The computer is running very slowly

Possible solutions

Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.

1. Load shedding

   If you're experiencing slowdowns while running Windows, check your CPU, RAM, and disk usage; close unnecessary programs.

   Steps to follow

   1. Press Ctrl, Shift and Esc together to open the Task Manager.
   2. If you only see a short list of apps, click More info if available.
   3. Select Processes and click on the CPU column name so that the ones using the most are at the top.
   4. Compare both the Memory and Disk columns. Watch for a few minutes, not just a short jump.
   5. After saving the documents, close the known loading program normally and compare. Do not stop system processes by an unfamiliar name.

2. Fixing the location and startup

   If the disk is full or slows down immediately after connecting, manage personal files and unnecessary startup.

   Steps to follow

   1. Press the Windows logo key and I together on your keyboard to open Settings.
   2. Select "System".
   3. Select "Storage".
   4. View the largest categories; copy your personal files to another media first and verify the copy.
   5. Ctrl+Shift+Esc open Task Manager and "Startup Programs".
   6. Disable only recognized non-essential startup program. Reload and compare; Do not delete Windows folders.

3. Evaluating a disk or RAM problem

   If crashes or disk errors remain, copy the files first and then schedule hardware diagnostics.

   Steps to follow

   1. First, copy important files to another media if the system is stable. If the drive disappears or crashes, stop the self-tests.
   2. To check RAM, save your work, Windows+R type mdsched.exe and select reboot and check.
   3. Let the test finish and note if it finds any errors. One short successful test does not rule out all instability.
   4. For disk information, right-click Start > Device Manager > Disk Devices and write down the model; in its manufacturer's tool, check the health status without applying a wipe or a long test.
   5. If errors are found or the failure occurs again, report the results to the technician. Do not disassemble the RAM, sockets or power supply yourself.