My computer is often VERY slow. Also apps stopps functioning from time to time.

[PerSw]

My computer becomes more often going slow or very slow. Apps also "hangs" and stops functioning sometimes. Loading images or other big files into an app can take unexpectedly long. And a process that is expected to take let say 5-10 minutes takes an hour or so to finish. (In between things move more normally - but the longer I use my computer without restarting it, the more it gives me problems.) 

Sometimes it feels that it does not have enough with memory – but when I check the processes there are still memory left, and also other similar strange issues.  

As I purchased this computer INCLUDING Windows 11 from you (HP) it has to be HP who have to find out whats the problem.  Is it the hardwear, is it Windows, is it something else. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @PerSw 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

You're absolutely right to expect smooth performance from a premium device like the HP Envy x360 16-ac0000—especially when it came bundled with Windows 11. 

Let’s break this down and get you back to a snappy, reliable experience. 

What Might Be Causing the Slowness

Here are the most common culprits based on your symptoms:

• Memory leaks or background processes: Apps may not release memory properly, causing slowdowns over time.
• Thermal throttling: If the system overheats, it may reduce performance to cool down.
• Storage bottlenecks: Even with free RAM, slow SSD performance or background indexing can cause delays.
• Driver or firmware issues: Outdated or buggy drivers can lead to app hangs and sluggish behavior.
• Windows 11 quirks: Some users report UI lag and responsiveness issues, especially after prolonged use.

Please try the below steps:

1. Run HP Diagnostics

• Use the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics tool to check for hardware faults like memory or SSD issues.

 

2. Update Everything

• Go to HP Support Assistant and install all recommended updates (BIOS, chipset, graphics, storage).
• Also check Windows Update for the latest patches—some performance fixes are included in recent builds.

 

3. Check for Background Drain

• Open Task Manager > Performance tab and monitor CPU, memory, and disk usage.
• Look for apps or services that spike usage over time.

 

4. Disable Startup Apps

• Go to Task Manager > Startup tab and disable non-essential apps.
• This helps reduce background clutter and speeds up boot time.

 

5. Adjust Power Settings

• Set your laptop to High Performance mode under Control Panel > Power Options.
• Disable Fast Startup to prevent caching issues.

 

6. Clean Boot

• Run a clean boot to isolate software conflicts:
  Type msconfig > Select Selective Startup > Disable non-Microsoft services under Services tab.

 

7. Check for Memory Leaks

• Use Resource Monitor to track memory usage over time.
• If an app keeps consuming more memory without releasing it, that’s a leak.

Optional: Lighten Windows 11

• Disable animations and transparency:
  Settings > Accessibility > Visual Effects.
• Turn off background apps:
  Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Background Permissions.

Still Slow After All That?

If the issue persists even after updates and cleanup:

• Consider a Windows 11 reset (keeping your files).
• Or try a clean reinstall using HP’s Cloud Recovery Tool.

Let me know how far you get with these steps. I can walk you through any part in more detail. You deserve a machine that works as hard as you do.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[PerOberg]

Sorry my username changed, I asked the question.

Happy to get your nice answer.

So, I have followed your advice.

1. Run HP Diagnostics

Modell: HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop 16-ac0xxx

Serienummer: CND4370X65

Produkt-ID: A18PBEA#UUW

CSO-nummer:

Agent-ID:

Starttid Typ Result Error-ID

-------------------

2025-08-02 12:35:52 Memory [E2] Completed NA

2025-08-02 12:23:06 Memory [E] Completed NA

2025-08-02 12:22:21 Processor completed NA

2025-06-17 17:40:57 Customized[0] Warning NA

2025-06-17 16:50:48 System [E] Completed NA

2025-03-15 17:19:22 System [F-2] Completed NA

2025-03-15 17:16:29 System [F-1] Completed NA

<END>

1. Update Everything. Done my best - not sure I missed something or not.
2. Check for Background Drain. . And so on. Use: Desktop 270 GB, Installed Apps 102 GB, E-mail 6 GB, Other 5.5 GB. (C-drive 953 GB)
3. Disable Startup Apps. I have removed few apps. I have removed apps from startup
4. Adjust Power Settings. Done
5. Clean Boot Run a clean boot to isolate software conflicts: Done
6. Check for Memory Leaks. Done.

Now the latest issues I have seen:

After the above:

I run an APP that needs time to perform (about 15 minute to change an image). But that app ONLY works when I sitt in front of my computer - if I go away and do something else it stops, and when I am back it does not restart. Has it anything to do with me using face recognition?

Before the above that I did not include in my question:

-When I click an image and the Windows app open it, there is arrows on the side I can use to go the next or previous image in that folder. However, several times instead of going to the next or previous image it jumped several images so a folder with 20 images it would only let me see 3 of them. But if I click the images one ba one – without using arrows I can see all of the.

I need time to see what else will happen after I have done the things told by you. I have uninstalled some upgrades and then it was a bit better even before your advice.

Have a nice day. // Per Oberg

[Hawks_Eye]

@PerSw 

Thanks for the detailed follow-up. You’ve clearly put in a lot of effort—and it shows. Let’s break down the two new issues you’ve described and explore what might be causing them.

This behavior could be linked to Windows Hello face recognition or presence detection features. 

Some HP Envy x360 models include IR cameras that support “look-away detection” or “presence awareness,” which can pause or lock the system when it no longer detects a user in front of the screen.

 

What to Check:

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
• Under Windows Hello Face, look for any settings related to presence detection or automatic lock.
• If available, disable features like “Automatically lock when you’re away” or “Pause apps when not in use”.

You can also review HP’s guidance on troubleshooting Windows Hello Face Recognition to ensure the camera isn’t misfiring or interfering with app behavior.

2. Image Viewer Skipping Files

This sounds like a glitch in the Windows Photos app navigation logic. It may skip files if:

• Some images are stored in subfolders or have unsupported formats.
• The app’s cache is corrupted.
• File indexing is incomplete or delayed.

Your HP Diagnostics results show multiple completed tests, but also some warnings and system-level flags. If performance continues to degrade, it may be worth running a System File Checker:

sfc /scannow

Run this in Command Prompt (Admin) to check for corrupted Windows files.

Also, keep an eye on whether the issues return after specific updates. If they do, I can help you block or roll back those selectively.

Let me know how the app behaves after adjusting the presence settings. We’ll keep refining until everything runs smoothly.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye