pc starts very slow recently

when i first log in, startup seems slower than normal, meaning when i first got pc, everything was very fluid. now, most of the time, feels like molasses. is it due to some programs being allowed to auto start? or other factors? i already did defrag and optimization.

Hi, please
1. post a screenshot of your task manager when your PC is nominally idle.
2. post a screenshot of your page file settings
3. Download and run Crystal Diskinfo (free) to check disk SMART params and report Good/Caution/Bad outcome.
4. From an admin command prompt
[Windows key + X, click command prompt (admin)]
chkdsk C: /F
Your PC will need to restart.
Make sure the result is clear or fixed- else do not proceed.
Post back the result, which you can get after a restart as follows:
How do I see the results of a CHKDSK that ran on boot? - Ask Leo!
- to check your file system

5. Try booting your system with no network or internet connections and compare the boot time.
6. Try a clean boot and compare the boot time.
7. How much free space do you have on your system disk/partition?

here is screenies of task with current programs running and paging file size. the other hints i didnt do yet.

(1) might only be a problem if you have a memory leak
(2) just one example of something using lots of RAM, and insufficient resources e.g. improper page file management
(3) could be

Just to explain very briefly:
Having a rational method to reach a point where good performance is achieved gives a base for a procedure of elimination.
-Checking basic parameters: are disk/CPU resources being intensively used.
-Check for conflicting programs and graphics driver (clean boot/safe mode).
-Defective disk drive
etc

@Pathfinder- can you include the headings for the task man columns so we can see the totals? Will look forward to your report on remaining points.

Do you know what 'Brave' is - not that it's very significant.

i have habit of leaving open, multiple tabs yes. minimum of 2..and max of 3 or 4! when i go away from the pc for few hours, i put it in sleep mode..after few hours pass, it usually shuts down. otherwise, before bed i shut it down. i also run wisecare 365 on daily basis. you dont know how many traces and junk are accumalated in one day. trying to find a good, free scanner for memory leak. (brave) is brave browser.

Ok, the 2nd shows very high CPU utilisation, and some internet activity - do you know what that is? The first appears to be a repeat of the previous one, and doesn't help at all to identify the process(es) which are responsible.

So. Please post a screenshot of your task manager when your PC is slow to respond, like this:



Include the totals at the top of the columns
Organise the CPU column, high to low as mine, by clicking on the CPU tab.

Do you know what 'Brave' is - not that it's very significant.

Thanks.

And then please proceed to do the other steps in my first post.