Are you a Dell PC user and struggling with the slow PC? Want to speed it up then here follow the complete information how to fix slow performance issues on a Dell PC.
There are many cases when the PC gradually becomes slower, stops responding or suddenly stopped working. Well, plenty of reasons are responsible for the performance related issues.
Common Reasons Responsible Are:
- Due to data fragmented on the hard disk drive
- Outdated device drivers and operating system files.
- Corrupted system files
- Disk errors
- Hardware failure
- RAM issues.
- Malware Infection
These are some of the common reasons responsible for the slow performance issue on Dell PC. And to fix the issue check the troubleshooting steps that help you to fix slow performance issue on Dell PC.
Fix Slow Performance Issue on Dell PC:
Just like different reasons, there are different troubleshooting steps to resolve Dell PC performance issues. Here I have described the possible working solutions check them out:
1. Run Hardware Diagnostic Test
In many cases, the hardware issue is also responsible for the slow performance issue. So here it is worth to start by running a diagnostic test to recognize the hardware issue and fix the problem
DELL provides both built-in and online diagnostics to help the Dell PC users to fix the problem.
You can run Dell Pre-boot System Assessment or improved Pre-boot System Assessment (Dell PSA or ePSA)
- First, reboot your Dell PC.
- And as the Dell logo appears > continuously hit F12 key to enter One-time Boot Menu.
- Next, utilize the arrow keys > select Diagnostics > hit Enter key on the keyboard.
- After that follow the one screen instructions and respond properly to finish the diagnostics test.
However, if in case the test fails then make sure to write the error code or the validation code. And know more about the ePSA or PSA error codes; utilize the Dell Interactive Support Agent.
2. Update BIOS & Device Drivers
Then outdated BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) setting or the device drivers can also cause the performance issue, so make sure to regularly update your drivers to perform from system hardware or software flawlessly.
Apart from that also make sure the connected peripherals like printers and scanners and others device drivers are updated.
Well to update the device drivers you can download it from the manufacturer website or from the Microsoft Official website.
Apart from that if you want to update the drivers automatically than you can make use of the free Drivers Booster.
3. Optimize Dell PC with SupportAssist
You can make use of the support to optimize the performance of the Dell PC.
This helps the users by running sequence of diagnostics to recognize changes to files and settings of the PC.
You can optimize the PC performance just by performing certain tasks like cleaning the temp files, tuning the system performance, and optimizing the network.
-
Cleaning Files
Cleaning the temporary system files helps you to remove useless files/folders, temp files/folders and other junk items from the PC.
Follow the steps to do so:
- Start SupportAssist > click Optimize My System tile.
- After that on the Home tab > go to Clean Files > click Run Now.
As the optimization is finished a “Check” icon and date are displayed on the tile.
-
Tune System Performance
Well tuning your PC performance helps to adjust the registry, power settings and memory allocation for maximizing the processing speed of the Dell PC.
Follow the given instruction to do so:
- Start SupportAssist > click Optimize My System tile.
- Then go to Home tab and under Tune Performance > click Run Now.
After finishing the optimization process, “Check” icon and last optimized data appear on the tile.
-
Optimize Network
Optimizing the network helps you to check the network connectivity and as updates the PC settings for maintaining the proficient network.
Follow the given steps to do so:
- Start SupportAssist > click Optimize My System tile.
- And on Home tab > under Optimize Network >click Run Now.
You can see a “check” icon and last optimized date after finishing the optimization process on the tile.
4. Free up Hard Disk Space
Well, there are many functions due to which your PC run out of space and as a result start performing slow.
However, a 15 to 20 %free hard disk space is always running, so to fix the slow performance issues you can free up the hard disk space to fix the issue.
-
Run Disk Cleanup
You can make use of the Disk Cleanup, this is an inbuilt tool designed by Microsoft Windows. This deletes the temporary files and other unnecessary files easily to free up the disk space.
Follow the steps to run it:
- Go to Start button > in search box type Disk Cleanup > and select Disk Cleanup
- When prompted > choose drive that is required to clean up > OK (commonly C: drive)
- As the scanning process is finished > choose the check boxes for the file types that are required to delete > click OK
- And in the confirmation window > click Delete Files
Apart from that also uninstall the unwanted application as this occupy space on the hard disk drive and this contributes the PC to perform sluggishly.
You May Also Read: Improve Your PC Speed With Disk Defragmentation and Cleanup!
5. Check and Clean Air Vents
Well, the blocked air vents also cause the performance issue. This hampers the air flow and causes the processor, memory (RAM) and other hardware to overheat and this can leads hardware failure.
So, it is recommended to keep away dust from accumulation in your PC and check sufficient ventilation is provided to your system.
