How to Troubleshoot Slow Performance Issues

Step 1: Restart your computer regularly

A reboot (restart) can resolve many issues. Restarting your computer is an effective way to clear the system 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 will slow 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 recommends restarting it at least once per week.

If restarting the computer does not resolve the issue, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Run the automated tools provided in the SupportAssist tool.

1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
2. In the search box type supportassist.
3. Select SupportAssist (Trusted Microsoft Store app) in the list of results.
   NOTE: When SupportAssist does not show up in the search results, browse to the SupportAssist for PCs and tablets page for information about downloading and installing SupportAssist.
4. Touch or click Start Now to run all the tests.
   NOTE: You can touch or click the down arrow and then run the individual test, but for slow performance issues, we recommend running all the tests.
5. SupportAssist runs the tests one by one and provides the results.

Step 3: Run a complete hardware diagnostic test

The diagnostic test in SupportAssist only looks at the hardware issues most likely to cause slow performance issues. A more comprehensive diagnostic tool is available, but it takes more time to complete.

Running a complete hardware diagnostic test can help you identify hardware-related problems and provide troubleshooting steps to resolve the issues. Dell offers both online and built-in hardware diagnostic tests, such as the enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (ePSA).

Running Dell Pre-boot System Assessment or enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (Dell PSA or ePSA)

1. Restart your Dell computer.
2. When the Dell logo appears, press the F12 key to enter One-time Boot Menu.
3. Use the arrow keys to select Diagnostics, and press Enter key on the keyboard.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts and respond appropriately to complete the diagnostics.
   If the test fails, write down the error code and validation code.

• Browse to the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check page to get more information about ePSA or PSA diagnostic error codes.

To learn more about Dell ePSA or PSA, visit the Dell knowledge-base article Resolve Hardware Issues With Built-in and Online Diagnostics (SupportAssist ePSA, ePSA or PSA Error Codes).

Step 4: Scan your computer for malware

Malware (viruses, spyware, trojans, etc.) can cause a computer to stop functioning or perform slowly. These malicious programs can also track your web browsing and display additional advertisements.

If you suspect your computer has been infected, Dell recommends that you scan your computer with 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 system and remove malicious programs. Most Dell computers have basic anti-virus software like McAfee preinstalled, but this software may require a subscription. There are many other anti-virus or anti-malware programs (free-to-use and subscription-based) that you may use.  

To learn more, refer to the Dell knowledge-base article Protect Your Computer or Remove Malware in Microsoft Windows.

If you do not find any malware on the computer, proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Restore your Dell computer using Windows System Restore

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 system files, installed applications, Windows Registry, and system 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.

To learn how to restore your Dell computer to a previous restore point, refer to the links below based on your computer's operating system:

• Reset or reinstall Windows 10 on your Dell computer
• How to use System Restore in Windows 8 or 8.1
• How to use System Restore in Windows 7

If restoring your computer to a previous date does not resolve the issue, proceed to the next step.

Step 6: Reinstall Microsoft Windows

If your Dell computer is still locking up or running slowly, and the troubleshooting steps above have not resolved the issue, you may need to reinstall the operating system. If you are unable or unwilling to reinstall the operating system, refer to the Optional Steps section to see other potential solutions.

To learn more about reinstalling Microsoft Windows on your Dell computer, refer to the Dell knowledge-base article Factory reset, restore, or reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell computer.