The laptop is running slowly, what to do Windows 7. What causes the slow operation of the computer? Damage to system files or infection with viruses

A very common problem that occurs on the Windows 7 operating system is the “braking” of a laptop or computer. It manifests itself in such a way that it works slowly windows computer 7, but in the end the device simply does not want to work. What to do? First, let's divide the freezes into the following blocks:

Problems related to the hardware of a laptop or computer;
problems due to system malfunction.

Different measures must be taken in each individual situation. It is worth considering the most common problems associated with Windows operation, and their solution.

When system files are damaged

One of possible reasons Slow operation of a laptop or computer - absence or damage of folders and files important for the operation of the OS. What could cause this?

• Incorrect Windows installation 7.
• Presence of critical errors after prolonged use installed Windows.
• The result of an OS infection by a malicious file(s).
• Improper use of a laptop or computer.
• Accidentally deleted important system files.
• Incorrectly removed third-party applications.
• Incorrect operation of the registry.

The easiest way to fix the above problems is to restore the operating system. The advantages of this function are as follows: programs installed on the computer by the user themselves (for example, drivers, other programs, various personal files) are not affected.

Only the integrity of the system is checked. If there is a need for this, the missing files are downloaded to the computer, and the system is no longer so slow. The results from such a procedure cannot be negative. After restoration, the machine will start working faster.

Presence of “garbage” in startup and registry

Another reason why a Windows 7 computer works slowly. While using the computer (when installing and uninstalling programs, copying files, connecting USB devices, etc.), system Windows registry accumulates various records.

Some may be duplicated, others may be entered there by mistake. Because of this, the appearance of system errors, “conflicts” between applications, “braking” and slow work computer In such cases, it is recommended to clean the registry. The free CCleaner utility is suitable for this. With its help, you can not only correct registry errors, but also configure startup settings.

If there are viruses

The virus usually functions in hidden mode, and it requires a lot of system resources. This is why the system slows down. Symptoms of a laptop or computer being infected with viruses:

• 1) the device “freezes” during certain actions (for example, when opening “my computer”, the explorer takes a very long time to update);
• 2) folders and files cannot be deleted, they are missing, or cannot be opened;
• 3) critical errors appeared;
• 4) default changed Homepage browser, extraneous extensions have appeared, intrusive advertising;
• 5) You noticed the presence of third-party programs that are not removed;
• 6) CPU load – 100% when all programs are closed;
• 7) it is impossible to restore the system, start the task manager or complete the started process.

Viruses have high priority. If the system is faced with a choice: to perform an action requested by the user or the virus, then the virus’s request will be executed. Solve this problem like this:

Install an antivirus if you don’t already have one;
scan your computer for infected files;
send found files to quarantine or simply delete them.

Blocking the launch or installation of an antivirus program
It happens that infected files change system settings. Because of this, it is impossible to install or run the antivirus. Then do this:

1) run the express check program. This software does not need to be installed, and it is free;
2) restore the system. If this also blocks the virus, then go to reinstalling Windows(using a disk or bootable flash drive);
3) before full reset save the system important information on another flash drive (empty) and scan it for viruses using another device.

Presence of hardware faults

If the “freezing” and “braking” of the computer is accompanied by creaking, knocking, or other noise, this may indicate an internal breakdown of the machine. The speed of the computer is affected by certain problems that can be identified by the average user:

1. cooler failure;
2. dust in a laptop or system unit;
3. overheating of the processor due to a failure of the cooling system;
4. Hard drive failure.

Hard drive failure

The operating speed of a computer depends more than 70% on the condition of the hard drive. The latter tends to wear out. When this happens, the system begins to “slow down”. A hard drive has sectors that store information. They tend to wear out and are also marked by the system as “broken.”

If the computer gets into a “bad” sector while reading information, the system crashes (characteristic sounds may appear). The computer may freeze until it moves to the next sector. Such “freezes” cause critical errors and system reboots.

How large quantity“broken” sectors, the more the system slows down, and the sooner the hard drive will have to be replaced. The problem cannot be avoided, but it can be delayed as much as possible.

