Have you ever sat down to start your day, clicked on a program, and waited... and waited... and waited? A slow device can be incredibly frustrating, and it’s a problem many of us encounter. Whether you're running a business or simply working from home, sluggish technology can cost time, money, and patience. So, what’s causing it, and how can you fix it?
I’m Andy Newbrook, an IT Business Consultant with over 15 years of experience helping businesses optimise their technology. I specialise in assisting SMEs in the UK, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve when it comes to IT performance, cybersecurity, and sustainability. If your tech is dragging you down, I’m here to help.
Why Is Your Device Running Slowly?
There are many potential reasons your device might be underperforming:
- Insufficient Hardware: Older devices might not have the power to run modern software efficiently. For instance, Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its End of Life (EOL) in October 2025, and many businesses will need to upgrade to Windows 11. However, Windows 11 has more demanding system requirements, including a minimum of 16GB of RAM for smooth performance.
- Overloaded Storage: Devices with almost full hard drives can struggle to run efficiently. Temporary files, old software, and unnecessary data take up valuable space.
- Too Many Background Processes: Over time, we install countless programs, many of which run quietly in the background, using up resources.
- Outdated Software: Old operating systems and drivers can slow down your machine as newer programs often rely on updates to function correctly.
- Malware or Viruses: A compromised system can be slowed down significantly by malicious software working behind the scenes.
How to Speed Up Your Device
If your device is running slowly, here are some ways to get it back up to speed:
- Upgrade Your Hardware: Adding more RAM or switching to a faster solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly improve performance. For users looking to adopt Windows 11, ensuring your device meets or exceeds the recommended specs, including 16GB of RAM, is crucial.
- Clear Unnecessary Files: Use built-in tools like Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files and free up space. Consider cloud storage or external drives for archiving old data.
- Reduce Startup Programs: Open your Task Manager and disable programs that automatically run on startup but aren’t essential.
- Update Your Software: Regularly update your operating system, drivers, and key applications to ensure compatibility and efficiency.
- Check for Malware: Run a trusted antivirus or malware removal tool to ensure your device is secure and not being slowed by malicious programs.
- Consider Professional Help: Sometimes, a complete overhaul, including replacing older machines, might be the most effective solution—especially with the impending EOL of Windows 10.
If your device—or your team’s devices—are slowing you down, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you need a hardware upgrade, advice on transitioning to Windows 11, or tips for optimising your existing technology, I’d be delighted to help.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can speed up your workstations and keep your business running smoothly. Let’s turn those frustrating waits into efficient workflows!
