Why does my coumputer lag when it is plugged in?

[Nathan22]

I have had this computer for 3 months now and every time that I plug it in it lags. It doesn't matter if I playing a game or if I'm watching a video it still lags. When it lags everything freezes for a couple seconds then it's back to normal for 10 seconds then does it again over and over. I just wanted to know if there are any solutions to this. Thank you 

[Dragon-Fur]

@Nathan22 

There might be something you can do - it depends on what you have already tried, your network (speed and reliability), your Internet (speed and reliability).

This is a perhaps a modest computer but by no means should it be unable to do its job.  "CTO" means you might have purchased the computer with differing options (faster, slower, fancy, not-so-much).

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In general, what you can do on your side is limited by the physical attributes (components in the computer), making sure the HP and Windows Updates are installed, providing a decent and reliable network (local network setup and fast Internet connection through your excellent router and your ISP). 

If the issue only presents when you are running on AC power, likely candidates include a poor power connection (for example, bad AC adapter and / or poor outlet power).  The battery is not likely the culprit since the problem does not present running on battery.  Your Power Settings might be at fault, though I would expect this is one of the first things you checked. 

Depending on the location (where you are when you are using the AC power), the problem might not be the power at all, but instead has to do with whether you are using Wireless or your Ethernet connection.  Wireless is great (especially if you have the faster 5G speed option) - Wireless is not so great if you are too far from your router or if your router is not up-to-task to send / receive large amounts of data at a very fast rate.  Actually the whole "bad router" scenario is relevant regardless of which connection type you use.  Streaming is demanding and you need the tech to do the job.

Where does the data originate?

Things get a little murky on the "other side" - the actual Internet is a jungle; your connection is dependent on not just your local network but the entire  "Internet path" to and from the data you are streaming.  Things like "buffering" can stall the data in the manner you describe.  Buffering can be caused by slow computer (components), poor network (slow / outdated router), slow Internet service (buying the cheapest service as opposed to the best, for example), slow or overwhelmed servers at the "other end" (where the data originates), or even squirrel chewed wires that connect your Internet to the destination.

Buffering at the local level might mean your graphics is struggling to keep up.

Assuming you have tried to solve the problem (providing Updates, fast Internet, decent connections), you can check the hardware (UEFI testing) - the tests should come back clean, of course (computer is new).

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Testing for Hardware Failures

Another place to look is at the website that is providing the data.  YouTube, for example, provides help on buffering in its help center.

Next, contact HP Technical Support.  Why?  Because all other things equal, if the hardware is not working as it aught, then HP can help you with final testing and possible repairs.

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