Why is my Dell So Slow?

One question we get pretty often is "why is my dell so slow?". Generally speaking, there are many things that can cause any computer, including your Dell laptop or desktop, to run slow. A few of the most common culprits are registry errors, spyware, malware, lack of free disk space, and hard drive fragmentation.

Below is a full list of things that may be slowing down your laptop or desktop. The higher the item is on the list below, the more likely it is slowing down your Dell.

Hard Drive Fragmentation

Hard Drive Fragmentation causes your hard drive to run slower and like registry errors, fragmentation will build over time. Windows comes with a free, built-in tool to fix this problem. You can run the Windows Defrag Tool to make your hard drive run more efficiently. Here is a guide from Microsoft showing you how to defragment your hard drive.

Malware and Spyware

Another common reason for a slow running Dell is malware or spyware. First, you should run a virus scan with the virus software you currently have installed. If the scan finds a problem, make sure you remove the problem. If your virus software is unable to remove the threat, you can also use a program called malwarebytes. Malwarebytes has a free version for personal use. It is best to boot into safe mode to scan for malware. Next, you can use a free program from Lavasoft called Ad-Aware to scan and remove spyware.

Filled up Hard Drive

A full hard drive is another clear cause of a slow laptop or desktop. You can remove old files, programs, and folders that you no longer need to help free up some disk space. You can also empty your recycle bin if you haven't done that in awhile. Last, deleting temporary files and folders is another great way to fix a full hard drive issue.

Lack of Memory

If you didn't get the latest and greatest Dell computer when you first purchased it, it is likely that your Dell is starting to run low on memory. Adding memory is easier than you think. You can make sure you get the correct memory by using a memory scanner. Crucial has a good one on their website.

Outdated Drivers

Old or ancient drivers may cause a range of problems, including system crashes and slowness. This may not be the problem, but it never hurts to check. You can Check your PC for outdated drivers with this Free Driver Scan.

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-By Dominic

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