How to Diagnose PC Performance

Over time, too many active background programs can degrade a PC's performance. From a hardware maintenance perspective, outdated drivers that link devices to the operating system can impede PC performance as well. Examining the total computer can seem daunting, but anyone who uses Windows 7 can use a native utility to effortlessly diagnose and possibly remedy poor PC performance.

• 1

  Click "Start." Type "Troubleshooting" in the search box at the bottom of the "Start" menu. Press "Enter."

• 2

  Click on the "Check for Performance Issues" link under the "System and Security" section in the window.

• 3

  Click the "Next" button in the "Performance" dialog box. Wait while the troubleshooter detects problems.

• 4

  Follow the instructions as they appear in the dialog box. If the Performance troubleshooter shows "Several Programs Are Running at Startup," select the options in the dialog box to disable those programs from starting up when Windows starts up.

• 5

  Click the "View Detailed Information" link on the last page of the Performance troubleshooter to review diagnosed problems.