If your Windows or Mac computer has experienced a sudden drop in performance, it is likely that the problem is caused by a malfunctioning software, operating system, or hardware component. The best way to diagnose the cause is to go through the full list of possible options point by point until the culprit is identified with certainty.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Diagnosing a Software Problem on Windows Systems
Step 1. Press the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + D to access the desktop directly and quickly
The next command must be run right from the desktop.
Problems generated by software installed on Windows systems often cause a slowdown in normal computer operation. Fortunately, the cause of this type of problem is easy to identify and fix, regardless of the version of Windows you are using
Step 2. Press the hotkey combination Alt + F4, then select the option "Reboot system" from the drop-down menu that appeared
At this point the computer will automatically restart.
Step 3. Log into Windows with a system administrator account
If your account is the only one registered, it means it is also the computer administrator account. After logging in, wait approximately 5 minutes for the operating system to complete loading all software components before continuing.
Step 4. Press the hotkey combination Ctrl + Alt + Del to access the "Task Manager" window (or "Task Manager" in older versions of Windows)
This program allows you to identify the software program or application that is using an excessive percentage of system resources.
Step 5. If you are using Windows 10, first press the "More Details" button
By default the Windows 10 "Task Manager" program shows a limited amount of information, so if you see the "More details" button, press it to access the extended version of the program.
Step 6. Select the "Processes" tab
A normal computer, at any given time, has a large number of processes running concurrently in the background. Some of these processes are started automatically by the operating system. You will notice that some processes belong to a single program or software, don't worry this is completely normal. The appeared list is divided into columns that contain percentages. Each percentage shows the use, in real time, of the specific resource it refers to. The name of the running processes is displayed in the column at the far left of the window.
Step 7. Click each column header to sort the list of active processes by the ones that are using the most resources
Our goal is to display the highest usage rates at the top of the table. Each column present represents a fundamental resource of the computer.
- CPU: it is the column that shows the percentage of use of the computer's microprocessor (the central processing unit of the whole system) divided according to the active processes.
- Memory: Shows the percentage of RAM memory currently used by each process.
- Disk: Most modern versions of Windows use this column to show hard disk usage by individual running processes.
Step 8. Select one of the processes in the list and press the "End Task" button
If you notice that one or more processes are using 100% or nearly 100% of a specific resource, it most likely is the cause of the problem that is slowing down the normal operation of your computer. Select it and press the "End Task" button to stop it from running. This step should instantly increase the "responsiveness" of the computer. Remember that some programs are configured to be restarted automatically when one or more processes are terminated. If you don't know what software the process causing the problem is referring to, try a simple online search using the string "[process_name] what it is".
Step 9. If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, press the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + R, then type the command
msconfig.exe
within the "Open" field of the "Run" window that appeared.
This will bring up the "System Configuration" system window. If you are using Windows 8 or later, skip to the next step directly.
Step 10. Select the "Startup" tab
It lists all the programs that are automatically started by the operating system when the computer is turned on. If the number of these software is too large, the computer will take a considerable amount of time to complete the startup procedure and normal use will be slowed down. Programs that are configured to start automatically are marked with a check mark (on Windows 7 or earlier systems) or "Enabled" (on Windows 8 and later systems).
Step 11. Disable automatic starting of applications
If you are using Windows 8 or a newer version, select one of the programs in the list, then press the "Disable" button. Users of Windows 7, Windows Vista or earlier versions will simply have to deselect the check button for the program in question, to prevent it from running automatically when the computer starts.
- Note: Some applications require specific programs to start automatically in order to function properly. Refer to the information provided by the creator or distributor of the program in question to find out which applications or software require its use.
- It is possible to re-enable the automatic start of a program at any time.
Step 12. Press the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + S, type in the keyword
performance
within the search field that appeared, then select the "Change Windows appearance and performance" icon.
Windows systems often slow down the normal operation of the computer due to the visual effects used by the operating system.
