If a PC you have had for a while is noticeably slower than it used to be, you could understandably ask “why does my computer slow down over time”, not to mention wonder: “Do computers slow down with age?”
This sluggishness can be especially unsettling in the workplace, where you could be regularly up against tight deadlines and so even just a few seconds of lost productivity from time to time can stress you out.
Often, when you click a button or icon on your computer screen, you could have to wait several seconds for a response — but would the hardware’s age be to blame?
Unfortunately, a fair few myths on this subject have festered, potentially lumbering you with even more wasted time as you try one ill-advised supposed ‘fix’ after another.
Myths About Why Computers Slow Down Over Time
So, do computers slow down with age? Not quite. You could easily assume so — as, when you regularly use the same computer in the same way for years, it does seem to begin to slow down with age.
However, in reality, the hardware would not be directly responsible. The actual crux of the problem is that, as more and more data is added to the device, it can begin to falter under the strain — leading to slower speeds.
Where can that data come from? In short, many different places! For this reason, be wary of believing the following myths that have sprung up in response to the question: “Why do computers slow down with age?”
“PCs Slow Down Because the Hardware Wears Out”
This myth has probably lingered largely because it seems logical. After all, parts of many other complex machines — such as cars and washing machines — can indeed wear out and consequently need replacing.
This logic, though, doesn’t entirely hold true with PCs. We say ‘entirely’ here because old ‘spinning’ hard drives do have components that can slowly degrade due to… well, the spinning.
If you have such a hard drive over five years old, you could benefit hugely from switching to a ‘solid state’ drive. Did you know that SSDs can be as much as six times speedier than traditional hard drives?
It’s also possible for other pieces of PC hardware to be impacted in performance as a result of physical damage caused by accidents. Otherwise, though, sluggishness is much likelier to be down to the software.
“PCs Are at Their Fastest When New”
There’s no doubting the satisfaction that comes from taking the clear plastic wrapping off a new computer and breathing in that fresh-out-of-the-factory smell. However, that PC might not initially run as fast as it potentially could.
We have probably all encountered the scourge of ‘bloatware’. This is basically software that comes preinstalled on a PC but, by slowing down the system and taking up precious space on it, needlessly inconveniences the user.
Naturally, different people can use the same model of PC in very different ways. The device’s standard factory settings might not have been chosen to specially facilitate the particular usage patterns you would follow.
“Spyware is Usually to Blame for PC Slowdowns”
It’s easy to forget the ‘spy’ part of the equation. Don’t be fooled by the James Bond movies; unlike him, spyware won’t go in with all guns blazing, as the point of it is to pick up sensitive information without being noticed.
In your case, what types of data could spyware collect? For valuable insights on this subject, here are several forms of spyware and how they work:
- Adware: This monitors your online activity before showing you ads that would theoretically pique your interest.
- Trojans: After sneaking onto a PC, these can find bank account information to send to someone eager to use it for theft or fraud.
- Keyloggers: As a result of logging keystrokes you make on the computer, keyloggers can piece together login details and similar data.
The point remains that spyware is designed to ‘travel light’. This isn’t strictly to say that it won’t impact the computer at all, just that it is unlikely to do so to any greater extent than innocuous software.
Still, even Bond is sensible enough not to bring too many people with him on his missions. If you fail to stamp out spyware programs as they arrive, they could multiply and create excessive data that does slow down the device.
Quick and Simple Steps to Try First
The good news is that restoring your PC’s zippiness could only require you to make a few minor tweaks that collectively bring about a surprisingly big impact. Here are some potential remedies that can be tried at little or no cost.
Get Rid of Any Data You No Longer Need
Your hard drive might be cluttered with apps you have used only once and documents containing redundant data.
It would be wise for you to use a PC optimizing software to rid your hard drive of cookies, bloatware and junk files, as doing so can free up more room for data temporarily added to a PC when programs are open and in use.
Ideally, you should always keep about 20% of the hard drive free at the least. If you are struggling with this, consider offloading some files to an external hard drive or a cloud storage service like Microsoft OneDrive.
Keep Software Up to Date
That includes not only individual apps but also the wider operating system. That’s because software purveyors can often push out updates rectifying issues hampering the device‘s speed.
These days, software updates tend to be installed automatically. However, it would remain worthwhile for you to check whether your PC has missed any. Frankly, it might not be tricky for you to fetch them manually if need be.
Use Task Manager to Close Apps and Background Processes
Task Manager is one Windows feature you are probably accustomed to using when an app has frozen and so needs to be forcefully closed.
It might have eluded your notice, however, that Task Manager also enables you to axe what it refers to as ‘background processes’.
These are very much as they sound: bits of software running in the background rather than in open windows.
Mercifully, you can quit any background process by clicking on its listing in Task Manager before hitting the ‘End task’ button. You might be able to unleash a speed boost by closing processes shown to heavily tax the CPU.
Dust the Computer’s Coolers
Why does a computer slow down when dust gathers on its heat management system? It’s because this dust build-up strains the rotating fans, hindering their ability to keep the PC cool enough to continue running smoothly.
Fortunately, you can remove dust from the PC’s coolers by using a mini air blower to blast them with air. To help prevent dust from getting into the computer’s enclosure, avoid leaving it right on top of carpet.
Why Do Old Computers Slow Down So Easily?
Do computers slow down with age alone? No. As we have established, how these computers are used is the crucial factor.
Fortunately, the standard System Mechanic software package from iolo can take just seconds to remove a wealth of data that could be dragging down a Windows PC’s speed.
Installing iolo’s System Mechanic Pro on the PC instead will give it this same functionality as well as real-time antivirus protection for helping to avoid slow speeds taking root in the first place.