Defragment (at least once a month).
When cleaning your computer from dust, do not forget about the hard drive. If it gets hot, it can have a bad effect on it.
Do not allow physical impact on the computer from the outside.
If you suspect that there is a “bad” sector, use special utilities to find and restore it.

If your computer overheats

It is not uncommon for computer components to overheat. This malfunction is easily diagnosed:

By fast loading computer and a sharp drop in its performance through certain time;
due to the strong noise of the cooler or its completely silent operation;
unexpected computer shutdown;
by touch temperature of the laptop.
If the cause is overheating, then do this:

1) determine which component is overheating (chipset, processor, hard drive). Any free utility and even a gadget for a worker can figure this out. Windows desktop 7;

2) clean your laptop or system unit from dust. If necessary, change the thermal paste.

Observe prevention

The computer cannot slow down for no reason. All problems begin gradually. To avoid having to troubleshoot problems for as long as possible, strictly follow the following rules.

1. Control the amount of free memory.
2. Don't forget to sort installed programs and remove them correctly.
3. Keep an eye on the error registry.
4. Do defragmentation.
5. Keep your computer free of dust.
6. Get rid of unnecessary “garbage” in a timely manner and empty the trash can.
7. Check startup.
8. Monitor whether viruses have appeared in the system.

All this does not require much time, and it is not necessary to have special knowledge, but you will save your nerves. And the question of why a Windows 7 computer is running slowly will no longer bother or worry you.

Despite the apparent simplicity of operation, a computer is an extremely complex electronic computing machine, so its owner must have knowledge of its proper operation. Users are repeatedly convinced of this when a recently functioning PC suddenly begins to slow down and cause significant inconvenience even when performing the simplest tasks.

Often, computers running Windows 7 slow down very much, starting more slowly and not immediately responding to user commands during operation. Below are detailed guides for people whose computer or laptop with Windows 7 installed has started to slow down and specific recommendations are given on what to do to correct and prevent such situations.

Why is the system slow?

The list of reasons for a slow PC is very wide, but they are all divided into two types:

1. Problems in the operating system (software reasons);
2. Defects in PC components (hardware problems).

Although each specific case requires an individual approach, we will reveal the most typical reasons for the operating system to slow down and options for eliminating them.

There is not enough memory for normal functioning of Windows 7

To ensure optimal PC performance, operating system must use a certain amount of space on disk space cars. Basically, the OS is installed on the system drive “C”, which beginners like to use for custom applications, and even for storing files, including large ones: photos, videos and music. Therefore, at the first signs of braking, it is recommended to check for free space on system disk to ensure optimal system performance.

Even if the user simply manages to clear just enough space so that the volume full indicator turns blue instead of red, the laptop will already significantly increase its operating speed.

It is necessary to move it to a logical partition, for example, to “D” or to external media all personal files stored in the main volume “C”. It is also recommended to uninstall all unnecessary program applications.

Directories that need to be cleaned:

1. “My Documents” folder;
2. Desktop;
3. “Downloads” directory;
4. Empty trash".

Presence of “broken” files in system directories

A common consequence of slow PC functioning is damage or removal of some system files.

This happens due to the following reasons:

1. Incorrectly installed operating system;
2. The appearance of many errors due to long-term use of Windows;
3. Presence of viruses;
4. Violation of PC operating rules;
5. Unintentional uninstallation by user system folders or files;
6. Incorrect actions when uninstalling programs;
7. Registry errors.

One of the simplest methods to get rid of most of the above reasons is to roll back the OS to a restore point. At the same time, the laptop owner will save his applications, drivers and personal information in the PC memory. The advantage of this method is that remote system files are loaded and the PC therefore starts working much faster. This method is available to everyone, including beginners. You just need to open the “Recovery” section through the “Control Panel”.

Cleaning the registry and optimizing startup

Over time, a lot of so-called “garbage” accumulates in the Windows registry. This occurs due to the installation and uninstallation of applications, moving and copying information, connecting external memory media, etc. In turn, all this is a consequence of various types of program errors and the system begins to slow down greatly.

In order to optimize the functioning of the PC, it is necessary to periodically clear the memory of unnecessary “garbage”. For this purpose, special utilities have been developed and used. The CCleaner program is very popular and has proven itself, which not only cleans and corrects the registry, but also allows you to optimize the list of applications that automatically launch when Windows starts.

