Windows 10, renowned for its optimization, may still encounter performance issues due to inadequate computer settings. Such issues can manifest as system slowdowns, hang-ups, and errors. Overheating, coupled with insufficient space on the system drive, can also contribute to these woes. While built-in tools offer initial diagnostics, employing utilities like Speccy can provide more precise temperature assessments.
Underpowered Hardware
Windows 10 PCs or laptops may struggle with sluggishness and unresponsiveness when their hardware lacks the resources to handle running applications efficiently. Task Manager offers insights into current resource utilization. Launch it by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” and navigate to the “Performance” tab, revealing resource usage metrics for CPU, RAM, hard drives, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet.
For a more detailed hardware resource analysis, access the Resource Monitor by clicking “Open Resource Monitor” within Task Manager. This tool provides comprehensive statistics for each component and offers insights into which programs are resource hogs, contributing to system hang-ups. If upgrading your computer isn’t an option, consider a replacement with a less demanding workload.
Overloaded Autorun
Windows 10’s performance can be hampered not only by resource-intensive applications but also by a multitude of programs running simultaneously. Some applications launch automatically without user consent, contributing to system slowdowns. You can monitor these startup applications by accessing the “Autorun” tab in Task Manager, which presents a table with columns for application name, developer, status (enabled or disabled), and loading impact.
To disable autorun for a particular application, select it from the list and click “Disable” in the lower right corner of the window.
Disk Space Depletion
When the system drive runs out of space, Windows 10’s performance can take a nosedive. The system creates temporary files during operation, and if insufficient storage space is available, these files remain in RAM, potentially leading to system warnings or even hangs.
You can assess storage device usage in the “This PC” section. Begin by checking the system drive’s available space. If it’s running low, the bar under the drive name changes from blue to red. Right-click the partition and select “Properties.”
In the properties window, you can enable disk compression, which archives seldom-used files. When accessed, these files are quickly decompressed. Click the “Disk Cleanup” button to initiate the data analysis process, which may take a few minutes.
Upon completion, a table listing temporary files, old file versions, system error reports, and the Trash folder will appear. Select the items you wish to clear by checking the corresponding checkboxes. Click “Clean up system files” and wait for the process to finish.
Excessive Heat
Elevated device temperatures negatively impact both hardware components and overall performance. Overheating of the processor, motherboard, or graphics card can lead to Windows 10 slowdowns, hangs, and, in severe cases, automatic shutdowns as a protective measure.
To monitor your PC or laptop’s temperature, utilize the free program Speccy. After installation, run the utility, and it will gather information about your Windows 10 system and installed hardware. Once the program launches, it displays an overview of your device’s general information, including component temperatures. Elevated temperatures are indicated in red, signifying critical heat levels that can cause system slowdowns or hang-ups.
Proper cooling is crucial for maintaining optimal temperatures. For desktops, cleaning dust from radiators and fans is essential. Laptops can benefit from cooling pads with built-in fans to improve ventilation and temperature control.
