Slow computer systems take much time to proceed through even the simplest of tasks. Often this is the case with older PCs, but even newer ones can get clogged up and perform not as well as expected. If you are embarrassed saying “my computer is slow, what should I do?” to your techie friend all the time, try the below tips to fix the computer running slow issues.

Uninstall Unused or Unwanted Programs

When one purchases a new computer with the OS, plenty of programs are installed. That is one of the reasons why part of the RAM and some hard disk space are already consumed, causing slight variations from that mentioned in specifications. Over time, the number of programs in a PC is subject to increase, thus consuming more of the same. It is likely some of the unwanted software can get clogged up in the background, in turn, slowing down the PC. If you feel that way, remove the unused programs following the below steps.

• Press the Windows key, and click on Control Panel listed on the right pane of the Start menu.
• On the top-right of the Control Panel window, you could see a search field. In that, look up Programs and Features and open that from the search results.
• When the list of installed programs on your computer pop up, see which are the ones you never use. Select them one-by-one, and click on Uninstall button at the top of the pop up window.

Remove Temporary Files

The temp folder in the C: drive stores the files that are required only temporarily. Everything from the browsing history of Internet Explorer to the backup files of Windows programs are temporary files stored in here. Apparently, if remained undeleted for a long period, the size of such files can consume much of the storage space and affect the system performance. Here is how to access the temp folder and delete the files. Note that it is recommended to delete them from time to time, and not just when you feel “my computer is slow”.

• Press Windows and R keys simultaneously to launch the Run dialog box
• In that, type %temp% and press Enter to open the Temp

• Select all files and folders contained in that by pressing Ctrl and A keys at the same time. Then, press Delete key and click on Yes to confirm the action. This will delete all the temp files; you might need to Skip the undeletable files in case Windows prompts about the same.

• Then, return to the desktop, right-click on the Recycle Bin icon, select Empty Recycle Bin, and confirm the same by clicking on Yes upon prompt.

Install an SSD

If you are here looking for answers to “my computer is slow to boot up”, then the hard drive may be to blame. Typically, the drive disk drive uses an actuator arm with a read and write head to read the information stored on the “platter”. Since an SSD uses flash memory and does not have moving parts, it can quickly read data and thus speed up system start-up.

Use External Hard Drive

If you have plenty of HD videos in the PC, at some point it may run out of storage. If so, buy an external hard drive with enough storage space, and back up the large files to it. This can free up the computer space. You can connect such alternative drives to the system via the USB port, and access the files whenever required.

Disable Unwanted Programs from Starting Up Automatically

Whenever you turn on a computer, certain software programs start to run automatically in the background, consuming the memory. So, if yours have such applications, change a setting to disable them from running upon startup.

• Press and hold down Windows and R keys simultaneously.
• In Run command box, type msconfig and press Enter. Then, a dialog box titled System Configuration will pop up on the screen.
• In the dialog box, select Startup tab to see the list of software programs that run when a PC starts up. If you do not want the listed programs in the tab to run automatically with the system startup, deselect the checkbox next to each item. Note that if you require an antivirus to run in the background from the moment you start the computer, then keep it enabled.

Perform Disk Defragment

Disk defragment can optimize the storage space’s efficiency, and is a very useful inbuilt tool to boost computer performance. Below is how to do it.

• Click on Start and choose Computer.
• Right-click on a partitioned drive, that is about to run out of storage, and choose Properties from the context menu.

• In the next dialog box, choose Tools tab, and click on Defragment Now Wait for the process to complete and restart your computer.

If you are still facing the same old computer running slow issues, call our tech support experts at the hotline for advanced troubleshooting.

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Software issues that can happen in a computer are not limited to one or two. It would be quite frustrating when these issues show up while you work with important things on your computer. Yet before you do anything to deal with the errors in the system, it is better to first restart your computer. This may seem as an unwanted step, but many a times, a simple reboot can fix common software issues.