Please Note: Shut down your PC and remove the power cable or AC adapter before utilizing compressed air to clean your PC. Also, do not blow dust with your mouth as this moisture can cause permanent damage to electronic and electrical components.
-
Clean Dell PC Air Vents
Try cleaning the air vents in your Dell PC and to do so follow the below-given process:
- Shutdown the PC and remove the wires > check the air vents on the system for dust fragments.
- After that make use of a compressed air can for removing dust particles from the air vents.
Please Note: Avoid using vacuum cleaner or blowers, as this can cause static and might damage electronic components.
- And to avoid PC from overheating > keep PC in an upright position and provide enough clearance around the air vents.
Helpful Article: 7 Easy & Handy Tips to Extend your PC’s Lifespan
6. Optimize the Performance Option
Microsoft Windows makes use of the animations or visual effects with some tasks to impress the users.
But these animations and visual effects and make the PC bit slower than usual. So, the best is to disable the visual effects as it is of no use and can affect the performance of the Windows PC.
Follow the steps to disable the visual effects
- Press Windows + R key > then in Run dialog box > type sysdm.cpl > hit Enter
- Then on the Advanced tab,> click Settings > under Performance section
- And on the Visual Effects tab > choose Adjust for best performance.
Well, by selecting the Adjust for best performance option you can disable the entire visual effects but increase the slow PC performance.
You May Also Read: 7 Powerful Windows 10 Performance Tweaks For Improved Gaming
7. Enhance Virtual Memory Allocation
When the entire available Memory (RAM) is used by PC, Microsoft Windows uses the virtual memory also called Pagefile or Swap file.
This provides a temporary extension of the (RAM) or system memory on the hard disk drive.
Microsoft Windows automatically handle the available space for virtual memory and increasing the virtual memory allocation can help you to increase the PC performance.
Follow the steps to do so:
- Press Windows + R key > in the Run dialog box > type sysdm.cpl > hit Enter
- Then on the Advanced tab > Settings > under Performance section.
- Next on the Advanced tab > under Virtual memory > click Change.
- And uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives option.
- Now choose the drive that contains the paging file you need to change
- After that click Custom size > Enter new size in megabytes in the Initial size (MB) and Maximum size (MB) box.
- And click Set > OK.
Please Note: The initial size (MB) should be equal to the amount of memory (RAM). The maximum size (MB) should be 3 times the (RAM) on the PC. Avoid entering more than three times the amount of RAM installed in the machine.
8. Scan for Malware
Malware infection like (Virus, Spyware, Trojans and others) can cause the PC to lock up and perform slow.
This is the biggest reason behind the system to perform sluggishly. This silently gets installed on the PC and runs in the background and even slow down the PC.
While browsing the web, it might be software that gets installed in this system to track and add other advertisements.
So, the best is check whether the PC is infected with any harmful malware infection. Scan your PC with the good antivirus or anti-malware program.
Well, most of the Dell PC comes with pre-installed anti-virus software but might require a subscription.
Helpful Article: Top 10 Signs That shows Your PC is Infected With Malware
9. Regularly Restart Your Dell PC
Well, a simple restart can solve many issues, so restarting your PC is an efficient way to fix many issues like clear the RAM and as well the shut down the bad processes and services.
Rebooting your PC closes the entire applications, programs or software running on the PC.
There are many application and services that tend to run in the background and on the taskbar.
When you open more things on your system and keep them running for a long time there are ample chances that the PC will slow down and ultimately run out of memory.
So, it is perfect as well a simple process to shut down the PC when it is not required or close the tabs, apps that are needed right now.
Check your Windows PC/Laptop Health
Make use of the professional recommended Windows Repair tool, this is the best tool to fix Windows 10 update error and other issues related to it. This is the best tool to scan, detect and repair various Windows operating system issues such as corruption, damages of the Windows system files, malware/viruses, protect you from file loss, hardware issues and many more. Also quickly fix various issues like BSOD, DLL error, Registry issues, drivers issues, games relates issues, application error and many others. It also helps you to optimize your Windows PC performances and prevents others issues automatically with this software.
Conclusion:
These are some of the easy to follow but effective methods to fix slow performance issue on Dell PC.
But wait, there are some more additional methods, coming in next blog – additional methods to fix slow performance in Dell PC – Part – 2.
Till then make use of the given methods and make your slow performance Dell PC blazing fast.
Try them one by one and apart from that keep your Windows operating system, antivirus program, applications and others updated with the latest updates.
Also, scan your system deep for malware at the regular interval of time, with the good antivirus program. Doing this will make your PC healthy and perform better.
Additionally, if you find the article helpful or have any query, comment, questions or suggestions related, then please feel free to share it with us in the comment section below or you can also go to our Fix Windows Errors Ask Question Page.
Good Luck!!!


