Why do computers start to slow down over time?
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It depends on what part of your PC is slowing you down.
Most of what happens to a user’s PC is self-inflicted.
I’m going to assume you are using a Windows system for the following.
Your system startup or “cold-booting” your PC? Disable all the unnecessary programs in your systray that load when you turn your PC on. To disable them, turn on your Task Manager and look under “Start-up” and disable any programs you don’t need at the moment.
Are you running any unneeded services while you are gaming or browsing the web? Look under “Processes” and if you see any processes that aren’t needed by your OS to run and you are competent enough to know you can safely “end task” them with no issue, go ahead and terminate them.
Internet security has taken a sharp jump with Windows and there simply isn’t a high enough need for excess applications like there was 2 decades ago. Outside of Anti-Malware Malwarebytes as a Malware/Ransomware solution, the Windows Firewall and Windows Defender are more than capable of doing the job of protecting your system. I would like to add though that there are two complementing programs that will give you more granular control over those apps giving you an even higher level of protection. “Malwarebytes Windows Firewall Control” and “Configure Defender” will allow you to fully defend your Windows 10 or 11 OS.
Do you regularly clean your PC out as thoroughly as possible? Buildup of dust which precipitates heat into your system can wear your system peripherals down causing premature wear and tear on your PC. Get a strong blower and clean out your system every few months if that’s the least you can do.
Lastly, is your PC really slowing down or is it your perception of it? If you have a smartphone with a timer app or a wristwatch of any sort, actually time how long it takes for your system to boot up, browse the web, how long it takes for an application to load, play different games, etc. You want tangible results and data you can work with in this case, not feelings or hunches. You might want to benchmark your equipment to see what numbers you are pulling, so you have a real world example.
Most of the above came from my own trial and error over the years as I wanted to simplify my system for my own use. Experience may vary.
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