Hey, everyone! I'm just starting out with PC gaming and need some advice on fixing some lag issues I've been experiencing. I recently bought a used PC built around 2017, and while it's capable of running games like Red Dead Redemption 2 smoothly once they load, I've been having some problems with overall performance. Windows often feels slow – apps take a while to open, using the taskbar is laggy, and navigating the desktop can feel delayed, especially during startup or when launching programs. My setup includes 16GB of RAM, an AMD Ryzen 5 2400G CPU with Radeon Vega Graphics, and an 8GB AMD Radeon 5500 XT graphics card. I think I might need to upgrade or replace some parts, but I'm unsure where to start. Can anyone offer advice on what checks I should do first or suggest potential upgrades?
2 Answers
First things first, try some standard troubleshooting. Restart your PC and see if that helps. If not, you might want to reinstall Windows (you can keep your files). Also, run a malware scan with Microsoft Defender to rule out any pesky viruses. Using the Task Manager or Resource Monitor can help you pinpoint what's causing the lag too!
If your PC is a desktop, like you mentioned, make sure to check for viruses, dust buildup, or driver issues. Sometimes cleaning out dust can make a big difference! Also, for desktops, battery or charger issues don’t apply, but it’s worth checking if your drivers are up to date since they're key for performance.
Thanks for the tip! I try to keep it dust-free, but what’s the best way to check or update my drivers?