Desktop computers need some necessary maintenance when it takes a long time to start the computer or have to wait a long time for some software to be installed.

And Joerg Geiger, from the German magazine "Chip", explained that computers do not slow down on their own, but programs and services require more performance over time, which slows down the usual pace of work for computers.

The reason for this is due to the development of programs and services in line with the latest equipment and devices.

"If the computer becomes old, the user thinks that it has become slower than before, but the requirements for programs and services have increased, and the impact of computing processes takes longer," Jaeger added.

Computers slow down often because of forgotten programs, which were never uninstalled.

“These programs take up memory space and drain the performance of the computer, in addition to having a lot of applications in the autorun menu,” explained Jörg Henle, author of specialized books and operator of Paules-PC-Forum.de. Therefore, it takes a long time for the computer to run.

Uninstall unnecessary programs

To face the slowdown problem, the first step in the case of Windows should uninstall unnecessary programs. This option can be found in the “Windows Settings” menu, then “Applications”, from there “Applications and Features”.

Jaeger recommended leaving about 20% of memory free at all times.

Hanleh pointed out the need to check the task manager to identify the programs that are running with the computer running, and the user can identify the extent to which these applications slow the computer when it is running in the "startup effects" list.

Microsoft Windows 10 has a static hard drive optimization function that is enabled by default (Getty Images)

Defragment the hard disk

Experts often recommend defragmenting the hard drive to overcome the problem of computer slowdown, during which the stored data is reclassified and arranged in a way that is easy to read quickly.

Sebastian Kloss, from the German Association for Communications and Information Technology, explained that the importance of defragmenting the hard disk is related to the quality of the storage media.

German expert Kloss explained that hard disk defragmentation is useful with old hard disks, known as "HDD";

Because merging parts of files is useful for the way these disks work, he reasoned by saying, "If the file is stored in fragmentary, the hard disk spins a lot, which takes a long time."

For solid state disks (SSD) deployed in current computers, the process of defragmenting the hard disk harms this type of hard disk, because it does not work mechanically, in addition to that the memory cells have a certain lifespan, and lead to continuous reorganization. For files to shorten the life span of hard disks.

The Microsoft Windows 10 operating system (Windows 10) includes the static hard disk optimization function, which is activated by default, and the user can find the "hard disk optimization" command under the "memory" item in the control panel.

"Here, the user can see what type of hard disk is installed in the computer, when it was last analyzed, as well as the current state," Kloss added.

Hanle advised not to change the data in the registry editor (Windows Registry), unless the user is aware of what he is doing, because it quickly leads to damage to the operating system when you delete data that is still required.

System registry cleaning software

Jaeger explained that registry cleaners can be relied on to do the job, and for virus protection, Kloss applauds Windows' built-in antivirus.

Jaeger added: "Defender" provides good protection from viruses when the system load is low.

Antivirus software from other companies can take up a lot of memory.

Regular maintenance

Regular maintenance is absolutely necessary for a computer to run smoothly in the long run. This includes uninstalling unnecessary programs, cleaning the autostart menu, and performing a regular operating system scan.

If the vents become clogged with dust and dirt, the computer will overheat and slow down the machine.

German experts advise replacing traditional hard disks by placing static disks in their place, because this type of hard disk helps to increase performance significantly, and the average user can rely on the default tools of the Windows system to perform maintenance work, as these tools have been well optimized in the Windows system 10 and 11.