You can reduce the number of startup programs by using standard Windows tools, as shown in the pictures below.

By reducing the list of applications not used by the computer owner, in addition to an increase in PC performance, the user will also receive a faster loading of the operating system after turning on the laptop.

Malicious software

Virus programs operate secretly and consume a significant amount of computer resources, which often leads not only to a slowdown of the laptop, but also to a system freeze.

How to find out about a possible infection? To do this, pay attention to the following:

1. Braking and freezing when performing standard commands, for example, the Explorer window for a long time cannot display content;
2. Inability to delete some directories and files, and some have disappeared or are inaccessible;
3. Changed without user intervention start page Internet browser or has been supplemented with new extensions;
4. The user has discovered new applications that he did not install himself and access to uninstall them is completely blocked;
5. High CPU load even when no program is running;
6. There is no ability to roll back the OS, the task manager does not open, or there is no access to completing a task.

The first thing to do if you experience the above symptoms is to scan for malware.

It is recommended to do the following:

1. In case of absence antivirus utility anti-virus databases need to be installed and updated;
2. Produce full check computer for viruses;
3. All malicious files identified after analysis are deleted or quarantined.

What to do if you cannot install an antivirus program on an infected computer?

Viruses often make adjustments to settings and block the installation of anti-virus programs.

The following steps must be followed:

1. Carry out express scanning using programs that do not require installation (such applications can be quickly downloaded on the Internet, since they are freely distributed);
2. Copy personal files to external media and perform an anti-virus analysis on it on a working computer with an updated anti-virus database;
3. Roll back the OS to a restore point or resort to a more drastic method with complete reinstallation systems.

Express scanning does not take much time, but usually identifies and allows you to get rid of some virus utilities.

Defects in PC components (hardware problems)

With the following symptoms, such as: creaks, knocking, increased noise. We can conclude that there are defects in the laptop hardware, which directly affects its performance.

The most frequently encountered list of problems:

1. Hard drive defects;
2. Increased processor temperature, malfunction of cooling equipment;
3. Fan failure;
4. Equipment contamination with dust.

Hard drive defects

Any equipment wears out over time, and the speed of operation of a laptop is largely related to the proper functioning of the hard drive. After long-term use, bad sectors appear on the hard drive, which subsequently is the direct cause of the slow operation of the system as a whole.

In order to reduce the consequences of erasing some sectors of hard disk, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Defragment regularly, once a quarter or more often hard sections disk;
2. Wipe with a dry soft cloth yourself HDD as dust accumulates on it;
3. Completely or maximally exclude any shock influences, as well as static electricity on the hard drive.

There are many special applications that detect and repair broken areas hard drive. For example, the program “Hd Tune Pro”.

Increased operating temperature of component equipment

The main symptoms of decreased laptop performance due to overheating are as follows:

1. Happening quick start PC, but very soon the speed of operation decreases;
2. The fan is noisy or shows no signs of functioning at all (it cannot operate completely silently);
3. Spontaneous laptop shutdowns;
4. During operation, the laptop body becomes very hot.

1. Identify which equipment operates at elevated temperatures using freely available applications;
2. Clean the PC from dust and, if the cooling systems malfunction, install new coolers and replace thermal paste.

Preventive measures

You don’t even have to focus on the importance of preventive measures, since this is already obvious to most laptop owners. Therefore, let’s immediately move on to specific activities that must be completed:

1. Monitor the relevance of the installed anti-virus program databases and periodically carry out a full analysis to identify malicious utilities;
2. Always ensure sufficient free space on the system disk;
3. Check which applications are in startup;
4. Optimize the number of applications used and keep only relevant ones;
5. Clean your PC from accumulated dust;
6. Clean the registry;
7. Perform defragmentation.

The computer began to work slowly and this really gets on your nerves, I understand you well, can I help you? Then read on, the story will be long but interesting. First, I will list the main reasons for a slow computer, and then we will put everything into practice. I use all the programs whose operation I will describe myself and have not noticed any problems, they are well-known and popular, and they are also free, but you will use them at your own peril and risk, be careful and carefully study them before using them, each program is capable of doing backup your changes, use this.

