Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your Computer

Many users notice slowdowns on their computers and assume there is something wrong with the device. Computer slowdown is a common problem, especially for those who use their devices for work. It can delay task completion and hinder your productivity.

Several factors can contribute to computer slowdown, including its age. Like humans, computers age and become slower. However, unlike humans, this decrease in performance is not due to fatigue or stress from years of use. Instead, it results from the increasing complexity and demands of operating systems, software, applications, and services. These require more hardware resources and computing power.

As a result, we often seek to upgrade our computer’s components, such as adding more RAM, using faster storage solutions (SSDs), or upgrading the CPU. For laptops, replacing the entire system may be necessary if components can’t be upgraded.

However, even relatively new computers can experience performance issues. In these cases, the problem likely lies in your usage habits. Let’s explore some of the most common practices that can cause computer slowdown and, in worst-case scenarios, system crashes

1. Running Multiple Programs at Once

If you are not familiar with computer maintenance, you may not know how to check which programs are running in the background.

We often install many programs, and some of them run constantly in the background. These programs consume not only internet bandwidth but also system resources, such as the CPU and RAM. If you don’t have enough free RAM, your computer will slow down significantly.

Therefore, look at the program icons in the taskbar next to the clock and date. If there are many programs that you are not using, close them immediately. You may need to click the small upward arrow to view all of the programs running in the background.

The next step is even more important: checking the programs that start automatically when you boot your computer. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager.”

In the Task Manager window, select the Startup tab, which is typically located third or fourth from the top. You will see a list of all the programs that start automatically when you turn on your computer. To turn off a program, right-click on its icon and select “Disable.” Do this for any programs that do not require immediate execution at startup. This may help to improve your computer’s performance by reducing startup time and resource usage for other programs that need to run smoothly.

2. Forgetting to Restart Your Computer Regularly 

Most of us only restart our computers when we encounter problems. However, this is a bad habit, especially for Windows computers.

The main purpose of restarting your computer is to refresh the RAM and clear all the processes and programs that are consuming large amounts of it. Some programs have a “memory leak” problem, which means they consume more and more RAM over time while running in the background.

In addition, operating system updates often fix various Windows problems and errors. These updates require a computer restart to be installed correctly. Therefore, you need to restart your computer regularly to apply these updates and free up RAM. You don’t need to restart daily, but a few times a week is sufficient.

3. Recklessly Clicking Links

Many websites are “minefields” of malware and viruses. These websites aim to exploit victims by offering pirated files. Once you download a program or file from such a site, your computer may become infected and slow down significantly.

In addition, many deceptive emails try to lure you with promises of rewards. Remember, when browsing spam emails that redirect you to external websites, they may be traps designed to infect your device with viruses and steal your accounts. Therefore, always be careful and think carefully before clicking on the “Download” button, especially when browsing websites you don’t trust.

You now know what can slow down your computer. This article explored common user behaviors that can lead to computer slowdown. If you have been making any of these mistakes, now is the time to correct them based on the tips provided.