How can I tell what’s causing my Windows computer to bog down?

by | Feb 1, 2026 | Around the House, Featured Article (05), General Interest, Magazine

Computer News

How can I tell what’s causing my Windows computer to bog down?

If your Windows computer is slowing down, there are several potential reasons. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify the cause:

  1. Check Task Manager
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Look at the Processes tab to view running applications and their resource usage (CPU, Memory, Disk).
  • Identify any programs consuming excessive resources.
  1. Check Startup Programs
  • In Task Manager, navigate to the Startup tab.
  • Disable any unnecessary programs that launch at startup to speed up boot time and reduce resource usage.
  1. Run a Virus/Malware Scan
  • Use Windows Defender or a reputable third-party antivirus software to scan for malware or viruses that could be slowing your system down.
  1. Update Software and Drivers
  • Ensure your operating system and software applications are up to date.
  • Check for driver updates via Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
  1. Check Disk Space
  • Ensure your hard drive isn’t near capacity. Go to This PC to check available storage.
  • Remove unnecessary files or use Disk Cleanup to free up space.
  1. Check for Hardware Issues
  • Inspect your hardware components, such as RAM and hard drive. If your RAM is nearly full, consider upgrading it.
  • Run a disk check by typing chkdsk /f in Command Prompt (Admin) to scan for disk errors.
  1. Check Background Services
  • Some background services may consume resources. Check services running in the background and disable any non-essential ones.
  1. Performance Settings
  • Adjust your Windows performance settings. Search for “Performance Options” in the Control Panel and select “Adjust for best performance” to disable visual effects.
  1. Consider a Clean Boot
  • To troubleshoot, perform a clean boot to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if background applications are causing the slowdown.
  1. Check for Updates
  • Make sure your Windows operating system is up to date, as updates can fix bugs and improve performance.

If you follow these steps and still experience slow performance, there may be a more serious underlying issue, such as failing hardware or the need for a system reset or reinstallation.

Contact your local computer store for more help.