Step 13. Select the "Adjust for Best Performance" radio button
If the "Adjust for the best look" option is currently selected, this configuration is most likely contributing to the problem.
Step 14. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + R, type the command
msinfo32
inside the "Open" field of the "Run" window that appeared, then press the key Enter.
Verify that the technical specifications of the system in use, shown in the "System Information" window that appears, meet (and hopefully greatly exceed) the minimum requirements required to run the installed operating system and all other programs.
- RAM: Scroll through the list to locate "Physical Memory Installed", which shows the total amount of RAM in your computer. Nowadays, a PC that has 4GB of RAM or less is bound to perform less than one that has at least 6GB.
- Processor: Some programs require the CPU to have a certain computing capacity expressed by a minimum number of cores or a minimum clock speed. Compare the data shown with that required by the program you want to use.
Step 15. Verify that your operating system is not infected with malware
Adware, malware, viruses, and spyware can greatly slow down a computer's normal operation. To detect these types of threats, scan your entire system using a dedicated program. Refer to this guide for more details on this.
Step 16. Restart your computer
After completing all the steps described in this section, try using your computer as you normally do. If you do not notice any significant improvements (and the hardware specifications meet the minimum requirements of the installed software), try optimizing the functioning of the hard drive and checking that all the hardware on the computer is working properly.
Method 2 of 4: Diagnosing the Cause of Loss of Performance on a Mac
Step 1. Press your Mac's power button, then choose the "Restart" option
Before trying any other diagnostic procedures, simply try restarting your computer. Sometimes this simple trick is enough to restore normal operation of a Mac. Before continuing, wait a few minutes after restarting to give the operating system time to complete the start-up procedure.
Step 2. Click the Finder icon located on the desktop Dock to be able to access all files stored on the Mac
At this point we need to identify all those applications that can be removed from the system. Before proceeding make sure you have made a complete backup of all data.
Step 3. Choose the "Applications" item
This section lists all applications and programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list to find all those software that you have not used for a long time.
Step 4. Drag the icon of the applications you want to delete to the trash
Some programs will ask you to enter a password before they are uninstalled. This is the same password you use to log into your Mac, so if that's your case, type it in and hit enter.
Remember that programs built into the operating system such as Safari and Mail cannot be removed
Step 5. Scroll through the list of folders in the left sidebar of the window to locate unused or no longer needed files
For example, the Desktop, Downloads, Music, Pictures folders may be full of files you no longer need.
Step 6. Drag the files you want to delete onto the trash icon on the Dock
Alternatively, you can click the file in question while holding down the Ctrl key and then choose the "Move to Trash" option from the context menu that appeared.
Step 7. Select the "Utilities" folder with a double click of the mouse while you are still inside the "Applications" section, then choose the "Activity Monitor" item
The "Activity Monitor" program is useful for identifying processes and applications that are consuming an excessive percentage of CPU, RAM or hard drive. The processes currently active on your computer are listed in the far left column of the "Activity Monitor" window.
Step 8. Go to the "CPU" tab to check if the processor is 100% used
Look at the percentages displayed at the top of the first column ("% CPU"). If you wish, you can sort the list in descending order, based on processor usage, by clicking the "% CPU" column header. Programs showing a high percentage in this column mean they are using a lot of the overall computing power of the microprocessor.
- If a single program is using the most CPU, contact the software developers for advice on how to optimize its performance.
- There is a possibility that the program under consideration was developed to take advantage of a more powerful and faster CPU. If this software is indispensable for your work and you don't have an alternative to replace it with, try contacting Apple's technical support for help on how to fix the problem.
Step 9. Go to the "Memory" and "Disk" tabs to view the percentage of RAM and hard disk usage
The logic that is applied is the same as in the previous step: the higher the percentage of use, the greater the impact the processes have on the hardware component. If any of these hardware resources are consistently used over 75% of total capacity, ask an Apple Store staff for advice on how to upgrade your Mac hardware.
