Problems with extreme sluggishness/slow response time....How to troubleshoot? SO FRUSTRATING!

Question

I have a Toshiba Satellite L55-C laptop that is about 3 years old running WIN10 Home. I am a nerd for staying up-to-date with everything. I recently had to have a new hard drive put in. I had problems with sluggishness before this but I am very disappointed that it is continuing and keeping me from very productive. Even as I am typing this, the computer doesn't keep up with my typing and it "hangs up" (for lack of a better description).  Many times I have to wait 5 or more seconds for it to respond. Almost anything I do causes a "not responding" message, including opening an email.When I boot up my computer, I have to wait many minutes before any app responds (such as when Outlook or Word is open, I can't click on anything or basically can't use the app for some time). And even then, there are many times when I am waiting. I don't know how to troubleshoot this problem!

Here are some details about my computer (whether they may matter or not, ha ha!):

• Up-to-date with all WIN updates
• Running McAfee LiveSafe (I just tried turning off its "App Booster" to see if I notice a difference in anything and actually it seem worse.)
• Running Carbonite (which says "updating files" at the moment but even when it doesn't, I don't see a difference)
• Running Windows Defender
• Running CCleaner
• I use MS Office Professional 2016 desktop version, including Outlook app.
• Processor Intel Core i%-5200U CPU @ 2.20 GHz
• 64 but OS and processor
• WIN10 Home version 1903 (OS build 18362.329)
• 8 GB RAM
• CPU averages around 33%
• I disabled unnecessary startup apps
• Memory is at 46%
• AND 100% disk usage!!! So I went in just now and stopped quite a few services in Task Manager (nothing crazy), did a disk check (it was good). Now it is fluctuating in the high 80s to 100 so not much change.  I read to stop Superfetch but I couldn't see it under Services.
• I do not have a virus that I know of (everything checks out fine).
• I optimize weekly.
• When I looked at the Reliability Monitor, there are all kind of issues there over the past month (that's all that shows) but I don't know what to do with that information.

Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Hi Jane. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Guardian Moderator here to help you.

1. No expert in Forums - where we see the most cases, by the thousands - recommends Avast, AVG. Norton or McAfee, but we have solved many problems over the years by having them uninstalled.

I would 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.

2. After uninstalling antivirus in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, restart the PC, then type Security in Start Search, open Windows Defender Settings, there and in Windows Defender Security Center fix anything that's flagged.
3. If you want the best on-demand scanner download and install Malwarebytes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/

In it's Settings > Protection > Scan Options enable Scan for Rootkits.

Then on Scan tab choose Threat Scan and Run Scan.

Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can disable its Real Time trial version in it's Settings > Accounts tab.

4. Next check for damaged System Files since these antiviruses can damage WIndows: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-use-sfc-scannow...

If it cannot repair them see Step 10 here to continue: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

5. Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page.

6. 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 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

7. If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version 1903 which you need anyway and by the most stable method. 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: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

There is also an automated Fresh Start that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

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.

Answer 2

If none of the above helps I'd add uninstalling Carbonite based on problems I've seen it cause over the years.

Answer 3

Wow! I feel hopeful! Thank you so much for the very detailed answer and many things to try.

I don't have time for it tonight but I will definitely report back on how it is going after I do all these things.

Thank you!!

Answer 4

Glad to help Jane. Keep me posted as I'm here to help.

I don't want to swamp you but there are also working fixes here for 100% disk usage:

  How to fix 100% Disk Usage in Windows 10

  [FIX] Windows 10 100 Percent Disk Usage Problem

Answer 5

No, I appreciate it. I am working through your steps now. Doing the Malware scan. Thank you so much!