General system lagging issue

Question

Hello, everyone.

I am experiencing very uncomfortable issue: often when I try to launch, redownload applications (system ones, special ones, utility etc.) it is running slowly, lagging etc.

It persists long time and so far I tried to be patient and take common means:

-        End unnecessary tasks via Task Manager;

-        Regularly clean system (removing junk files),

-        Moving redundant files on the external storage.

But now it got unbearable and really slowing down my working process (it is now critical issue!)

Here are my current parameters of system productivity:

-        Memory load – 45-60%

-        CPU load – 20-22%.

Additionally I have internal storage – SSD (118 GB, usually up to 2-3 GB are free).

So, how can I significantly boost my system productivity? (besides reinstalling OS Windows itself).

I desperately need this help otherwise my deadlines will be violatred.

Thank you in advance for help.

Answer 1

RAM usage of 45 - 60% and CPU usage of 22% is not high and that would not be causing your system to be lagging.

If you only have 2 - 3Gb of free space on your SSD, that would be causing problems, because Windows needs a lot more space for temporary files and the Pagefile (virtual memory).

The best first option is to try to clear as much space as you can on your C drive, then in Task Manager on the Startup tab, disable any apps you do not need to start with WIndows and finally restart (not shut down) your PC to flush out the RAM and test if your system is more responsive.

Answer 2

The main bottleneck is the SSD having only 2–3 GB free. Windows 10 needs significantly more free space for paging, temp files, updates, and app installs. With so little space, everything (especially launching and installing apps) will lag even if CPU and RAM look fine.

Follow these steps on Windows 10 to improve performance without reinstalling:

1. Free up disk space (critical)

• Use Storage Sense:
  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Storage.
  2. Turn on Storage Sense if available and select it.
  3. Select Run Storage Sense now to automatically delete temporary files.
• Remove temporary files manually:
  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Storage.
  2. Select Temporary files.
  3. Check all file types that can be safely removed (e.g., temporary files, recycle bin, delivery optimization files) and select Remove files.
• Use Disk Cleanup:
  1. Select Start, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
  2. Choose the system drive (usually C:).
  3. Select categories to delete (temporary files, system error memory dump files, etc.) and confirm.
• Uninstall unused apps:
  1. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. For apps not needed, select More options (… ) > Uninstall.

Aim to free at least 15–20 GB on the SSD. This alone can dramatically improve responsiveness.

2. Disable unnecessary startup apps

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to Startup apps.
• For apps not required at startup, right‑click and select Disable.

3. Turn off background app activity

• Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
• For apps that do not need to run in the background:
  1. Select More options (… ) > Advanced options.
  2. Under Background app permissions, set Let this app run in the background to Never.

4. Keep Windows and drivers updated

• Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
• Install all available updates.
• Then select View optional updates, and install relevant driver updates.

5. Scan for malware

• Select Start > Settings > Update & security.
• Select Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
• Under Current threats, choose Quick scan.

6. Consider using Microsoft PC Manager

• The Microsoft PC Manager app can help clean storage, manage startup apps, and optimize performance from a single place. Use it to run cleanup and tune‑up tasks regularly.

If, after freeing substantial disk space and applying these steps, the system is still very slow, the SSD capacity (118 GB) may simply be too small for current workloads, and upgrading to a larger SSD would be the next practical step.

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References:

• Tips to improve PC performance in Windows