- If it's just the memory usage that's excessive, ask a professional Apple technician for advice on how to increase the RAM installed in your system.
- If hard drive usage to be excessive, consider installing a second device. "Solid State Drive" hard drives are the fastest and most reliable option currently on the market and can be installed in a Mac. An Apple Store technician will be able to point you to the best option based on to your needs.
Step 10. Access the "Apple" menu, choose the "System Preferences" item, select the "Users and Groups" icon, then click the "Login Items" tab
This section lists all the programs that run automatically when your computer starts. Also in this case an excessive number of programs that start automatically when the system is turned on can cause a decrease in performance.
Step 11. Click a program name, then press the "-" button to remove it from the list of those that start automatically
You can always run a program at the end of the computer startup procedure by clicking on its icon located in the "Applications" folder.
- Remember not to change this list unless you know exactly what you are doing.
- Programs like Spotify, Utorrent, Photoshop Not they need to be run when the computer starts. If you use them regularly or use other programs that are not essential for the proper functioning of the system, but which appear in the "Login Items" list, you can safely remove them.
Step 12. Scan your Mac for malware
If you notice pop-ups appearing, browsing the web slower than normal, or notice other suspicious behavior, your Mac is most likely infected with malware or adware. Check out this guide for more details on how to detect and eliminate malicious programs infecting your computer. It is a good idea to regularly scan all computers on your LAN for malware and viruses.
Step 13. Select the App Store icon on the Dock, then go to the "Updates" tab
The slowdowns experienced during normal use of the Mac could be caused by a software problem that could be corrected with a simple update. Within this App Store tab you will find all the updates available for the operating system and for the individual apps installed.
Step 14. Press the "Update" button to install a program update
Alternatively, you can choose to install all the updates listed by pressing the "Update All" button. This step may take some time to complete, depending on the speed of your internet connection and your computer.
Step 15. Go to the "Apple" menu, choose the "System Preferences" item, select the "Extensions" icon, then choose the "All" category to disable the extensions you no longer use
This section lists all the extensions installed by third-party programs on your Mac. Uncheck the checkbox of any extensions you no longer want to use.
Step 16. Go to the "Apple" menu, choose the "About this Mac" item, then press the "More Info" button to view the technical specifications of the entire system
If your Mac is starting to get a little dated, you will most likely need to upgrade its hardware components to a better performing version. Go to the "Memory" section to find out the amount of RAM installed. Now compare it with the hardware requirements of the program you use or want to use. Do the same step with the "Archive" section.
Method 3 of 4: Optimize the Hard Drive (Windows Systems)
Step 1. Press the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + S to access the Windows "Search" function, then type in the keyword
defragment
in the text field that appeared.
If the computer you are using is not performing as it should, the cause could be the hard drive that needs to be optimized. A great way to get started is by defragmenting the drive. The search results list may consist of multiple items that contain the keyword "defragment".
Step 2. Select the "Defragment and Optimize Drive" icon (on Windows 8 and later systems) or "Disk Defragmenter" (on Windows 7 and Windows Vista systems)
A new window will appear showing the list of disks and partitions installed on your computer.
Step 3. Select the hard drive you want to optimize, then hit the "Analyze" button
The goal is to defragment the hard drive or partition that contains the Windows installation. The analysis procedure should be completed in a few moments.
Step 4. If the scanned disk is more than 10% fragmented, press the "Optimize" or "Defragment disk" button
Defragmenting a drive can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to complete. The end result will be an immediate increase in the performance of the entire system.
Step 5. Press the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + S to access the Windows "Search" function, then type in the keyword
cleaning
in the text field that appeared.
Now select the "Disk Cleanup" icon from the list of results. An excess of unused and unnecessary files inside your computer could decrease its processing speed and the Windows utility, "Disk Cleanup", has the task of finding and eliminating them from the system.
Step 6. Select the hard drive that contains the Windows installation, then press the "OK" button
Normally it is labeled "Windows", but if it is not present in most cases it is the "C:" drive. The program will scan the selected drive for delectable contents. This step may take several minutes depending on the size of the disk.
Step 7. Select the name of each file category present to get more information about the content
When the scan results appear on the screen, you will be given a list of the type of data that the program suggests you delete to free up disk space. By clicking on the name of each category, a brief description of the data contained and their use will be displayed.
Step 8. Uncheck the checkbox of the items you want to keep
The "Disk Cleanup" program will delete only the selected data.
Step 9. Press the "Clean System Files" button, then confirm your action by pressing the "OK" button
The program will delete the selected files. This step may take several minutes depending on the amount of data to be deleted.
Method 4 of 4: Check for Hardware Problems (Windows Systems)
Step 1. Select the hard drive icon found in the "Computer" or "This PC" window, then choose the "Properties" option from the context menu that appeared
If you have noticed a decrease in the performance of your computer during normal use, this could be due to a malfunctioning hardware component. The first thing we're going to check is the hard drive. Inside the "Computer" or "This PC" window you will find the list of all partitions and disks present in the system.
Step 2. Go to the "Tools" tab, then press the "Check" button
If no errors are found in the data stored on the hard drive, you will see a small pop-up window appear on the screen indicating that the disk does not need to be analyzed. In this case you can move on to the next step.
- If any errors are found, the program will try to repair them automatically. In most cases, this attempt is successful.
- If the indicated error cannot be repaired, it means that the ideal time has come to make a complete backup of all your personal data and proceed with the purchase of a new hard drive. The one currently installed is about to be irreparably damaged.
Step 3. Press the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + S to access the Windows "Search" function, then type in the keyword
mdsched.exe
in the text field that appeared.
Press the Enter key to open the "Windows Memory Diagnostic" system window. This tool has the task of testing the functioning of the RAM memory (from the English "Random Access Memory") installed in the computer. RAM memory is a fundamental hardware component of any computer.
Step 4. Choose the option "Restart now and detect any problems"
The computer will automatically restart to run the RAM memory check, then it will restart again to show the test results. If any errors are found, it means that the RAM memory module (s) installed in the computer should be replaced with a new one.
Step 5. Notice if the cooling fans are making noise
Approach the back of the computer case and listen for the noises emitted for screeching, rustling, or any other obvious signs that the fans are not working at their best. We all know that a computer's cooling fans make a soft rustle when running, but if you hear an erratic or different sound than normal, it means the computer is in danger of overheating or the cooling fan may be faulty.. In this case, make an appointment with a professional technician to carry out the repair.
Step 6. Purchase a can of compressed air with which to clean the cooling fan housing
If the fans are clogged with a build-up of dust, they lose efficiency and could potentially cause the processor and other components to overheat. Compressed air cans can be purchased from any computer and electronics store.
- Turn off your computer completely and disconnect it from the mains. At this point, place the nozzle of the spray can about 20 cm from the air intake of the fan and use it to remove the accumulated dust.
- Read the directions for use printed on the can to make sure you are using it correctly.
Step 7. When finished, reconnect the computer to the mains and turn it on
If that doesn't fix the problem, try checking for a software problem and optimizing your hard drive. If the problem persists, contact a professional technician for support.
Advice
- Before making any changes to your computer configuration, make sure you have a full backup of your data or have created a restore point.
- If you've identified the cause of the problem, do a Google search for a solution or get helpful advice from others who have already solved it. Often you will find links to guides posted in forums, whose community of users has already experienced the same problem as you and has already solved it.
- If you have no other options or don't know what to do, call the computer manufacturer's technical support. Most devices are covered by a hardware warranty for the first 1-2 years of life, which also includes free technical support.
- To get more information on the cause of the performance drop accused by your computer, you can rely on the expert staff of the assistance centers in the area, such as Apple Stores or Mediaworld points of sale.
