Computers run slow and turn sluggish for a number of reasons. These reasons are explained below and solutions are recommended.

1. Too Many Applications Loading at Start-up

Problem
A number of applications are already programmed to start immediately you boot your PC. Some of these applications were already pre-installed on your computer by the manufacturer. A long the line as you would have installed some software application of your own and some of these are also programmed to launch as soon as your start up your computer.
A time then comes when all of these software applications that launch themselves at start-up will slow down the booting process, and this can be very frustrating.
You can reduce the number of applications that automatically launch themselves when your start your computer.  To do this you will need to run the MSCONFIG command.  However, it is important that you do not disable system programs. Only disable application you are sure are optional for start-up.

Solution
A better solution will be to use a PC utility software that will help you manage your start-up controls automatically and savely.A very good tool is Spotmau.

2. Issues with Your Windows Registry

Problem
The Windows Registry is a very important part of the Windows Operating system. If this becomes cluttered, bloated and full of errors, your computer system will begin to run very slowly and starting any operation with your PC may turn out to be a nightmare. To speed up your PC again you will have to clean up the Windows Registry.

Solution
The best way to clean fix Registry errors is to use an effective Registry cleaner such as Regtool.

3. Malware – Spyware  and Viruses

Problem
Another reason why your computer may have gone slow is that some malicious application programs may have installed themselves on your computer without your knowledge. This may be as a result of solving unsafe websites, or software downloads made through the Internet. Spyware carry out their spying activities secretly while you run your computer. These activities are not only dangerous but they slow down your computer system.


Viruses can also cause your computer to run slowly. Your computer can get infected by viruses through many ways.  For instant, through emails, software downloads or while browsing the Internet. Apart from its ability to spread and infect every area of your system, viruses can cause your computer to run slowly and ultimately damage the entire system

Solution
You should scan your PC immediately to make sure you do not have any hidden threats. Using reliable antivirus or antimalware software is very vital. One such popular application is the Malwarebyte’s antimalware.

4. Hard Drive Fragmentation

Problem
If your hard drive is badly fragmented, then your PC will run very slowly.
Disk fragmentation is a process that occurs over time. When the files on your hard drive are split into chunks and scattered in various locations on your PC , then your hard drive is said to be fragmented. If chunks of related information are scattered in various locations on the computer, it takes the system more time to locate the information and put it all together and this results in a slow running computer.

Solution
The solution is to defragment your PC as and when needed. Reliable free defrag tools such Defraggler as are available for download online.

5. Security Suite Resources

Problem
Some security software packages that come with loads of functions you rarely use or don’t have a clue how to use may be eating up your resources and therefore slows down your PC system.

Solution
Disable the functions you don’t need, or get a light-weight security software that can also do an excellent job of protecting your PC. A very good antimalware programme is Malwarebyte’s antimalware.

6. Hardware Issues

Problem
The Hardware may have some issues that can result in the computer running slowly.  The hard disk may have a low memory, in which case the solution is to add more memory.  The hardware may also be wearing out, this may result in your computer freezing and crashing.  Another possible problem is that you may be with your system device drivers.

Solution
Before taking your PC to a repair technician, you can use a hardware diagnostic tool. After scanning your hardware, the utility will give you a report and recommend actions to take. You may just need to update your device drivers. You may scan your hardware free use the Reimage online tool.

7. Various PC Issues

Problems

  1. Remnants of Uninstalled programs resulting in error messages and a slow PC.
  2. Loads of temporary Internet and Windows files stored up on your hard drive that needs to be deleted
  3. Pagefile size – if the pagefile size of your OS is too small, your PC will not perform optimally.

Solution
Very comprehensive software applications can diagnose and fix all Windows OS PC issues. A very good example is the Reimage online PC repair application.