Identify and Remove Resource-Intensive Applications
Running many programs at once can cause slowdowns. Of course, it’s not your employees’ fault—they’re busy trying to get work done. An easy fix for this problem is determining which applications use the most resources, so employees can close out the ones they don’t need.
The Task Manager shows which programs are running and how many resources each uses. Access the Task Manager by simultaneously holding the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete buttons on your keyboard. On newer devices, you can right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager. Review the list of open programs to identify and close the ones employees aren’t using.
Power users can also use Task Manager to prevent unneeded applications from opening at system startup. 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 becomes slow, an outdated web browser might be to blame. Update your system’s browser to the latest version to help fix PC lag, which can manifest as sluggish internet performance.
Open your browser. Locate and click on the Menu option, usually represented by three dots or three stacked, horizontal lines. Click on “Settings”. Then find and click the “About [browser name]” link. An update may launch automatically, or you can choose to initiate an available update.
Add-ons and extensions are also sources of internet slowdowns. Find out which ones are in use by navigating to “More tools” and/or “Extensions” in the browser menu. Disable or delete any extensions that aren’t needed.
If performance is still slow, restart your internet modem and wireless router (sometimes the same device). This easy fix often remedies PC lag, which is really an internet connectivity issue, and can speed up performance.
Optimize and Defragment the Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Data is saved to different regions of the HDD. Over time, data becomes spread out, making the computer work harder to find it and causing PC lag.
Run Windows' built-in defragmentation process to ensure that your older hard drives are running as efficiently as possible. Start by typing “defrag” into the Windows search bar. Select the “Defragment and Optimize Drives” application and run it on any drives experiencing slowdowns. Doing this may provide a boost in file sorting, loading, and processing, particularly for users who frequently load and edit large files on HDDs.
When setting up a new PC, you should know that Windows 11 enables automatic defragmentation and optimization by default. The defragmentation and optimization application also confirms the date and time of any previous defragmentation. You can defragment HDDs every six months, or as often as every two weeks if your end users are moving large files frequently.
Be sure never to defragment solid-state drives (SSDs), as they catalog data differently than HDDs. (Windows 11’s application is safe for SSDs, as it “optimizes” them instead.)
Scan for Harmful Software and Malware
Cybersecurity threats, such as malware, create computer slowdowns. This malicious software uses computer resources, corrupts data, and eventually takes over systems.
If your business computers have antivirus protection, you can run a quick scan of the computer. On Windows 11 PCs, you can type “Windows Security” into the search bar and select “Virus and Threat Protection.” From here, you can run a scan to identify any malware lurking in the system.
Advanced malware can operate beneath the operating system (OS) level. To help protect your organization from these advanced threats, upgrade to PCs that include hardware-based security measures.
Update Old and Insufficient Hardware
Older technology can get in the way of computer speed and performance. Modern PCs with the latest software updates deliver the fast, responsive performance employees need to stay productive.
Upgrade Processing Power
The central processing unit (CPU) gives your computer the power it needs to run fast. The more power your CPU has, the quicker your device will run.
Modern processors have improved not just with higher speeds but also with multiple compute engines that help offload background tasks and free up system resources.
Many of the world’s most popular office and productivity applications tap into these advancements to drive more efficient multitasking common to modern business workflows. As an added benefit, the enhanced efficiency can also contribute to longer battery life.
If your PC shows signs of lag, replace your CPU or upgrade to a new device.
Upgrade Insufficient Random Access Memory (RAM)
Computers need adequate RAM, or memory, to perform well. Insufficient memory capacity causes sluggish performance when multitasking in several applications at once.
Additionally, higher-speed memory can significantly increase performance, especially for applications that load and process large files. Upgrading to an entirely new memory generation, such as from DDR4 to DDR5, increases performance but may require upgrading the motherboard.
Depending on your existing devices, it may be more cost-efficient to increase memory capacity, swap to faster memory modules, or both. Otherwise, upgrade your computer to take advantage of the latest memory speed and technology.
Update an Old Graphics Card
An outdated graphics card or graphics processing unit (GPU) can create frustrating computer lag, especially for graphically-intensive or multimedia applications and AI workloads.
In some cases, GPU slowdown can be fixed by updating the device’s drivers. If your computer doesn’t already have GPU-specific management software, search for your GPU model online to download and install software that updates to the newest GPU drivers automatically.
Be sure that your computer’s lag is due to GPU-specific issues before upgrading to an entirely new GPU. Some computer form factors, including laptops and all-in-ones, do not support simple GPU upgrades.
Upgrade from HDDs to SSDs
An HDD uses spinning disks to read and write data at speeds that are typically slower than modern SSDs. An SSD stores all data on a readily available memory chip. Because SSDs have no moving parts, they’re faster, quieter, smaller, and use less energy. If your employees are having frequent slowdowns, upgrade from an HDD to an SSD.
Fix PC Lag with Intel-Based PCs
Your teams are busy and don’t have time for unexpected delays. Powerful and flexible devices with built-in security can help keep you both productive and more protected.
Intel vPro®-based business PCs provide the hardware-enabled manageability and security tools your organization needs to keep devices up to date and better protected from performance-draining malware. They can also feature powerful Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, with cooler, quieter performance and longer-lasting battery life.
The latest Intel-powered AI PCs also provide everything your business needs to maximize worker productivity. AI PCs feature a CPU, GPU, and a neural processing unit (NPU) built specifically for sustained AI workloads. This design empowers you to leverage cutting-edge AI applications efficiently, with less reliance on the cloud for AI processing.
With Intel, your business can benefit from a fleet of devices that run fast with advanced hardware and enhanced security, so your team can work at peak productivity.