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Computer performance decreases due to Windows, and the reason is straightforward

As software installations increase and Windows updates are applied, PC performance slows down due to increased resource consumption.

Computers running Windows may experience a decrease in performance, and this phenomenon can be...
Computers running Windows may experience a decrease in performance, and this phenomenon can be readily understood.

Computer performance decreases due to Windows, and the reason is straightforward

In a modern world where technology is integral to our daily lives, a Windows laptop, equipped with an 8GB memory and an i5 processor, has been experiencing sluggish performance. A closer look at the laptop's performance reveals that the processor is consistently used at 100%, memory at 47%, and the hard drive at 55%.

Upon investigation, it appears that the primary consumer of the laptop's resources is Skype, a video tool owned by Microsoft, which occupies 27% of the processor. Despite the owner's infrequent use of Skype, only using it once or twice a month for family conversations, the application's high resource consumption remains a concern.

The file explorer, responsible for displaying Windows windows, the desktop, and small icons on the start bar, is another significant resource consumer. The owner believes that the file explorer's high resource consumption is unnecessary.

In addition to Skype and the file explorer, the antivirus software installed on the laptop also contributes to the high resource consumption. Interestingly, the antivirus continues to run even when there is no internet connection or external drive plugged in.

The high resource consumption by these processes could be the root cause of the laptop's slowness. Overconsumption of resources by an operating system can lead to fewer tools or software that can be used on a computer.

Fortunately, Microsoft has developed solutions to manage resource consumption efficiently. For instance, the Windows 10/11 operating systems have been optimised for better performance. Microsoft Teams, a communication tool, has also been developed to use fewer resources while improving speed.

Moreover, PowerShell can be used to automate and optimise VM configurations in environments like Hyper-V, aiding in resource management. Companies and individuals can report the problem or request Microsoft to optimise the operating system instead of adding more features.

A practical solution to limit overconsumption of resources is to disable or uninstall certain programs launched at startup of the computer. By doing so, the laptop's performance can be improved, ensuring a smoother and more efficient user experience.

In conclusion, understanding the resource consumption patterns of different applications and processes on a Windows laptop can help identify the root causes of sluggish performance. By implementing solutions such as optimising the operating system and managing startup programs, laptop users can enjoy a more efficient and enjoyable computing experience.

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