The computer began to work slowly

• Fragmentation file system and registry
• Viral activity
• Small amount random access memory or malfunctions in its operation
• Wrong location of swap files
• Low amount of free space on the system partition
• The disk subsystem operates in slow PIO mode, read here -

You can go on for a long time and a dissertation can be defended on each topic; let’s focus on the most common reasons slow computer, first of all, I would like to ask how long ago your operating system was installed; if seven years ago, then it is better to reinstall it completely.
Let's start with general cleaning, removing garbage from your operating system, temporary files and empty, incorrect shortcuts, and so on, using the FreeSpacer program, you can get it here

http://www.grasoft.narod.ru/freespacer.html

The program is very easy to install. In the main window, click search.

After finishing the search, before clicking delete, you need to look through the list of found garbage! You can find the files you need among those found, hover your mouse over the name of your file and click right click and add this file added to the exclusion list, the program will know that this is the required file

go to the settings and you will understand the program is intuitively simple, you can create a backup copy and, if necessary, return everything to its place.

Not last reason slow computer operation, if not the main one - file system fragmentation.
When working on a computer, files are written to our hard drive not in order, but scatteredly, the same thing happens when the file increases in size, as the age of your operating system increases, the hard drive has to work more and more intensely, as a result the computer began to work slowly.
To avoid file system fragmentation, you can, for example, defragment the file system regularly once a week, that is, work to ensure that the files end up in sequential clusters, you can use the built-in using Windows right-click on the My Computer icon, then select Disk Defragmentation from the drop-down menu

or third-party programs for example: Auslogics Disk Defrag?

Calm down, it's free, you can download it here

http://www.auslogics.com/ru/software/disk-defrag

the program is very simple and effective, if you wish you can find paid analogues, for example: O&O Defrag Professional, I used it, it’s a very good program.
Numerous registry errors, as well as its fragmentation, contribute to our problem, here we use the Vit Registry Fix utility, take it here http://www.vitsoft.org.ua

It found 1162 errors in my registry, I didn’t use it for only a week, can you imagine?

There is also the opportunity to return all your errors back from a backup copy, then go to the tools tab, the very first item optimizes files system registry, performs defragmentation.

We eliminate viral activity with our antivirus program. We periodically download from the official Dr.Web website a healing utility - Dr.Web CureIt! and scan our operating system, very useful link

http://www.freedrweb.com/cureit

Unfortunately, RAM cannot be downloaded anywhere, but it’s a matter of time, and for now I can only give advice on buying it. With a small amount of RAM, the operating system actively uses the paging file - a file on the hard drive called pagefile.sys; has the attributes Hidden, System, Windows uses it for data files that are in operation and do not fit in RAM. The paging file should never be located on the partition with the operating system installed. And should be 1.5 times larger than the size of your physical memory.

The problem of a slow laptop has affected every person at least once. Sometimes the laptop slows down immediately after purchase, but in most cases the problem arises after months of active use. Holder computer equipment will be able to solve the problem on his own if he diagnoses the causes in a timely manner and finds a way to eliminate them.

Reasons for laptop slowdown

Malfunctions in the operation of any equipment can be very annoying for a busy person. Instead of getting nervous and swearing at the manufacturer, it is important to identify the basis for braking.

If we exclude factory defects, we can consider at least 7 reasons why the laptop is buggy:

1. Severe overheating.
2. Presence of viruses.
3. Insufficient memory.
4. A cluttered registry.
5. Errors at work.
6. Insufficient power.

Equipment malfunctions can irritate even the most balanced user

Inexperienced computer users do not always know what to do if the laptop freezes badly, so they are ready to turn to expensive specialists for help. But as a rule, there are reasons behind malfunctions that even a schoolchild can eliminate.

Increasing virtual memory

Virtual memory is a specially created file that allows you to unload the RAM on your computer or laptop. The standard amount of RAM does not exceed 2-4 gigabytes, and it is not always enough for advanced users.

