Fixing your computer is easier if you know which numbers to look at

Troubleshooting Computer Slowdowns: A Guide to System Diagnostics

Frustrated with a sluggish computer? Modern operating systems offer built-in diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of performance issues, whether it's resource-hungry applications or underlying hardware problems. This guide shows you how to use these tools on Windows and macOS.

Windows: Task Manager – Your First Line of Defense

The Windows Task Manager provides a comprehensive overview of your system's resource usage. Access it by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting "Task Manager," or using the Ctrl Alt Delete shortcut.

The "More details" view displays all running applications and background processes, showing their CPU, memory, and disk usage. High numbers indicate a demanding program.

• CPU: High CPU usage suggests resource-intensive tasks like video editing or gaming.
• Memory: High memory usage points to programs juggling many files or open tabs.
• Disk: Persistent high disk usage might indicate a problem with an application or your hard drive. Restarting the program is a good first step.

Addressing High Resource Usage

If a specific application is consistently straining your system, try these steps:

1. Reduce workload: Close unnecessary files or browser tabs.
2. Update software: Check for updates that may include performance optimizations.
3. Reinstall the program: This can resolve bugs causing excessive resource consumption.
4. Report the issue: If the problem persists after reinstalling, report it to the software developer.

Further Windows Diagnostics

For broader system issues, consider:

• Windows Memory Diagnostic: Scans system memory for problems (requires a reboot).
• Disk checking: Checks your hard drive for errors (accessible through File Explorer).

macOS: Activity Monitor – Your Mac's Resource Manager

macOS users can leverage Activity Monitor, found in Finder > Applications > Utilities, or via Spotlight search (Cmd Space). It displays all running processes, including background utilities, and their resource usage.

• CPU tab: Shows CPU usage by each process. High usage is expected for computationally intensive tasks.

• Memory tab: Shows RAM usage. High usage can result from numerous open files or browser tabs.
• Disk tab: Monitors hard drive activity. High "Bytes Written" and "Bytes Read" even when inactive might indicate a problem.

macOS Troubleshooting and Disk Utility

Similar to Windows, address high resource usage by updating software, reinstalling problematic applications, or switching to alternatives.

Disk Utility (found in Finder > Applications > Utilities) can check your hard drive for errors if you experience slowdowns or crashes. Select your main drive and click "First Aid" to run a check.

Considering Hardware Limitations

Remember, older or budget computers may struggle with demanding applications. These diagnostic tools help identify bottlenecks and may indicate the need for a system upgrade.

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