Member Avatar for acejames1

ok i have a question does malware cause a laptop or desktop to become heavier in terms of weight or is still the same with all them nasty new files it gets :P:P:P:icon_lol:

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Good thread. asked if malware makes a laptop physically heavier; , and had the right kind of humor. The short, practical answer: software cannot add any meaningful physical weight to your machine. Files are just patterns of charge or magnetization on storage media; any mass change from adding bits is so vanishingly small it is impossible to notice.

What people call a laptop getting "heavy" is almost always performance: slow apps, long load times, loud fans, and poor battery life. Malware can cause that by hogging CPU, RAM, disk or network bandwidth, or by filling the disk with junk so the OS spends more time paging. Physical causes that really change weight are hardware additions, peripherals, or a failing/swollen battery — those need attention.

Quick checklist to diagnose and fix the “heavy” feeling:

  • Back up important data first.
  • Check resource use: open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc on Windows) or Activity Monitor on macOS; look for high CPU, memory or disk usage.
  • Free disk space and uninstall unwanted programs. Disable suspicious startup items.
  • Run a full scan with a reputable AV/anti‑malware tool and, if needed, an offline rescue scanner.
  • Boot into Safe Mode to remove persistent items, or consider a clean OS reinstall if infection persists.
  • Inspect hardware: clogged vents, very hot components, or a swollen battery require cleaning or professional service. If the battery is bulging, stop using the device and get it serviced safely.

Prevention: keep the OS and apps updated, avoid unknown attachments and sketchy downloads, and keep regular backups.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for John A

It depends. Viruses usually don't carry weight, however, Trojans are usually a few ounces each.

Oh, and by the way, I do hope you're not running Windows Vista:

Member Avatar for sarehu

It depends. Viruses usually don't carry weight, however, Trojans are usually a few ounces each.

Be careful though: with trojans, the number depends on whether you're using standard ounces or troy ounces as your unit of measurement. The choice has never been standardized.

Member Avatar for crunchie

Also, trojans tend to invite more of the same, so try and keep away from them.

Member Avatar for acejames1

no wonder my laptop weights 2 tons wow man it just seems my laptop is so heavy lately lol so trojans carry the weight guess i better get a new one cant think of carring this 2 ton laptop around....:D

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