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Your Dell computer may be experiencing a performance issue if you notice one or more of the following symptoms: Computer running slow and takes a long time to boot into the operating system or stops responding. Applications take a long time to load or respond. The computer responds slowly or stops responding during user activity such as clicking and typing. My computer is running slow and takes a long time to respond or stops responding during shutdown or restart. Browsers and other applications stop responding or stops responding frequently. Try these quick steps to resolve system performance issues on a Dell computer . Optimize your System using SupportAssist. Duration: 00:32 Closed captions: This video is available in multiple languages. Click the Closed Caption icon and select the language that you want.
Performance issues in computers can be caused due to: Fragmented data on the hard disk drive. Unused applications running in the background. Outdated drivers for devices such as chipset, BIOS, docking stations, and so on. Outdated or corrupt operating system files. Current computer configuration does not meet the requirements for high-end applications or games. Hard disk errors. Insufficient system memory (RAM). Hardware failure. Malware infection.
Follow the steps mentioned below to help resolve slow performance issues on your Dell computer. Also, find more information in the optional steps and informational videos section of this article. NOTE: Dell Technologies recommends disconnecting devices such as printers, docking stations, and so on, before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps. This can help determine if the issue is with the computer or the device. Show all | Hide all Optimize your computer using SupportAssist. The SupportAssist application optimizes your computer (including updating outdated drivers) to help resolve performance issues. Press and hold the Windows key ( ), and then press the q key. In the search box, type SupportAssist . Select SupportAssist (App) in the list of results. NOTE: When SupportAssist does not show up in the search results, go to the SupportAssist for PCs and tablets page for information about downloading and installing SupportAssist. Touch or click Start Now to run the tests. NOTE: You can touch or click the down arrow and then run the individual test. Dell Technologies recommends running a full computer test. SupportAssist runs the tests one by one and provides the results and suggested actions. Restart your computer to help fix running slow personal computer issues Restart your computer if you have not done so lately. A reboot or restart can resolve many issues. Restarting your computer is an effective way to clear the computer memory (RAM) and shut down any errant processes and services. Restarting your computer closes all the applications and services running on your computer, including background processes that other programs have started. The more programs that you have open and the longer they run, the more likely your computer slows down and eventually run out of RAM. Ideally, you should shut down your computer when it is not in use. If you use your computer frequently, Dell Technologies recommends restarting the computer at least once per week. If restarting the computer does not resolve the issue, go to the next step . Run a hardware diagnostic test to help identify slow performance problems Running a hardware diagnostic test can help you identify hardware-related problems and provide you with troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue. To determine if your Dell computer is experiencing a hardware problem, it is recommended that you first run a hardware diagnostic test. Dell offers both integrated and online diagnostics. Running a hardware diagnostic tests using Dell SupportAssist If the computer can boot into Windows and has an active Internet connection, run a quick test on the Dell computer using Dell SupportAssist. Running Dell SupportAssist Preboot System Assessment or enhanced Preboot System Assessment (Dell PSA or ePSA) Restart the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press the F12 key to enter the One-time Boot Menu . Use the arrow keys to select Diagnostics and press the Enter key. Follow the on-screen prompts and respond appropriately to complete the diagnostics. If the test passes, go to the next step. If the test fails, ensure to write down the error code and validation code, and contact Dell Technical Support . Diagnose Hardware Issues on Your Dell Notebook or Desktop using Dell ePSA Diagnostic Test. Duration: 01:34 Closed captions: This video is available in multiple languages. Click the Closed Caption icon and select the language that you want. Scan your computer for Malware causing sluggish personal computer performance Malware (viruses, spyware, trojans, and so on) can cause the computer to stop working or perform slowly. Malware can monitor users web browsing, display unsolicited advertisements and click baits. Malware can be used against users to gain access to personal data such as identification numbers or details, bank or credit card numbers, passwords, datafile, and so on. If you suspect that your computer has been infected, Dell Technologies recommends that you run a thorough or deep scan on your computer using an anti-virus or anti-malware program. Windows 10 computers come equipped with Windows Defender, which provides basic protection against malware, but dedicated anti-virus or anti-malware software can thoroughly scan your computer and remove malicious programs. Most Dell computers are preinstalled with a basic anti-virus software such as McAfee that requires a subscription from the software manufacturer. There are many other anti-virus or anti-malware programs (free-to-use and subscription-based) that you may use. NOTE: Installing more than one anti-virus or anti-malware program on your computer does not give you better protection. Instead, it may slow down your computer further. Dell Technologies recommends installing one anti-virus or anti-malware program and updating it regularly to maintain active protection against malware. Learn how to Protect Your Computer or Remove Malware in Microsoft Windows . If you do not find any malware on the computer, go to the next step . How to Remove Viruses in Windows 11 Duration: 03:48 Closed captions: This video is available in multiple languages. Click the Closed Caption icon and select the language that you want. Use Windows system restore to help resolve slow computer issues System Restore is a Microsoft Windows operating system feature that can help fix certain types of crashes and other computer problems. System Restore reverts your computer's state (including computer files, installed applications, Windows Registry, and computer settings) to a previous point in time. You can create "restore points" manually at any time, but Windows automatically creates them whenever: An application or software is installed. Windows Update installs updates. A device driver is installed. NOTE: System Restore does not save old copies of any personal files or data, so it does not delete or replace them during a restoration. System restore is also not an effective way to remove any type of malware on your computer. NOTE: You must be logged in as a user with administrator rights on your computer to run System Restore. Learn How to Use System Restore in Microsoft Windows . If restoring the computer to a previous date does not resolve the issue, go to the next step . Restore your computer to factory default settings for optimal performance If your Dell computer continues to lock up, stop responding, or run slowly, and the troubleshooting steps above did not resolve the issue, consider reinstalling the operating system. If you do not want to reinstall the operating system, see the Optional Steps section to see other potential solutions. WARNING: Reinstalling the operating system results in the permanent loss of all data on the computer. Dell Technologies recommends that you back up all personal data to an external storage device, including but not limited to images, documents, email messages, contacts, browser bookmarks (favorites), music, videos, and so on. Learn how to Restore your Computer Using SupportAssist OS Recovery .
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