Your Dell computer may be experiencing a performance issue if you notice one or more of the following symptoms:
Try these quick steps to resolve system performance issues on a Dell computer .
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Performance issues in computers can be caused due to:
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.
The SupportAssist application optimizes your computer (including updating outdated drivers) to help resolve performance issues.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.
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.
If the computer can boot into Windows and has an active Internet connection, run a quick test on the Dell computer using Dell SupportAssist.
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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.
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.
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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:
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.
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.
Learn how to Restore your Computer Using SupportAssist OS Recovery.
If your computer's air vents become clogged with lint and dust, use a can of compressed air to clean them off and restore airflow. Inadequate airflow can cause your computer's processor, memory (RAM), and other internal hardware to overheat and potentially fail. Excessive heat can also significantly decrease performance, as most processors automatically reduce their speed to prevent overheating. If you notice the computer fan running constantly, this might indicate that your computer's air vents are clogged.
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Generally, most computers are capable of memory (RAM) upgrades. Before you consider upgrading the memory (RAM) on your Dell computer, we recommend that you verify how much memory (RAM) is installed on your Dell computer and the maximum amount of memory (RAM) that your Dell computer can support. To learn more about computer configuration and memory specifications of your Dell computer, see the User Manual on the Dell Support website.
To purchase upgrade components for your Dell computer, go to the Dell website.
To learn more, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Upgrade Memory in Your Computer.
Conventional hard disk drives have moving components and hence have lower read or write speeds compared to solid state drives (SSD). A solid state drive uses flash memory and can read or write data faster and uses less power, in turn, extends laptop battery life. Upgrading to a solid state drive can provide significant improvement in performance.
Things to consider before upgrading the hard disk drive on your Dell computer:
To purchase upgrade components for your Dell computer, go to the Dell website.
Safe mode prevents noncrucial applications and device drivers from loading, which helps eliminate software as a cause of slow performance.
To learn how to boot your computer into Safe Mode, see the links below based on the operating system that is installed on your computer.
If the issue does not exist in Safe Mode, the issue is likely related to a device driver or software. Ensure to update the device drivers and install any software updates that may be available for your computer including Microsoft Windows Updates.
However, if the issue still exists in Safe Mode, go to the next step.
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Many applications or software that is run in the computer tray, or also called notification area. These applications usually launch during startup and stay running in the background but remain hidden. Preventing these applications from launching during startup will not only speed up the login process but also save a lot of memory (RAM) and processing power to improve the performance of your computer.
If disabling startup programs does not resolve the issue, it is most likely that your operating system is corrupt and you must reinstall the operating system. See the Restore the computer to factory defaults section in the Troubleshooting Steps.
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