When it comes to computer slowdowns, we’ve all been there before - And perhaps along the way, you’ve found some good go-to steps when it happens to your device- However, managing company devices, especially in a hybrid/remote environment can add complexity to finding the source of the issue and the pressure is on for IT pros to deliver solutions quickly and efficiently.
When time so often is money, waiting on slow computers can costs your small business both. Users need technology that helps keep them productive (and less frustrated) rather than slowing them down - And IT departments need peace of mind when it comes to finding solutions. Below are 5 tips from Intel on how to troubleshoot when experiencing PC lags/slow-downs -
- Identify and Remove Resource-Intensive Applications
Opening many programs at once can create slowdowns- Users busy trying to get work done may not even realize they have apps running that are eating resources they don’t need. Identifying any slow-downs at the application layer is a great first-step if your devices are otherwise up to date on hardware/software.
Hitting the “Control + Alt + Delete” command is a fast way to find out what programs are running and how many resources each is using. Reviewing the list of open programs allows your employee to spot the ones they aren’t using and close them. As you and your employees learn about optimizations, you can adjust or align business processes to match your needs.
- Optimize Web Browser and Internet Connections
When working online gets slow, an outdated browser might be to blame. Updating to the most recent version of the browser can help fix PC lag in the form of sluggish internet performance and speed up productivity.
Add-ons and extensions are also sources of internet slowdowns. Find out which ones are in use by visiting the “More tools” option and selecting “Extensions.” Disable or delete any extensions that aren’t needed. -And if performance is still slow, consider restarting your internet modem.
- Optimize and Defragment the Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Data is saved to different regions of the HDD. Over time, data gets spread out, and that makes the computer work harder to find it, creating PC lag. Speed up computer performance by defragging the hard drive, when applicable.
- Scan for Harmful Software and Malware
While this one isn’t ideal in terms of the source issue, cybersecurity threats, such as malware, can absolutely create computer slowdowns. If your business computers have antivirus protection, you can run a quick scan of the computer. A second option is typing “Windows Security” into the search bar and selecting “Virus and Threat Protection.” Tell it to “scan” so you can identify any malware that is lurking in the system.
- Update Old and Insufficient Hardware
Lastly, if you’re dealing with outdated/older hardware, there are upgrades to lighten the load. Hardware upgrades to consider include - More powerful CPU/processor (or upgrade to a new device), additional RAM, graphic card(s) updates, and upgrading from HDD to SSD for storage.
When there’s simply no time for unexpected delays for businesses,. devices that are powerful and flexible with built-in security can help keep you both productive and more protected. Security starts at the hardware level. Solutions such as the Intel vPro platform gives you innovative, hardware-based security technology that helps protect against leading security threats- giving both users and IT departments time and peace of mind back to their work days.
What’s the first step you take when assessing computer slow-downs?