To increase volume virtual memory You will need to change the size of the paging file. This can be done as follows:

1. Open "my computer".
2. Select the “properties” command through the “start” command.
3. Go to the “advanced” tab.
4. Click the "Options" command in the "Performance" section.
5. In the “advanced” tab, visit the “virtual memory” section.
6. Click the “change” button.
7. Switch to the “special size” item.
8. Set the initial and maximum possible indicators and click the “set” command.

Increasing virtual memory is a sure step towards speeding up the operating system.

Defragment the swap file

After increasing the paging file, a defragmentation procedure is carried out. Defragmentation is the process of redistributing file fragments aimed at speeding up work. Carry out the procedure for defragmenting the paging file using available operating room tools Windows systems impossible, so there is a need to install special utility PageDefrag.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Download the utility in any browser from the link https://technet.microsoft.com/ru-ru/sysinternals/bb897426.aspx and install it.
2. Open a window with a list of system files and the degree of their defragmentation.
3. Select a defragmentation method (preferably click the “defragmentation at next boot” command).
4. Reboot.

Defragmentation of the paging file can be done using a specialized utility

We suggest watching the paging file defragmentation algorithm in the video:

Defragment the hard drive

The procedure is easily carried out by the built-in program - you need to perform the following steps:

1. Click on the “start” button.
2. Open the "service" window.
3. Select "disk defragmentation".
4. Select the defragmentation section.
5. Analyze the disk and defragment it.

In order not to carry out these actions as problems appear, you will need to enable a defragmentation schedule - this way the laptop will optimize the data on its own and stop slowing down.

Enabling defragmentation on a schedule will deprive the user of worries about implementing this procedure

To defragment disks there is special application Auslogics Disk Defrag Free, which can solve the problem if the laptop lags. The video shows both methods of defragmentation:

Cleaning the registry and disabling autorun of unnecessary programs

When you turn on the laptop, unnecessary programs are automatically launched, which have a bad effect on the overall work. This encourages manual cleaning of the registry. The registry contains data that the operating system accesses during boot, workflow, and shutdown.

This is where you can disable autorun unnecessary programs by performing a simple algorithm:

1. Click on the “start” button.
2. Select the commands “all programs” - “standard”.
3. Remove all programs that you do not want to be automatically activated after turning on the laptop.

Most of the programs that start when you turn on turn out to be completely unnecessary

A similar procedure can be performed using the MSConfig utility. The process of cleaning the registry and disabling autorun of unnecessary programs can be viewed in the video:

Checking the hard drive for bad sectors

Bad sectors are areas of the hard drive that have lost their functionality. Due to the occurrence of this problem, the laptop is not able to provide data caught in the " bad sectors».

The procedure for checking the hard drive for bad sectors is not capable of returning missing information, but it prevents the expansion of problem areas and speeds up the operation of the laptop. It can be easily accomplished by following simple procedures:

1. Open "my computer".
2. Select the “properties” command.
3. Go to the “service” tab.
4. Click the command " hard check disk".

The hard drive can last longer if you periodically check it for bad sectors

The verification procedure described is the simplest. There are many other tools for checking your hard drive for bad sectors. These include the built-in chkdsk utility, as well as applications HDD Regenerator, Hitachi Drive Fitness Test, Victoria, Seagate Seatools. The video shows an algorithm for performing the procedure using the HDDScan program.

Checking your laptop for viruses

A sharp deterioration in performance is usually associated with the appearance of viruses imported from the Internet or an infected flash drive. Anti-virus systems are capable of not only diagnosing a computer for the presence of malicious objects, but also “treating” them – that is, neutralizing the danger.

The most common antiviruses include:

1. Avast.
2. 360 Total Security.
3. Panda Antivirus Pro.
4. ESET NOD32 Smart Security.
5. Kaspersky.

Any antivirus scans your laptop for malicious objects and displays the progress of the process.

If you do not perform an anti-virus scan in a timely manner, there is a risk of infection of all files

Every antivirus is updated automatically when you connect to the Internet, but not all offer to “clean” files for free.

Checking your laptop for overheating

The ideal temperature for laptop operation is 35 degrees. It is at this indicator that the machine operates properly, provided that it is cooled in a timely manner. An increase in temperature to 60-65 degrees can cause serious malfunctions in the system: the laptop freezes, loses the ability to save information, and automatically turns off.

