Why Does a Computer Slow Down?
Every computer slows down over time — this is unavoidable. As programs are updated and grow larger, as files accumulate and as the hardware ages, performance drops. In most cases, however, you can achieve a considerable increase in speed even with simple steps.
Step 1: Reduce the number of start-up programs
Programs that start automatically when Windows boots slow your computer down. Open the Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc → "Startup" tab → set unnecessary programs to "Disable". Programs such as Spotify, Discord, the Adobe updater and OneDrive in particular make a big difference.
Step 2: Free up disk space
If the disk is more than %90 full, Windows slows down. Start → "Disk Cleanup" → select the C: drive → delete the unnecessary files. In addition, the Windows Update cache can also be cleared with the "Clean up system files" option (this can free up 10-20 GB).
Step 3: Scan for viruses and malware
Malware running in the background keeps the CPU and the disk permanently occupied. Run Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Full scan. In addition, we recommend a second scan with the free version of Malwarebytes.
Step 4: Check for Windows updates
Settings → Update and Security → Install the pending updates. Pending updates use the drive and the CPU in the background, and this causes slowdowns.
Step 5: Check the RAM usage
Task Manager → Performance → Memory. If the RAM is constantly above 85-90%, it means there is insufficient RAM. 4 GB of RAM is no longer sufficient for today's Windows 10/11. A minimum of 8 GB and ideally 16 GB of RAM is recommended. Adding or upgrading RAM is a simple and economical solution.
Step 6: Switch to an SSD — the most effective solution
If your computer still has an HDD (hard disk), the most effective thing you can do is to switch to an SSD. The move from HDD to SSD provides a 5-10 times increase in speed. The Windows start-up time falls from 45-90 seconds to 10-15 seconds. Programs open instantly. It makes even an old computer feel like new.
Step 7: Have thermal maintenance carried out
On computers more than three years old, dried-out thermal paste and clogged fans are common. An overheating processor automatically reduces its speed (thermal throttling). Thermal servicing resolves both the overheating and the slowdown at once.
What Should You Do If These Steps Are Not Enough?
If you have tried the steps above and it is still slow, professional service is required. Possible causes:
- A physical fault may have begun on the HDD (clicking, bad sectors)
- There may be a hardware fault on the mainboard or in the RAM
- The Windows installation may be damaged beyond repair → a clean format is required
At Altunakar Bilgisayar we carry out free fault diagnosis in Çankaya. Bring us your computer and we will identify the problem and offer you the most economical solution.