Have I a problem starting with my PC?

TUVOK

My PC running windows 11 is about 2 years old and has been a great buy, always worked supebly.
In the last month I've noticed a type of hesitancy in following a command, i.e. a site in the search bar, not a big amount of time but where it always seemed to be instant, I notice a small time lapse.
I realise it could be many things, signal speed, drivers, hopefully not a virus etc but would welcome any suggestions etc.
I currently run and have never since purchase of the PC run any cleaning programs etc just rely on updates and windows defender.
Thanks for any/all replies.

Sicard

I'm still on W10 but psyching myself up to use my new laptop with W11.

I run adwcleaner and malwarebytes, plus Super Antispyware once a week, all free, which pick up any nasties.

NanookOfTheNorth

Is it only when you're using a web browser you notice the time lapse?  If so do you get the same with another web browser (ie Firefox, Chrome, Edge).  If you open other apps that dont use the internet, do they seem normal?

Running malwarebytes as per Sicard is a good idea to rule out any unexpected issues.  And do a scan on your already installed antivirus.

Do you shutdown/restart your computer regularly?  

Ayr_Rage

I only use Defender and normal updates on W11 and all runs smoothly.

Make sure you have "Defragment and Optimise Drives" set to run on a schedule and run it now to make sure your hard drive is in the best condition.

On my new laptop I have disabled One Drive and removed the free McAfee trial along with disabling a couple of programs that were running at startup.

debitcardmayhem

Which search bar? and which browser? More info really

RunsFromRobots

Have you upgraded W11 to 25H2 yet? Either way, I use Cr*ap Fixer and my really old PC runs flawlessly.

Vitor

Check your startup app and disable any that are not needed.
Check for browser add-ins
Try a DNS like Cloudflare or Quad 9 rather than relying on you ISP's resolver

Eyeful

1. Windows has its own disk cleaning facility.
However I use "Wise Disk Cleaner". It gets rid of a lot of rubbish and makes defragging simple and easy, 

2. Do you shutdown/restart your computer regularly?  

LightFlare

Just to add - it is generally considered unwise to defrag an SSD drive

Ayr_Rage

LightFlare said:

Just to add - it is generally considered unwise to defrag an SSD drive

Perhaps you would kindly explain why Windows provides a tool to optimise a SSD and allows a schedule to be set.

It says "trimming" when running.

It may still have the legacy name of "Defragment and Optimise Drives" but that is presumably so it can actually defragment rotary hard disks too.

I think you've got a bit confused.

"To optimize an SSD, ensure TRIM is enabled, keep at least 10-15% of the drive free, and update the firmware. Avoid defragmenting, as it is unnecessary and wears out the drive; instead, use the built-in Windows "Optimize Drives" tool which runs the TRIM command for SSDs."

TUVOK

Thank you all for your replies, so helpful as usual, I have a lot to take in and try and work through, thanks again.