To determine the exact heating degree of the laptop, you can use any of the applications:

1. SpeedFan.
2. HWMonitor.
3. Core Temp.
4. MSI Afterburner.
5. Speccy.

After obtaining data on the laptop temperature, it is important to find the cause of overheating and neutralize it.

In order to avoid overheating of the laptop, you need to turn it off immediately after work.

The reasons for the increase in temperature may be the following:

1. Severe blockage in the cooling system.
2. Cooler malfunctions.
3. High ambient air temperature.
4. High power consumption.

The laptop is out of date - what to do?

Each item has its own expiration date. If this concerns equipment, its wear and tear is explained by the release of new programs and the emergence of more advanced operating systems. Sometimes an old laptop model begins to function slowly within the second year of use.

To work in powerful graphic editors and testing volumetric games equipment needs to be updated periodically. Sometimes you can get by by replacing the hard drive, video card or RAM, but even these innovations will not be a guarantee perfect job gadget. In order not to once again ask questions about why the laptop slows down so much, it is important to carry out simple procedures by checking it in order to promptly identify any problems that have arisen. The simple rule “it is better to prevent a problem than to fix it” has never failed anyone!

And so Hello everyone! Today we’ll talk about why your computer might slow down. If you begin to notice slow performance or loading of your PC. This means your system requires intervention. Most users do not know how to revive the system. Therefore, most often they reinstall the operating system. But this is not always convenient because over time, each of us accumulates information on our computer. We bet a lot various programs, and simply, we customize the computer to suit your needs. And after reinstallation, everything will have to be done again, and the time spent on reinstalling the operating system and setting up the PC will take a lot of time.

In addition, this may or may not help, it all depends on the reason why the problems started. Therefore, it is better to try to restore the computer’s functionality without resorting to reinstallation.

And so let's start, you began to notice that the computer began to slow down. It loads slowly and takes a very long time to launch various applications, and sometimes it generally freezes. There are several simple methods that can be used to restore functionality.

Three easy ways to speed up your computer

First What you need to do if your computer slows down a lot is to check the hard drive for errors and bad sectors. To do this, go to My Computer, right-click on the hard drive and click Properties.

In the menu that appears, select the service tab and click Run check. In the next menu you need to check the boxes Automatically correct system errors and Check and repair bad sectors and click Launch. After which a message will appear.

Click Schedule disk check and restart the computer. During the reboot process, the operating system checks the hard drive for errors and automatically corrects them. This may take a long time depending on the condition of your hard drive. Very often the computer slows down precisely because of problems with the hard drive.

Second After your hard drive has been checked and the computer has turned on, you need to defragment the disk. Defragmentation helps a lot. It consolidates scattered files on your hard drive. It is recommended to do defragmentation at least once a month. If you do not do this, the computer may slow down greatly. To do this, also go to My Computer, right-click on the hard drive and select Properties. In the window that appears, go to the Tools tab and click Defragment.

In the window that appears, click Disk Defragmentation and wait for the process to complete. If anyone wants to know more about whether a computer can slow down and freeze because of this, and what it is.

Third What you can do is clean the registry and remove all sorts of junk. Problems with your computer can also arise due to the fact that the system has a lot of different necessary files This won’t slow down the computer too much, but it’s Negative influence These files will help to get the job done.

For this we will use free utility CCleaner. . After you have downloaded and installed the program, launch it. Click on the Cleaning tab and below click on the Analysis button. Once the analysis is complete, you will see a list unnecessary files and the size they occupy, click cleaning.

Now go to the Registry tab. Here everything is the same: click Search for problems and see a list of problems and then click fix.

CCleaner will offer to make a backup copy of the registry, click yes, indicate the path where it will be stored backup copy. In the next window, you can fix problems one by one, but if you have accumulated a lot of them, then click Evaporate marked ones.

Fourth what you need to do is update your anti-virus databases and scan your computer for viruses. If you have Nod32, then you can use the update server.

Such using standard methods you can restore the system. This method will help you when there are no problems at the hardware level, i.e. the computer hardware is in working condition. If after all the steps described above, the computer continues to work slowly. This means you have more serious problems and you need to try reinstalling the system.