Windows 11 abruptly slowed down unexpectedly?
Windows 11 abruptly slowed down unexpectedly?
Hello everyone, I own an Intel i9 9900ks with an RTX 3090 and 32GB RAM. My computer functioned normally yesterday, but recently it has become extremely slow. Even moving the mouse over icons feels sluggish, and right-clicking takes about two seconds to open files. Launching programs causes a delay of 2 to 5 seconds. Everything seems very sluggish, and I’m unsure if I made any changes. Any suggestions on why this happened?
What I've tried:
- Updating Windows to the latest version (Windows Update is set to automatic, and I double-checked everything).
- Uninstalling and reinstalling programs known to cause problems, such as antivirus software and Razer Synapse.
- Ensuring the Nvidia driver is up to date.
- Checking Task Manager: CPU usage stays at 10% or less, memory at 25%, with Firefox using the most resources. No program was using excessive resources.
- Booting in Safe Mode resolved the issue (indicating the problem is software-related).
- Running a virus scan with Avast found no threats.
- Not adjusting any settings and the computer still worked fine.
- Noted that one of my HDDs is full, possibly contributing to the slowdown. The OS is installed on a separate SSD, not the HDD. Also, I remember losing power during the day before the issue started, wondering if that might have played a role.
check the issue by visiting run userbenchmark.com and sharing the link to your outcome, for example: https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/28977730
Right away attempt the built-in Windows troubleshooters. They might locate and resolve the issue.
If not:
Check Task Manager, Resource Monitor, and Process Explorer (Microsoft, free) to monitor system performance.
Use all three tools one at a time.
Watch the system for a few minutes then move the mouse to notice any changes when it slows or lags.
Goal is to identify which system resources are being used, the extent of usage (%), and what is consuming each resource.
Look at the small arrows in the column headers; clicking them will sort the columns to help spot potential problems.
Process Explorer (to find and identify unknown or unexpected processes. Search as needed.)
This may require some trial and error—be patient and systematic.
A possible power loss could have damaged files.
Reinstall drivers if a device like the mouse seems suspicious.
Run "sfc /scannow" and "dism".
https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-use-sfc-...es-2626161
Learn how to use DISM command tool to repair Windows 10 image | Windows Central
Share your findings.
The CPU usage stays below 18% most of the time. It tends to idle under 10%. The Windows troubleshooter didn't help much. The sfc scan detected broken files and repaired them, but the problem remained. Some processes, such as "windows shell experience host," appear suspended in Resource Monitor, though I'm not sure it's a major concern. Another thing that caught my attention is the I/O activity in Process Explorer—it changes frequently, sometimes as low as a few KB and sometimes reaching 300 MB. Is this a warning sign?
Additionally, another small observation is that after restarting the PC, it initially runs quickly but then slows down for a short time. This suggests the issue could be related to software rather than hardware.
Uncertain about the issue mentioned. More details are needed. Alternatively, capture a screenshot and share it here via imgur (www.imgur.com).
If the system becomes responsive and then slows down, examine the Task Scheduler.
Possible triggers could be applications or utilities attempting to launch, update, perform backups, or send data.
Check Task Manager under Startup settings as well.