Sudden massive performance drop that randomly disappears

[jdg4000]

Since mid Sept I have experiencing a huge performance issue - 7fps and input delay in all games.

I have tried many, many things;

Complete hard reset

Reinstall Win 11 (this actually fixed the issues until I shut the computer down for the night, and then performance issues came back the next day) then I tried reinstall again, and it didn't work.

Driver update for network and Graphics

Driver removal and reinstall

Reinstall steam and games

Try to launch games with DX11/DX12

Adjusting graphics settings in NVIDIA

Changing display refresh rate

Launching games as admin

Launching games through NVIDIA app or HP Omen Gaming Hub

Completely taking apart and cleaning dust from whole system (made no difference at all)

Disabling Overlays - Steam, Nvidia app, HP Omen Gaming Hub

Removing antivirus

Checking BIOS update (none needed)

Using My HP to check for any issues (none detected across all settings)

Checked for viruses/malware/mining - none detected with several programs

Many many more things that I can't remember. To note - the only thing that seemed to make any difference was reinstalling Windows 11 - it made the laptop run like brand new! However immediately after shutdown it reverted to the severe performance issues.

I appreciate your patience and help.

[Raj_05]

Hi @jdg4000,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you've gone through extensive troubleshooting already, which helps narrow down potential causes. Since reinstalling Windows temporarily resolved the problem, the issue might not be hardware-related but rather tied to software or system settings reverting after shutdown.

Thermal Throttling or Power Issues

• Check CPU/GPU Temps: Use a monitoring tool like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check for overheating. Even if you cleaned dust, the thermal paste might be degraded or improperly applied.
• Power Plan Settings: Ensure the power plan is set to "High Performance" or "Ultimate Performance" in Windows settings. Sometimes updates can revert this to "Balanced."
• GPU Throttling: Use the NVIDIA Control Panel to set your GPU to "Prefer Maximum Performance" under the Manage 3D Settings > Global Settings.

Persistent Software Conflict

• Clean Boot: Perform a clean boot to disable all non-Microsoft services and see if the problem persists. If this resolves the issue, identify and disable conflicting startup applications.
• Background Processes: Use Task Manager to check for high CPU, GPU, or disk usage processes after shutdown/startup.
• Game Bar and Overlays: Ensure Windows Game Bar and Xbox-related services are fully disabled, as they can cause performance issues.

BIOS or Firmware Issue

• Even though you checked for BIOS updates, a corrupted BIOS or outdated firmware for other components could cause instability.
  • Reset BIOS Settings: Enter BIOS and reset to default or optimized settings.
  • Reflash BIOS: Reflash the latest BIOS, even if it’s already installed.

Driver Persistence Issue

• Reinstall Drivers in Safe Mode: Uninstall NVIDIA and chipset drivers using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) in Safe Mode, then reinstall the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
• Check Driver Versions Post-Shutdown: Confirm that your installed drivers don't revert to older versions after a restart (indicating a system rollback).

Storage or Memory Issues

• Run Diagnostics:
  • Use Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86 to test RAM.
  • Check SSD health using tools like CrystalDiskInfo or Samsung Magician (if applicable).
• Page File Settings: Ensure Windows manages virtual memory/page file size or manually set a sufficient amount.

Software Settings Resetting After Shutdown

• If settings or optimizations revert after a shutdown, this could indicate:
  • Corrupted User Profile: Create a new Windows user profile and test.
  • Fast Startup Issue: Disable Fast Startup (Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Turn off Fast Startup).
  • Scheduled Tasks: Check if tasks are resetting settings upon restart (Task Scheduler).

[Raj_05]

NVIDIA Optimus or Hybrid Graphics Issue

• Ensure that games are using the dedicated NVIDIA GPU:
  • Open NVIDIA Control Panel > Manage 3D Settings > Program Settings > Add your games > Set to use "High-Performance NVIDIA Processor."
• Test games by disabling integrated graphics through Device Manager.

Firmware/Driver Conflicts After Updates

• Ensure no conflicting updates are applied automatically after reinstalling Windows:
  • Disable automatic driver updates: System Properties > Hardware Tab > Device Installation Settings > No.

Windows Restore Behavior

• If reinstalling Windows fixes the issue temporarily, it's worth checking:
  • Corrupted Update: Pause Windows updates after reinstalling to see if the issue is caused by a specific update.
  • Restore Points: Disable automatic restore points that might undo your changes after shutdown.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support

[jdg4000]

Hi Alden, thanks so much for your response.

I just wanted to say, after writing the post above, I have used HP Support through Whatsapp, who recommend sending the laptop off for repair. However I will try everything you suggest, hopefully to avoid this and FYI. However, ultimately nothing worked 😞

Corrupted User Profile: Tried this a couple of times in the past, as once it made an difference for a couple of seconds, but has since done nothing noticeable.

Thermal Throttling or Power Issues
Check CPU/GPU Temps: CPU and GPU heat ae stable, at around 30-40c even under stress.
Power Plan Settings: One of the other things I have tried and unfortunately makes no difference to the performance issues (I tried again for you though)
GPU Throttling: One of the other things I have tried and unfortunately makes no difference to the performance issues

Persistent Software Conflict
Clean Boot: One of the other things I have tried and unfortunately makes no difference to the performance issues (I tried again for you though)
Background Processes: Nothing out of the ordinary here - when not running games, or when there is stress on GPU, CPU etc.
Game Bar and Overlays: All disabled (NVIDIA overlay, Windows Game bar, HP Omen overlay) and no performance improvement

BIOS or Firmware Issue
Even though you checked for BIOS updates, a corrupted BIOS or outdated firmware for other components could cause instability.
Reset BIOS Settings: tried and unfortunately makes no difference to the performance issues
Reflash BIOS: tried and unfortunately makes no difference to the performance issues

Check Driver Versions Post-Shutdown: No issues here.

Storage or Memory Issues
Run Diagnostics: No issues detected
Check SSD health using tools like CrystalDiskInfo or Samsung Magician (if applicable): No issues detected
Page File Settings: Only one drive was set to windows managed - I changed it and restarted, but still no positive effect.

Software Settings Resetting After Shutdown
If settings or optimizations revert after a shutdown, this could indicate:

Fast Startup Issue: Tried this but no improvement.
Scheduled Tasks: nothing seems to be an issue here

[jdg4000]

Also, no luck with these solutions.

Thanks again for your patience with the issue!

[Raj_05]

Hi @jdg4000,

Thank you for your response, 

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action.

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Alden4

HP Support