Why Is Windows 10 Very Slow and Unresponsive? How to Speed Up?   

Why Is Windows 10 So Slow

The computer system can become laggy, and the mouse may suffer from a stutter, driving you crazy. When trying to finish the work before the deadline, the slow PC refuses to let you get the job done.

In fact, the issue of Windows 10 very slow and unresponsive is usually caused by multiple underlying factors:

• Resource hogs: Too many programs are running at startup or in the background, consuming a large amount of RAM and CPU resources.
• Low storage space: The system drive like C, or a full hard drive (HDD/SSD), runs out of space. As a result, sluggish performance, slow file/program access, and potential crashes occur.
• Outdated drivers: Old drivers may be incompatible with the operating system, leading to inefficiencies and poor hardware communication. Hence, lag and reduced performance appear.
• Corrupted system files: Essential Windows files might be damaged, causing errors and performance problems, such as Windows 10 running slow.
• Malware and viruses: Malicious software can run hidden processes or interfere with normal operations to slow down a system.
• Overheating: The internal components, primarily the CPU and GPU, can reduce their speed to prevent permanent hardware damage when overheating. This is called thermal throttling.
• Faulty drive: A failing HDD or SSD may give rise to extreme freezes and delays.
• Insufficient RAM: When RAM fills up, Windows 10 will slow down drastically, and it may not respond.
• Using an HDD: Windows runs slowly on HDDs because modern system demands high I/O (Input/Output) performance, while HDDs struggle with intensive computer tasks.

When experiencing a slow Windows 10, don’t worry. It can be handled. With a few tweaks, the computer can run faster.

#1. Immediate Fixes

Start with, try some basic methods, for instance, restart the system, close tabs in a browser, and disable startup apps and background programs.

Method 1: Reboot Windows

A simple Windows restart can resolve temporary system issues.

Step 1: Press the Windows icon.

Step 2: Click Power > Restart.

This clears temporary files, frees up RAM, and ends unnecessary background processes.

If the system is still sluggish, proceed with the methods below.

Method 2: Close Browser Tabs

Closing excessive tabs in a browser such as Google Chrome, Edge, or Mozilla Firefox can help free up system resources (RAM and CPU). This can significantly improve your computer’s performance.

To resolve the issue of computer running slow in Windows 10, close unnecessary browser tabs to reduce resource usage.

Method 3: Disable Background Apps

In the background, many processes and apps may be running, consuming heavy system resource usage, thus slowing down the system.

To make Windows 10 faster, identify and disable the unnecessary background processes and apps in Task Manager. This built-in utility allows you to view running processes and their resource use.

Step 1: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager.

Step 2: In the Processes tab and look for the resource-intensive applications (high CPU/Memory usage).

Step 3: Highlight the target app and click End task. Repeat this step to disable all the resource-hogging processes.

After that, the system may run faster.

Why Is CPU 100% and How to Fix the Issue on Windows 10/11?

This post explores when 100% CPU usage is normal and when it indicates a problem. It also provides helpful solutions to address high usage issues.

Read More

Method 4: Disable Startup Apps

Additionally, disabling non-essential startup applications frees up resources for essential tasks and improves boot times and overall performance.

To address Windows 10 slow issues, follow the instructions to disable unnecessary startup programs.

Step 1: In Task Manager, navigate to the Startup tab.

Step 2: Select the programs you wish to disable during startup and click Disable.

Then, this may help improve system startup speed and overall performance.

#2. Cleanup and Maintenance Tips

To address the Windows 10 very slow and unresponsive issue, performing cleanup tasks and regular system maintenance can be instrumental.

Follow the instructions to use Disk Cleanup, run Storage Sense, uninstall unwanted programs, update drivers, defragment a drive, and try other maintenance approaches.

Method 1: Run Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is designed to delete temporary files, Recycle Bin contents, old Windows update files, and other junk files to free up storage space.

When Windows 10 is super slow and even unresponsive, performing a disk cleanup can work.

To do that:

Step 1: Press Win + S, type disk cleanup, and choose the best match.

Step 2: Select the drive you want to clean, usually the C drive. Then, click OK.

Step 3: This tool displays what you can remove. Choose the items and click OK > Delete Files.

Step 4: For a deeper clean, click Clean up system files.

Step 5: Choose the C drive, check the boxes of items for deletion, click OK, then Delete Files to confirm the operation.

Check if Windows 10 is still running slowly.

Method 2: Use Storage Sense

Storage Sense can be used to delete unnecessary files such as temporary data, downloads, thumbnails, Windows upgrade log files, and other junk data. Running it helps keep the PC clean, thus effectively improving the overall performance.

Try it when facing Windows 10 slow issues:

Step 1: Go to Settings > System > Storage.

Step 2: Switch the toggle of Storage Sense to On.

Step 3: Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now to proceed.

Step 4: Set this tool to automatically run every day, every week, every month, or when disk space is low.

Step 5: To free up space now, click the Clean now button.

Step 6: To delete temporary files, click Temporary files for the C drive under Storage. Then, choose all the files you want to delete and click Remove files.

This may release several gigabytes of space, making Windows 10 faster.

Method 3: Delete Duplicate Files

There may be numerous duplicate files on your computer, slowing down overall performance. It is recommended to scan the entire PC to find these files and delete them. To do that, use the Duplicate Cleaner feature in MiniTool Partition Wizard.

MiniTool Partition Wizard FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1: Launch MiniTool Partition Wizard.

Step 2: Click Duplicate Cleaner to proceed.

Step 3: Configure the scan settings, including the location and file type.

Step 4: Choose the duplicate files and delete them.

After the deletion, the system performance can improve.

Method 4: Uninstall Unnecessary Programs

A lot of programs may be installed on your computer, utilizing heavy system resources. It is recommended to uninstall those that you no longer use to free up disk space when Windows 10 is slow.

Here is the tutorial:

Step 1: Input Control Panel in Search and click the best match.

Step 2: Choose Category from the View by drop-down menu.

Step 3: Click Uninstall a program from the Programs section.

Step 4: Highlight the app you wish to remove and click the Uninstall button.

After the uninstallation, the PC may have a faster speed.

Method 5: Update Drivers

Updating drivers can enhance security, improve performance, and fix bugs that cause system instability and hardware malfunctions. If Windows 10 is very slow and even unresponsive, consider updating drivers.

To do that:

Step 1: Right-click on the Windows icon and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Find the device you need to update, like the display adapter or network adapter, right-click it, and choose Update driver.

Step 3: Select Search automatically for drivers, and Windows will find and install an update if available.

Method 6: Disable Fast Startup

Windows fast startup can reduce the boot time by saving the system’s state to a hibernation file during shutdown.

However, this doesn’t fully close everything, indicating that some old settings remain. This can cause the PC to run slowly and experience system issues.

To fix the issue of Windows 10 running slow, disable this feature.

Step 1: Open Control Panel through the Search box.

Step 2: Set View by to Category and choose System and Security.

Step 3: Click Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable.

Step 4: Untick Turn on fast startup (recommended) and click Save changes to bring the change into effect.

Check whether Windows 10 performance has improved.

Method 7: Check for Malware

Malware, viruses, and other threats can invade your computer, resulting in a slow system. Performing a full scan using antivirus software is worth recommending.

In Windows 10, Windows Security offers virus and threat protection, account protection, and firewall and network protection to safeguard your PC.

Here is how to run it for a system scan:

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.

Step 2: Click Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

Step 3: Select Scan options, tick Full scan, and click Scan now. This scan approach will check all files and running programs on your disk, which takes longer than one hour.

Step 4: After the scan, check the protection history and remove the found threats.

Then, the slow issue may be addressed.

Method 8: Adjust Paging File Size

When RAM is used up, your computer slows down as it uses slower disk space (virtual memory). This can cause lag, unresponsiveness, and even crashes.

Adjusting the paging file size is an effective solution to speed up Windows 10.

Follow the steps:

Step 1: In Search, type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.

Step 2: Under the Advanced tab, click Settings in the Performance field.

Step 3: Go to Advanced and click Change under Virtual memory.

Step 4: Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.

Step 5: Choose the system drive, check Custom size, and enter the proper value.

• Initial size: 1.5 times your physical RAM (for 8GB, it is 8 x 1024MB x 1.5=12288 MB).
• Maximum size: 3 times your RAM.

Step 6: Click Set > OK to save the changes.

Restart your computer for changes to take effect. Then, Windows may not be sluggish.

Method 9: Defragment a Hard Drive

Disk defrag can significantly improve file access speeds and system performance by reorganizing fragments on a hard drive. If Windows 10, which is installed on an HDD, is slow, consider defragmenting the drive.

Step 1: Type defrag and choose Defragment and Optimize Drives.

Step 2: Select the drive and click Optimize to start the defragment process.

Check if the Windows 10 very slow and unresponsive issue is fixed.

Method 10: Disable Visual Effects and Transparency

Windows 10 has many visual effects, offering a modern and sleek look. However, they consume valuable system resources, triggering lag or worse issues.

To resolve computer running slow, disable visual effects.

Step 1: Type sysdm.cpl to Search and press Enter to open the System Properties window.

Step 2: In Advanced, click Settings under Performance.

