If your computer is running slow, you might be tempted to buy a new one or take it to a professional. But before you do that, you can try some simple repairs that can improve your computer's performance and save you money. Here are some of the most common types of repairs you can do yourself.
Malware is any software that harms your computer or steals your data. It can slow down your computer by using up your resources, displaying unwanted ads, or changing your settings. To check for malware, you need a reliable antivirus program that can scan your computer and remove any threats. You should also update your antivirus regularly and avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
When removing malware from your computer, it is recommended that you reboot your computer into safe mode or a pre-installation environment before running your antivirus scan. This will allow your antivirus software to more effectively remove the malware from your system. Performing a Microsoft Defender Offline scan is another great option as it runs the scan from a trusted environment where it can target malware that may be more difficult to detect and remove.
Malware is any software that harms your computer or steals your data. It can be a real menace, slowing down your computer's performance by consuming resources, bombarding you with unwanted ads, or tampering with your settings. To safeguard against these threats, having a dependable antivirus program is crucial. Regularly scanning your system and promptly removing any detected threats is essential. Moreover, staying vigilant online by refraining from clicking on dubious links or attachments protects your cybersecurity measures.
Your disk is where your computer stores your files and programs. Over time, your disk can get cluttered with temporary files, duplicate files, unused programs, and other junk. This can reduce your disk space and make your computer slower. To clean up your disk, you can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool in Windows or a third-party program that can delete unnecessary files and optimize your disk. You should also uninstall any programs that you don't use or need.
Defragmenting your disk is another way to improve your disk performance. When you save, delete, or move files on your disk, they can get fragmented, meaning that they are stored in different locations and not in a continuous order. This can make your computer work harder and slower to access your files. To defrag your disk, you can use the built-in Disk Defragmenter tool in Windows or a third-party program that can rearrange your files and make them easier to read.
Defragging disks is quite an old technique to cleaning up mechanical drives. As technology has progressed and most users will be faced with using an SSD or an NVME it would be more beneficial if you are using a mechanical HDD to upgrade to an SSD or NVME if your board has a slot or you are prepared to use a PCI-E adaptor.
RAM stands for random access memory, and it is where your computer stores the information that it needs to run your programs and tasks. The more RAM you have, the faster your computer can process your data. If you have too little RAM, your computer can slow down or freeze when you run multiple programs or open many tabs. To upgrade your RAM, you need to buy compatible memory modules and install them in your computer's slots. You can check your computer's specifications and manuals to find out how much RAM you can add and how to do it.
Drivers are software that allow your computer to communicate with your hardware devices, such as your keyboard, mouse, printer, or monitor. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause problems with your computer's performance, such as errors, crashes, or slow loading. To update your drivers, you can use the built-in Device Manager tool in Windows or a third-party program that can scan your computer and download the latest drivers for your devices. You should also check the manufacturer's websites for any updates or patches.
Your settings can also affect your computer's speed and performance. For example, you can disable some of the visual effects and animations that make your computer look nice but use up your resources. You can also change your power plan to optimize your battery life or performance. You can also disable some of the startup programs that run automatically when you turn on your computer but are not essential for your work. You can change your settings by using the Control Panel or the Settings app in Windows.
They are so cheap, go get a new one. But don’t buy Windows 11 yet for home or business ( unless you have no choice. Differences 11 over 10 will require 1. A classic shell load if you want the start button back. 2. Application Store is the new theory. You don’t buy software from vendors and direct download. You go to the Microsoft Store as modeled after the Apple Store. I am not saying you must use Applications Store exclusively. I am telling you this is how you go virus and malware free in same equivalent you now enjoy with the Apple OS. 3. The Taskbar is locked to not un-combine in some earlier builds. 4. I do not recommend you join the Early Release group. There are too many bugs already. Could write a small book