You should also make sure that your computer’s operating system and the software you are facing errors with are updated to the latest version. If your computer is up-to-date, and you still face the errors, get in touch with a computer tech support team to find and resolve the issues. Still, if you had the time, you can try the below quick fixes to deal with common software issues in your computer.

The Computer Keeps Restarting

Firstly, make sure that it is not due to Windows Updates being installed in the computer. Then, update all critical system drivers like graphic cards, video cards, network card drivers, etc. Still, if your computer keeps restarting, it can be due to many things like overheating, virus, adware, etc.

Modern computers consist of safeguarding features that shuts down the machine if any component is overheating, and this can cause frequent restarts if you run programs that demand more processing power. So if the computer gets too much heated when you are working on a specific software, you might have to upgrade the PC components to run the program without glitches.

Too Many Pop-Up Ads Appearing on the Desktop

Sometimes when you are not running any web browser, pop-up ads may still appear on the desktop. This is because you might have installed an adware, the program that displays unwanted ads. Though some adware might be useful, most of them are just spam. To solve this problem, you need to run a complete virus scan of the computer using a credible antivirus software.

Note that additional problems may occur if more than one antivirus program is running. If the antivirus scan did not solve the issue, back up your personal files and then try doing a full system formatting.

The Computer is Very Slow

Usually, people think that computer runs slow because of any problem with the system. Hence, make sure if your computer system is the actual cause of the problem or not. As Windows needs room for creating files in the hard drive while your computer is running, you need to have enough free space in it.

Microsoft’s System Configuration is a great tool to tackle the slow performance problem of a computer. Using the tool, you can disable all unnecessary programs that make the system slow. If you still run into slow computer issues, call a computer tech support team for advanced help.

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Windows Update was a functionality brought out originally to keep your Microsoft software up to date. It includes “Patch Tuesday” security updates, and no one is disputing that all this is useful, and some of it is even necessary. However, at the end of it all, a lion’s share of users find their computer running slow. If you have done an update recently and are now left wondering “Why is my computer so slow?”, there are some things you can try to remedy the situation.

• Restart the computer. This is one way to make many problems disappear, including some following Windows Update. Older versions of the OS like XP had the problem that a single reboot was enough for the changes to take effect.
• Are you unable to access some websites in Internet Explorer? Try resetting the Security Zones of the program to the default levels. This might solve the problem.
• Are you getting trouble from a hardware device? Is it bringing up an error message when you try getting it to work? If so, update the device drivers.
• Is your antivirus failing to update? This issue, if you face it, is a serious one, because it leaves your PC vulnerable to new malware threats. The solution is to update the definition files of the antivirus program, so that the latest threats will not slip past its defenses.
• If the default programs for file extensions have somehow changed, reset them to the way, you had it before the update.

• 

  Do a System Restore. This will remove the Windows Update(s). This is a good idea since it reverses all changes made by the updates.

• Go to the Run command and try running sfc /scannow. This is to see if any Windows files have gotten deleted or corrupted. While System File Checker (sfc) is not a foolproof solution after Windows Update, it is still the next best thing if a System Restore does not help you.
• Test the RAM and the hard drive. Updates cannot have physically damaged either, but a patch being installed may have started off something problematic.

These are some of the generic steps, which you can take to get your computer’s speed back to normal after Windows Update has slowed it down. If they do not work, you will need to choose a method of repair based on your specific OS version.

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Chrome browser blocks popup advertisements by default, helping people surfing the web get a seamless browsing experience without having to close popups from time to time. The browser interface without ads that pops up on-screen would help users to browse without a glitch in any platform Google Chrome is installed, including Windows PC, Android smartphone, or an iOS device. Yet again, in order to access flashy-heavy websites, one would need to disable the popup blocking feature on Google Chrome.

Whenever Chrome blocks a popup ad on a site, you could see an icon denoting that to the upper right side of the address bar where you enter the website URL. If you move the cursor across to that icon on the browser, you will see a notification denoting the specific website or sites for which popups have been blocked by default. Click on the notification that reads Always show pop-ups from the site it is blocked as and when they arrive. If you click on that notification, Chrome browser would add the site to a list of websites for which it provides an exception to popup blocking.

