or hangs. For guidance, refer to this post – How to Add RAM to a Laptop? See the Simple Guide Now.

5. Upgrade to SSD

If your PC still uses a traditional hard drive, upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly enhance performance. SSDs are faster, more reliable, and offer quicker data access times compared to traditional hard drives. For more information, check out this post – SSD Upgrade: How to Upgrade SSD for Your Computer.

Final Thoughts

Why is your PC so slow? This article outlines the hidden causes of PC slowdown and corresponding solutions. If you wish to make your PC faster, give these tips a try. If you encounter any issues with the MiniTool program, feel free to contact us via email, and we will respond promptly.

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