Step 3: Under Visual Effects, tick Adjust for best performance and click OK.

Additionally, disable transparency:

Step 1: Open Settings using Win + I.

Step 2: Select Personalization > Colors.

Step 3: Disable Transparency effects.

The computer may operate faster.

#3. Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If the methods above cannot fix Windows 10 very slow and unresponsive issues, move to the advanced steps:

• Run SFC and DISM
• Check for a disk
• Perform a clean boot

Method 1: Run DISM and SFC

When the operating system is slow and unresponsive, corrupted system files may be a possible cause. Try to repair them using the DISM and SFC commands.

Step 1: Press Win + R to open Run.

Step 2: Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Step 3: In the elevated Command Prompt window, type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.

Step 4: Execute the sfc /scannow command.

Restart Windows 10 and see if it becomes faster.

Method 2: Check the Disk

File system errors or bad sectors on your hard drive can bring about a slow system, or even unresponsiveness.

Consider checking the system drive in these steps:

Step 1: Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2: Type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter.

• /f detects file system errors and fixes them.
• /r includes the functionality of /f. Moreover, it checks bad sectors and attempts to recover unreadable information.

Step 3: Input Y and press Enter to schedule the disk check next time your computer reboots.

After completing the check, Windows 10 may have improved performance.

#4. Hardware Solutions

Cooling down your PC, upgrading to an SSD, adding more RAM, and resetting Windows are useful to fix Windows 10 very slow and unresponsive issues.

Method 1: Handle an Overheating PC

Overheating often stems from poor airflow, dust on fans and other components, and demanding tasks, such as gaming and video editing.

Once overheated, the CPU and GPU automatically slow down to prevent permanent hardware damage. As a result, the computer has poor performance, like lag or stuttering.

You should cool down the computer to speed it up.

• Close all unused programs and browser tabs, then lower the screen brightness, game graphical settings and resolution during use. Alternatively, completely shut down the device.
• Put the PC on a hard and flat surface, ensuring it has good air circulation.
• Use compressed air to blow dust from fans and vents.
• If necessary, replace the old or dried thermal paste between the CPU/GPU and heatsink.

Method 2: Upgrade to an SSD

An HDD has a slower reading/writing speed compared with an SSD. If you have a budget, upgrade an HDD to an SSD for optimum performance.

SSD vs HDD Which Is Better? Learn 9 Differences to Choose

Wonder about SSD vs HDD? Discover 9 differences between a solid-state drive and a hard disk drive in this post to choose a proper one.

Read More

To do that, we recommend that you use a cloning tool to migrate the system to an SSD and replace the old disk with that SSD. In this manner, you get a bootable disk without reinstalling the operating system and apps on the SSD.

MiniTool ShadowMaker is a powerful hard drive cloning software. It offers the Clone Disk feature, making it straightforward to clone a hard drive to an SSD/HDD and migrate Windows to another drive.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Follow the steps:

Step 1: Use a USB adapter to connect the SSD to your computer.

Step 2: Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker and go to the Tools tab.

Step 3: Click Clone Disk to proceed.

Step 4: Select the HDD as the source drive and SSD as the target drive, then click Start to begin cloning.

Step 5: After cloning, remove the old HDD from your computer and securely install the SSD in the drive bay. Then, boot the system from that SSD for better performance.

To know detailed information on subsequent steps after disk cloning, refer to the disk copy guide.

Method 3: Increase RAM

Insufficient memory can result in a slow computer. If Windows 10 is slow or even unresponsive, try adding more RAM, especially when Task Manager shows over 80% RAM usage.

Wonder how to increase RAM? Here is a guide on how to get more RAM on a laptop.

Once finished, the computer should run faster.

#5. Reset Windows

If the Windows 10 running slow issue persists, reset the system. It can be used as a last resort.

The resetting process will remove apps, drivers, and settings, and bring your PC back to a fresh state.

To reset Windows 10:

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

Step 2: Under Reset this PC, click Get started to proceed.

Step 3: Choose an option.

• Keep my files: Removes applications and settings, but keeps your personal files.
• Remove everything: Deletes all of your personal files, settings, and apps.

Step 4: Choose the method to reinstall Windows, either Cloud download or Local reinstall.

Step 5: Follow the prompts to complete the reset.

Wrapping Things Up

This comprehensive guide explains why Windows 10 is very slow and unresponsive, as well as how to speed up the computer. To improve system performance, try some basic steps, clean up and maintain the PC, upgrade hardware, and reset Windows.

If you have a better method to resolve the slow issue or encounter any problem with MiniTool ShadowMaker, contact us at [email protected].

Windows 10 Very Slow and Unresponsive FAQ