In fact, you can also add the name of frequently visited websites for which you want to have an exception. For that, click on the three-dot menu to the top of Chrome and navigate to Settings > Advanced > Content Settings > Popups > Allow and click on Add to its right. Then, enter the name of a website on Add a site dialog box and click on Add to confirm the same and exempt it from popups getting blocked in future.

In fact, you can also allow all such advertisements or banners by disabling the popup blocking feature on a different version of Chrome. For that, follow the below steps:

• Click on the hamburger-menu denoted by three horizontal lines to the upper right of Chrome.
• Choose Settings and navigate to Show advanced settings.
• Under Privacy heading, click on Content settings
• Under the Pop-ups heading on the dialog box, choose Allow all sites to show pop-ups

Note that this step may change as per the version of Google Chrome you have installed in your device. If the second option shows up on Content Settings in your device, choose Manage exceptions.

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Slow-functioning desktops are not just a thing of the past, as you would know if you have ever had to try and work on one. It is normal for your computer to become sluggish after long use, so we have made a list of four things that might have a hand in it.

Too Many Programs are Open

With today’s obsession for multitasking, people often try and do everything they can all at once. However, there is a limit to what your computer’s processor and memory can handle, and beyond a certain point, you will start noticing that it has gone slow, especially when moving from one program to another. The best way forward is to quit any programs you are not using, and only launch them after you have finished using what is open.

You Don’t Have Enough Memory or Hard Disk Space

According to IT experts, using even as much as 85% of what you have in terms of hard drive or RAM can make the computer slow to a crawl. This can be from programs, temporary files, updates, and downloads taking up too much of either or both. What you need to do first is empty the trash, and then see if there is a way to move some of the biggest files to the cloud.

Help in the form of a computer tech support professional can prove invaluable when you have your computer running slow. As for the RAM, see if you have the option to upgrade it to a higher one for better performance.

Unnecessary Software Updates

Many programs, when you install them, are configured by default to download and install updates, as and when these come out. While this gives you the benefit of better features, the updates themselves can take up a lot of the available hard drive space. That in turn can jeopardize the fast running of your computer. To eliminate this problem, you may want to take a look at a maintenance solution which handles all your updates.

Too Many Automatic Program Launches

Many applications are preset to load directly after startup, and this can sometimes cause your system to slow down when the operating system is loading. You may not even be ware some of these programs are running in the background. To fix this, you will need to disable some of the programs in the startup log.

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It is true that the internet is a dangerous place and there are so many threats out there that can cause serious issues to your PC or laptop. Computer security threats are escalating with each passing year and they have become a lot more malicious due to cybercriminals who are looking to steal personal and financial data of computer users.

The good news is that you will be able to stay away from most of these issues by downloading and installing a reliable antivirus software application on your computer. However, several computer users have no clear idea on how to download and install an antivirus program. If you are one among them, it is best to seek the help of an expert computer tech support service.

Computer users should also take note of the fact that some threats and malware attacks may even compromise the antivirus software application on your computer. So, if you wish to steer far away from such security threats and hassles, it is best to learn about a few common computer security threats that may harm your computer.

USB Drive Malware and Viruses

If you connect a malware or virus infected USB drive into your computer, then there is a good chance for your PC to get infected too. Studies have revealed that more than 50 percent of computer users open a USB drive without scanning it. These sorts of practices will make way for malware into your computer, which will in turn affect the speed and performance of the device.

Insecure Wi-Fi Networks

Several people who use a computer on a daily basis have a misconception that all the data on their laptop is safely locked. The reality is that if you are visiting dangerous or insecure websites through a public Wi-Fi connection, then the data in your device is at risk. So, make sure to avoid using insecure Wi-Fi connections and try to visit websites with secure HTTPS connections.

