Computer Running Slow, But Task Manager Shows Nothing (Fixed)

I was working on my computer when I noticed it started slowing down. I checked the Task Manager, but nothing that could have caused the slowdown seemed to be running.

I was baffled; what could possibly be causing this issue? After a bit of digging, I discovered some bad habits that were holding me back and preventing my computer from running smoothly.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps of why your computer slows down and how you can fix it.

Table of Contents

How to Fix Slow Computer When the Task Manager Shows Nothing

These are methods that will solve your slow-running computer.

1. Close Startup Apps

When you press the start button, several programs on your computer will automatically start running and cause slowing down.

When you start working, these apps will be running already on your device and using resources; you’ll need to end their process in order to fix the computer.

So, in order to solve the problem, you’ll need to disable the app’s auto start. On your PC, you can use task manager to stop unnecessary programs.

Here is how you can do this:

Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete from the keyboard and select Task Manager.

Then tap More Details; it will show you apps/ programs running and using the RAM/ memory.
Next, click on startup programs from the end of the tab. You should close all startup apps that aren’t necessary.

Too many startup apps/programs commonly cause your PC to run slow, and ending up their process will solve the program.

Once you’ve disabled all the startup apps from the task manager, you’ll need to test your computer to ensure it works perfectly.

2. Pause One Drive Sync

One drive sync is a thing that Microsoft officially admits can slow down your computer. So, it can be possible for your Pc to run slow.

You can solve the problem by pausing your One Drive sync. You can pause One Drive following the below steps:

Click on the OneDrive icon from the notifications area.
Then click on More.
And select Pause syncing.

3. Check Storage

Sometimes when your SSD is running slow or running out of storage can cause the computer to slow down.

So, you should check all your drive’s storage and health to ensure they aren’t causing problems with your computer.

You can use CrystalDisk Info software on your PC and get basic insights into your disc and its health.

If the hard drive is faulty or running low on storage, you should consider freeing up some space or taking it to an expert.

4. Reboot Computer

In these circumstances, you can also try rebooting your computer; that will solve the slowing down issue on your device.

Here is how you can reboot your computer:

Go to Start, and then click on the power button.
From the power menu, click on Restart.

Once you’ve rebooted your computer, you should check it to make sure it works correctly, and the slowing down problem is no more.

5. Reset PC

Another common reason for your computer is software malfunctioning or caches causing it to work slowly. In this situation, you can perform a factory reset for your computer.

Performing a factory reset will help you to remove software bugs/ caches from software, causing your PC to slow down.

Note: You should back up all your data and essential files from your computer because you cannot recover them.

Here are steps you can reset your computer:

Go to Start/ press the Start key from the keyboard.
Then go to the computer settings.

Select Updates & Security.
Click on Recovery > then Reset this PC.
Tap Get Started > and then click on Keep my Files; choose cloud or local.

And set the Restore Pre-Installed app.

6. Disable Antivirus

A few times, your computer can be working slowly when antivirus software is currently scanning your computer for malware or virus.

So, you should set a schedule for the antivirus to scan the PC; instead of it, keep scanning the computer every time.

You can change the antivirus scan schedule according to the software you are using and go to its settings.

7. Check Hardware

As you know, your computer relies on CPU, GPU, and RAM to work correctly. When it starts slowing down, you’ll need to consider checking all the hardware components connected to your computer.

You should ensure that all hardware parts are securely attached to the system. Sometimes one of the devices, GPU or RAM, might not connect properly and cause problems.

So, you should disconnect all components from the computer and connect them individually until you find the problem.

Once you’ve suspected a faulty component, you should connect it again securely or replace it with a new one.

8. Temporary Files

When you create files on your computer, it automatically stores copies of files, which usually end with .temp.

Most computers don’t delete these files automatically after you close the program; it results in storing many files on disk and slowing down the PC.

Here is how you can clear temporary files from your computer:

Go to Search on your computer and type Disk Cleanup > open it.

Then click on the drive you want to clear, and click on Temporary Files.
Here, a list of the .temp files will appear.
Now, you’ll need to delete all of these temporary files from the computer.

9. Upgrade SSD or RAM

RAM is considered short-term memory on your computer and should be at least 4 GB for normal use.

However, if you are using the computer for other complicated tasks, gaming, video editing, or programming, you’ll consider increasing the RAM to solve the slowing down problem.

On the other hand, a hard drive works as a long-term memory and stores data. When your computer processor opens a program, it transfers files to the RAM.

If you have a hard drive installed on your computer, it will cause it to work slowly; you should consider upgrading it and moving to SSD.