Is your Microsoft Windows PC slowing down or having Virus / Spyware / Malware issues?  
If you are comfortable working with your PC, try the following first...

If you still need help please contact us at: mailto:info@msdconsultingllc.com

For general slowness the following may help:

  • Uninstall any applications no longer needed. 
    • In windows, click "START", "Control Panel", "Programs and Features" or Search for "Programs and Features", depending on your version of windows.  Select the programs you no longer need and uninstall them.  Please be careful, if you do not know what a program is, it is most likely best to leave it installed.
  • Run a Disk Check.
  • Close any open programs.
  • Double-Click "My Computer"
  • Right-click the hard disk drive that you want to check, and then click Properties.  (It is suggested to check the C drive and any other Hard Drives present in your PC)
  • Click the Tools tab, and then, under Error-checking, click Check Now. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  • Your disk check will run and fix any errors it finds.  Do not use your computer while this is running.
  • Defragment your hard disk.  Note:  Windows 7+ will normally perform this operation automatically.

  • Close any open programs.
  • Double-Click "My Computer"
  • Right-click the hard disk drive that you want to defragment, and then click Properties.  (It is suggested to defrag the C drive and any other Hard Drives present in your PC)
  • Click the Tools tab, and then, under Defragmentation, click Defragment Now. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  • Make note of the Red (fragmented) areas on your disk.  The more red, the more fragmented your disk drive is.
  • If necessary, on the next screen click the Defragment button.
  • This process may run for a long time.  It is best to not use the PC while the process is running.
  • The process will notify you when it is complete.

Note:  The screens shown on the right may vary depending on your version of Windows.


For Virus and Spyware issues (this is often the case if your PC opens new pop-up windows, or runs very slow):

  • If you don't have anti-virus software, get it.  We do not recommend security suites, but instead a good basic anti-virus/spyware product.  Microsoft Windows 8, 10 and 11 include good basic security with Windows Defender.  
  • Check to make sure your Anti-Virus and operating system software is up to date.  Run the updates if needed.  If your software has expired, renew it, or uninstall it and see the prior suggestion.
  • If you Are Not using a Security Suite with its own firewall, make sure the Windows Firewall is turned on.
  • MalwareBytes is another good option to scan for problems that your anti-virus software may miss.  The free version is great for on-demand scans.  The paid version runs in the background all the time.  You can get this here: Malwarebytes.
  • Run a full scan of your PC using your Anti-Virus Software.  Have the software remove any issue it may find.
  • If you continue to have issues, the virus may be something that your particular software cannot detect and/or remove.  There are other options, some free that may help.

Cloud Backups!!!:

  • The best defense is good backups.  We recommend doing a cloud backup at least daily.  The backup solution chosen should keep multiple generation of your data.  This is necessary should your data get corrupted or encrypted by ransomware.  Our recommended backup is here: IDrive.


Disclaimer:  This information is provided as a general guideline of good practice.  It is provided with no guarantee.  Use this information at your own risk, MSD Consulting LLC is not responsible for any damage that may be caused by the use of this information.