Why Is My Computer So Slow? It Could Be Malware

There’s nothing more frustrating for users than a slow computer. Perhaps there will be delays in booting, applications freezing, or simple tasks like opening a file taking forever. Many factors could cause a slowing system, such as outdated hardware or too many startup programs. However, malware is certainly an overlooked cause that slows down your computer.

How Malware Impacts the Computer Performance

Malware moves into your computer through bad downloads, phishing emails, or insecure websites that make the computer run slowly. Here are the reasons why computers are working slowly due to malware and how malware removal services can help make your system better.

1. Background Processes Consuming Resources

One reason malware slows down a computer is because, unknown to you, it runs those malicious processes in the background. These programs consume CPU power, memory, and many other resources, leaving fewer for the things you want to do.

Malware can continuously run scripts on your files, scan them, or even connect them to remote servers, thus letting your system crawl. You may have noticed that your CPU usage or memory is high at all times when not using many applications, which is an indication that some malware must be hogging resources.

2. Excessive Pop-ups and Ads

Malware issues can cause pop-ups if your computer is constantly flooded with them or other unknown messages. Adware is another type of malware that installs itself on your system and floods your browser and desktop with ads. These consume processing power and can redirect you to malicious websites, which could slow your computer even further.

Going through these pop-ups might be overwhelming and cause additional unwanted software installations. Adware can have some very severe impacts on your computer’s speed and disrupt the workflow.

3. Frequent Crashes and Freezes

Malware infections are also possible when your system crashes or an application freezes repeatedly. Malware can interfere with the operating system’s processes, and these interferences create conflicts that would cause shutdowns or software errors.

Over a period of time, these interruptions would damage the important files in your system, thus deteriorating its performance seriously. So, if your computer starts crashing for unknown reasons, then you should run a malware scan to find out if it’s caused by an infection.

4. Changes to Your Files or System Settings

Malware can alter your system settings, including disabling security features like antivirus software or firewalls. It may also modify or encrypt your files without your consent. These changes can lead to slow performance as your computer struggles to adjust to the altered configuration.

For example, some ransomware encrypts important files, making them inaccessible, while slowing down the system due to the extra load of encryption processes running in the background.

5. Increased Startup Time

Malware can also try to include itself in the list of programs that are loaded every time your computer starts. This will slow down the boot time. If you find that your computer takes a while to start, this is a sure indicator that malware is starting to run processes at startup.

After the system has booted the programs, they also stay running in the background and will add an extra load on performance. You can take control of the startup programs, but if it keeps occurring, then it is time for malware scanning.

6. Disabled Security Software

One of the first things many malwares do is turn off your security software or bypass it. That exposes your computer to further attacks and, generally speaking, may cause the performance of your computer to slow down since the malware is running unchecked.

It is a huge red flag if you discover that your antivirus program is turned off and you do not bother to turn it off. Malware can also disable your updates in security software, keeping you open to even more infections that will make things worse.

Why Hire Tech on Road’s Malware Removal Services in Wellington?

Are you looking for malware removal services in Wellington? Tech on Road‘s malware removal, system performance improvement, file recovery, and other network optimization services are just what you need. Our fast response will also clear out any core issues, so you can be back up working today.

We pride ourselves on our transparency. Throughout the malware removal process, we shall keep you abreast of what we’ve found and what we recommend you do. You will get a detailed cost estimate, clear timelines, and provisions for you to make well-informed decisions about the health of your system.

Slow computers are mostly the result of malware infections. So you should be vigilant and regularly scan your system for infections. Installing reputable antivirus software, not downloading dubious files, and staying abreast of how to protect a computer from malware threats better can save all that your computer is worth.

With the help of the expert team at Tech on Road, the leading computer and laptop repair in Masterton Wellington, you can ensure that your system is safe, secure, and upgraded with the latest safety features to protect it from malware. 

Reach out to Tech on Road’s team at:

Phone: 0800131303

Address: 101 Riverstone Drive, Riverstone Terraces, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand