Random Lag Spikes in Windows 10

Hey Greg,

Sorry for taking so long to respond. I’ve been trying out some of the things you recommended in your last response (as well as everything from the first post) and I’m now thinking it may be a hardware issue. I plan on taking my computer in to be looked at by a repairman. Thanks for your help, I’ll be sure to reference the information you shared with me if I have any future issues.

Waylon, did you follow all of the steps in the Clean Install tutorial here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki... including The driver steps which are important enough they are printed in red?

Are you confident you have the very latest drivers and BIOS version from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page? Go there now and put in your serial number off sticker on PC to get the latest drivers and BIOS.

Test the memory using WIndows Memory Diagnostics: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-det...

If problems are found then test the RAM overnight to stress it with the best bootable test memtest86, following this guide to test both sticks and slots:

https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/how-to-test...

Test the hard drive or SSD with diagnostics:

https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin...

https://mashtips.com/ssd-health-test-and-perfor...

HP and Dell have hardware diagnostics triggered by tapping the ESC or F12 keys respectively as you power on.

Best is to use the HDD/SSD manufacturer's own if there is one, otherwise use Seatools bootable long test: http://blog.nowherelan.com/2013/04/04/boot-seat...

Follow this up with a full Disk Check from the Command Prompt in Repair Mode or from bootable media: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/check-hard-dri... if necessary from the Command Prompt at boot: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

Then Stress test the rest of your hardware:

https://techguided.com/best-tools-to-stress-tes...

Hey Greg,

I'd like to start by saying I really appreciate your quick response. I went ahead and tried out each of the things you listed, but the problem still persists. Even after completely wiping my hard drive and reinstalling Windows (Following the link posted towards the end of your reply) it seems like the lag spikes are actually lasting longer than they were before (Roughly 1 Minute now). The diagnostics didn't detect any hardware issues, so I'm pretty lost as to what I should do next. If you have any idea as to what next steps I should take, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Waylon

Hi Waylon. I'm Greg, an Independent Advisor.

1. Run HP Hardware diagnostics by powering on while pressing ESC key:

http://www8.hp.com/us/en/campaigns/hpsupportass...

2. Run Hp Support Assist to update drivers and BIOS:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03467905

If that doesn't work then manually download and install any newer drivers than those presently in Device Manager from http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers. Compare BIOS from System Information to install the latest.

3. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 17 to test a new Local Admin account. Then if necessary continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

4. Try these specific fixes for CPU spikes on HP:

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/fix-high-cpu-usag...

https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-windows-10-high-c...

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/...

5. Uninstall any 3rd party antivirus in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features and try running only built-in Defender which gives adequate protection, best Windows performance, least issues, and is from Microsoft who knows how to protect their OS best.

After uninstalling antivirus in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, run any additional removal tool for it that's listed here:

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/an...

Restart the PC, then type Security in Start Search, open Windows Security, fix anything that's flagged. Report back any that cannot be fixed.

6. If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version, and solves most problems. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

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But remember that in Windows 10 everything depends upon the quality of the install, and Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider now or later doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

The reason I suggest this is that no one who has adopted the install in the above link has ever come back to report further problems I've seen, including another version failure. This is because everything in Windows 10 is dependent upon the quality of the install, especially Version Updates which will choke on lesser quality installs, and there is no possibility of problems if you stick ONLY with the steps, tools and methods in that tutorial.

It is also one of life's great learning experiences that will permanently make you the master of your PC because you will learn everything that works best and how to keep it that way.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it. `