Why do Computers Slow Down?

It turns out that a computer’s age is not at fault! Tech Talker explains why, plus gives you expert tips on how to speed up your machine’s performance.

Eric Escobar,
July 13, 2012

The question “Why does my computer slow down?” is a perennial concern for computer owners.

You’ve probably seen TV ads for software that promises to speed up your computer back to how it used to be when you bought it. Unfortunately, that is a myth.


New software requires better and bigger hardware to run properly. Say you bought a computer 5 years ago. Back then, it was top of the line and could play any video game you bought, run any program you installed, and not even hesitate for a second. Then, as the years went on, you began to wait on it, longer and longer until it got to the point where you could take a shower in the time that it would take for your machine to start up!

Related content: How to Make Your Computer Run Faster?

So why does software require more and more of your computer? Well, take games for example. Every time game developers release a new video game, they want it to have better graphics then the last game that came out (and let me tell, you 3D graphicsin a virtual 3D world take a lot of RAM to run!) If you play a lot of games, I’m sure you’ve realized by now that you need some serious power and have to continually update your system in order for it not to slow down.


If you have an old computer that you’re hoping to breathe new life into, then I suggest reinstalling the operating system that came with your computer originally. This means you won’t have that new version of Windows or Apple operating system, but your computer will be back to the way it was when you bought it. From there, you can install the bare essential programs that you require so as to minimize the drain on your computer.


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