Processor Speed Stuck at 0.50 GHz

[tealwater]

For the past year or so my laptop has been running super slow. I have tried to figure out what was wrong but nothing I did made any difference (plug in to ethernet, remove programs, run updates, stop running so many programs at startup, run a full system scan for viruses/malware).  I ran every diagnostic test I could find and they all came back normal.   The one thing I noticed is the processor speed in the Tsk Manager was constantly at 050 GHz.  When I looked at other laptops in the house, they all ran higher than that ad fluctuated.  Mine NEVER changes.

I did a restore/reset where it re-installs a new version of Windows 10 but keeps your files...nothing changed. 

I finally decided to wipe out the entire system taking it back to original.  I ran a complete system restore on 12/27 where it cleaned the drives and re-installed Windows 10.  I thought this would definitely fix the problem but it's EXACTLY the same! I'm waving the white flag...SOS...Please Help!!!

Here's some info from my system:  HP 15-F039wm  J8X12UA

System Model      HP 15 Notebook PC

System Type      x64-based PC

OS Name      Microsoft Windows 10 Home

Version      10.0.18362 Build 18362 

Processor      Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU  N2840  @ 2.16GHz, 2159 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 2 Logical Processor(s)

BIOS Version/Date      Insyde F.04, 8/25/2014

SMBIOS Version       2.7 

Embedded Controller      Version 6.06

BIOS Mode      UEFI 

Thanks!

[The_Fossette]

@tealwater,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I reviewed your post and I understand that the computer is running very slow.

Don’t worry, I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

I see that you have already performed all the relevant steps however, I see that your computer came with Windows 8. I recommend you try installing Windows 8 on the computer and check if it helps.

If you continue facing the issue, then I recommend you contact support to further diagnose the issue.

Here is how you can get in touch with support.

1)Click on this link – www.hp.com/contacthp/

2)Select the product type.

3)Enter the serial number of your device or select let HP detect your product option.

4)Select the country from the drop-down.

5)You should see the HP phone support number or Chat option listed.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[tealwater]

Is Windows 8 still being supported by Microsoft?  It took me a long time to upgrade to Windows 10 so going backward is not my ideal "fix".  I don't know how to go back to 8...and I am very concerned about being able to work remotely like I do now.  When I restored it back to original, Windows 10 was loaded back on automatically.  There wasn't a choice I could make.

BTW, the issue did not happen right after I upgraded to Windows 10, it was perfectly fine for probably 2 years using Windows 10 before this happened.

Anyway,  I had a breakthrough after submitting my first question.  First I ran a software called Speccy to see if my CPU was running at a high temperature  and the numbers were all below 40 degrees so I ruled out overheating as a cause.  Then I started the computer with just the battery (no AC adapter plugged in) and it ran PERFECT!!!  The CPU speed went up to 2.57 GHz and down to 1.47 GHz (est) depending on what I did and what was open.  It was quick and responsive...just like it should be and like it used to be.  As soon as I plugged in the AC adapter cord, the CPU speed dropped down to 0.50 GHz and the CPU percentage would not go over 23%.  I tried unplugging it to see if it would go back to normal but it stayed at 0.50/23%.  If I restarted it unplugged it was perfect.  If I restarted it plugged in, it was throttled again.

I'm happy to have isolated the problem to the cord or the adapter but I'm not sure of the solution.  The cord charges my laptop just fine.  I actually have 2 HP 45 W adapters with the 90 degree blue plug.  They BOTH do the same thing to my computer.  I'm going to upload pictures of each one so you can see what's printed on them.   

[The_Fossette]

@tealwater,

I recommend you contact support to further diagnose the issue and they will assist you in this regard.

Cheers!