Social Media Pop-Ups

A major portion of computer users accesses social media platforms from their laptop or PC. If you are one among them, then you might have already come across suspicious messages and emails that prompt you to enter your personal and financial information. It is best not to click these suspicious attacks, as they can be phishing attacks.

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Keeping your computer at its optimal operating temperature is vital to keep the delicate circuits from getting overheated. For this purpose, a computer has its own inbuilt cooling system like the heat sink, which is a passive cooling component fixed on top of the processor for dissipating heat away and keeping it under optimal working temperatures. Made of specialized heat conducting metal, the heat sink contains an array of metal fins spread over a large surface area that draws the heat away from the processor.

A cooling fan atop the heat sink further dissipates the heat collected in the heat sink. Their continual functioning can result in the accumulation of dust between the fins and cause a drop in cooling performance. Normally, the heat sink would be unable to effectively dissipate heat if it is clogged with dust and debris. This will result in the processor temperature to increase resulting in overheating and damage. A clogged heat sink and the overheating resulting from it will cause your computer to exhibit several symptoms, which are described below.

Noisy Fan

If you hear a loud and wheezing noise from the CPU cabinet while using your computer, it indicates that your processor fan is overworking. This is usually caused if the heat sink becomes clogged preventing it from drawing out the heat from the processor effectively. To compensate the excess heat produced by the malfunctioning heat sink, the processor fan will run at higher speeds to keep it under normal operating temperature. It is best to rely on a computer tech support if you notice a noisy fan, as the continued operation can result in processor damage.

Frequent Shutdowns

If your computer is experiencing frequent errors or unexpected shutdowns, it may be likely due to overheating issues. Most motherboards have sensors that detect such rising temperatures and automatically shut down the computer to prevent further damage. If your computer is becoming error-prone and unstable along with a noisy fan operation, you can surely infer the cause due to a dust clogged heat sink. A simple dusting of the heat sink can resolve the issue but you need to rely on a qualified technician to reapply the thermal compound between the heat sink and the processor.

Rising Temperatures

Your computer has an auto-shutdown mechanism if it detects that the internal temperatures are too high. You may experience frequent unexpected shutdowns with a message stating overheating issues if the heat sink gets clogged. The CPU cabinet will also get hotter in case of a failing heat sink making it difficult to touch. You can run several temperature utilities to monitoring the CPU temperature and determine whether the heat sink is really causing the issue.

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If your computer has been slow to respond lately, it may be from a new kind of malware, which uses your system to mine cryptocurrency. This form of attack is called cryptojacking, and uses the processing power of your system to virtually mine for Bitcoin and other digital currencies. The attackers then sell this for cash. The worst part of this is that you may not know your computer is doing this. All it takes to fall prey is visit the wrong website, or click on a malicious ad.

As far as viruses and malware are concerned though, cryptojacking is about as harmless as it gets. Sure, you would be left wondering, “Why is my computer so slow?”, but there is not the problem of data being deleted or personal information being stolen to deal with. In fact, this only runs when your browser has a bad webpage open. However, it is still something your computer should not be doing, because it costs you terms of processing power. Following are some ways to stay safe from cryptojacking.

Ensure you are Running Anti-Malware Software

Many anti-malware programs will block attacks from cryptojacking websites, including Avast, Malwarebytes, Norton, Trend Micro, and Webroot. Make sure that you have one of these installed. Most of them are free for home use. After you install the antivirus, keep it updated so that it can fight off the latest forms of the attack.

Install and Use an Anti-Cryptojacking Browser Extension

Blocking cryptocurrency mining is one of the things they have browser extensions for, both for Chrome and Firefox. These generally work by blocking specific known cryptominers, which means there is a chance that attacks can still sneak in. However, there will be less of it going on, and extensions are less intrusive than script blockers. One of the best extensions is No Coin for Chrome and Firefox.

