Malware & Spyware: How They Slow Down Your Laptop — and How to Fix It (NW London)

If your laptop suddenly feels slow, freezes, or acts strangely, malware is one of the most common causes we see at FirstAidPC — especially for customers in Camden, Swiss Cottage, Highgate, and Golders Green.

Malware doesn’t always show obvious signs. But it silently damages performance and puts your privacy at risk.

Here’s how it slows your system — and what you should do.

1. How Malware Slows Down Your Laptop

Malware typically causes:

• Programs taking ages to open

• Web pages loading slowly

• Pop-ups appearing randomly

• CPU usage spiking in Task Manager

• High fan noise even at idle

• Strange background processes

Spyware, in particular, constantly sends data over the internet — which slows everything down.

2. The Most Common Types We See in NW London

Adware

Shows pop-ups, injects ads, slows browsing.

Spyware

Tracks your activity and uses system resources.

Trojans

Hide inside fake downloads or email attachments.

Cryptominers

Secretly mine cryptocurrency → 100% CPU usage → laptop becomes unusable.

3. Quick DIY Fixes

A. Windows Defender Scan

Go to:Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection → Quick Scan

B. Use Malwarebytes Free

Good at removing adware and browser hijackers.

C. Reset your browsers (Chrome/Edge/Firefox)

This removes hidden extensions causing slow speeds.

4. When to Visit FirstAidPC

If your laptop is still slow, or scans aren’t removing threats, you may have deeper malware embedded in:

• Registry

• Startup processes

• System files

• Hidden scheduled tasks

We offer:

✔ Full malware and virus removal✔ System optimisation✔ Browser reset✔ Protection setup✔ Same-day diagnostics

Serving Hampstead Heath, Camden, Finchley, Highgate, NW3, NW11, NW6, N6.##