Malware or Hardware - how can I tell what is slowing me?

I'll just jump right in, my laptop has been running a tad slower and has been hotter and louder even when not in use.  Fairly often getting brief hang ups as if it's trying to process the info before letting me proceed.  i.e. using any program, like browser or file explorer even will often result in a brief moment of locking up and stating [Not Responding].  Typically this occurs when starting the program or periodically throughout.

I've upgraded to windows 10 hoping it might alleviate some of the issues but no such luck. What's the easiest way to start testing different avenues for PC recovery?  I've run some of the HitmanPro, CCleaner, Malwarebyes recently and it seems to help briefly but quickly goes back to loud fans running and sluggish response.

Thanks in advance.

Edited by dev00790, 29 January 2016 - 07:15 PM.

Sounds like this is likely hardware related issue.

Has dust clogged up the fans or insides of the computer? Is the laptop being over clocked?

Dust is clear on the outside, I've yet to open up the laptop but can try that next to check for dust and attempt to blow out.

Based on the resource monitor, the CPU usage is low if inactive and the fan is not running but the maximum frequency is constantly over 100%.  Is that what you're referring to?

Please take a screenshot of the issue using either Snipping Tool or PrtScn and Paint.

Then attach it in your next post.

Overclocking is when the settings in the BIOS are changed or in overclocking software to try to make the computer perform better / get more value out of it.

It can cause issues like overheating, crashes etc.