Don’t Run Scripts on your Browser

Most websites require scripts to run properly, but scripts can often disguise cryptojacking attacks. Disabling is a good way to block those out, but it comes with the problem that some websites will not display properly. Browser add-ons, such as ScriptSafe for Chrome or NoScript for Firefox, can both block scripts by default, but these will let you disable blocking if the site is not working. For browsers like Safari, there is no option but to disable JavaScript completely, which can get in the way of good browsing, but keeps you safe.

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There are several workarounds and troubleshooting steps to fix a black screen error on Google Chrome. If you come across a black screen when surfing the web on Chrome browser installed in Windows 7 or above, try the below steps one by one.

Disable the Add-Ons

Open an Incognito tab on Chrome, click the three-dot menu to the upper right, and go to More Tools > Extensions. Deselect the Enabled extensions next to each one in order to Disable it. Go back to the normal Chrome tab after that and reload it to see if the black screen goes away. Try disabling each browser extension and Remove the add-ons, which might have caused the black screen error.

Disable Use Hardware Acceleration

Google Chrome keeps Hardware Acceleration enabled to enhance the rendering of graphic content. However, the system hardware or the Graphics Processing Unit fails to cope up with graphical intensive tasks at times, leading to the black screen may occur. To clear that, navigate to Settings > Advanced > System and deselect the option Use Hardware Acceleration When Available. After that, check if the browser is working fine; if not, proceed to the next troubleshoot for black screen error on Chrome.

Disable the Below Flags

Type chrome://flags in the address bar of Chrome and press the Enter key. Depending on the version of the browser you use to surf the web, you may be to disable the flags titled Threaded Compositing, GPU Compositing on All Pages, Do Show Presents with GD. Once you disable all three features under Chrome flags, reboot the browser and check if you see the black screen. Do install the latest update of Adobe Flash Player on the computer if it is an older version.

Reset Chrome

If none of the aforementioned steps fixes the black screen issue, reset the browser as a last resort. First, reset chrome, uninstall it, and then reinstall the browser on Windows PC. To reset, enter chrome://settings on the address bar and search for Advanced by simultaneously pressing Ctrl and F keys. When the cursor highlights Advanced setting, click it and find the Reset Browser Settings option by searching the same way.

Click the option to restore Chrome to a default state. Note that apart from clearing the black screen error, you can also try this step to block popups in Chrome.

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We all love to play games on our laptops and PCs and it certainly is one of the best ways to pass time and have fun. However, experiencing lags, interruptions, and other issues on your computer while you are immersed in a gaming experience can be extremely annoying.

It is crucial to note that game lags are one the most common issues experienced by computer users. In fact, most computer users upgrade their system to stay away from this annoying issue.

If your PC or laptop doesn’t have the right hardware specifications to keep up with a game’s specs, then you will certainly encounter issues while playing the game. You should also note the fact that computers have to process tens of thousands of calculations per each second to run games. So, if your computer lacks the processing power to do so, then you will need to upgrade your computer.

How to Fix Game Lags

It is true that upgrading your system might help you to solve the issue, but it is best to try a few troubleshooting steps before you do that. Below are a few simple tips that might help you make the games in your computer run smoothly.

Clean out Viruses

In some cases, virus attacks and malware infections can be the root cause of this issue. So, download and install an efficient and reliable antivirus software application to wipe out viruses from your PC. However, if you have no idea on how to do this, it is best to get in touch with an expert online computer repair technician.

Update your Graphics Driver

As you would probably know, graphics is one of the most vital aspects of any game. This means that you need to ensure that your computer has the right graphics support to play the game seamlessly. So, if you have not updated your video driver, then upgrading it might help you to solve the issue.

Close all Programs while Playing the Game

If the hardware specifications of your PC or laptop are not good enough to run the game, then you need to close all other programs on your device. This will significantly decrease the pressure on the system and even enable it to run the game with less lag or other interruptions.

If you are unable to fix the issue even after trying all the above-mentioned steps, it is best to seek the help of experienced online computer repair service providers.

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