Why Is My Laptop So Slow? 8 Simple Ways to Speed Up Your Laptop

If your laptop has become too slow, you’re not the only one with this problem; it’s common. Laptops can slow down over time for a variety of reasons. Although some issues cannot be resolved, many users ask on the internet, “Why is my laptop so slow compared to normal performance, and how can I fix it.

The article will provide answers to why is my laptop so slow compared to new ones and methods to fix it. If you find that your computer is running slowly, this article will help fix the issue and get the same speed and efficiency on your laptop as a new one.

Why Is My Laptop So Slow?

There are many reasons why a laptop running slow over time. Some are related to software usage, while others are connected to hardware limitations.

Common causes include:

• Too many junk or temporary files are stored on the system
• The storage drive (HDD/SSD) is nearly full
• Excessive background processes are running
• Startup programs consume system resources
• Heavy browser usage with multiple tabs/extensions
• Virus or malware infections
• CPU overheating and thermal throttling
• Low available RAM
• Failing or slow hard disk performance

Each of these factors contributes to reduced speed, longer loading times, and lagging performance.

Also read: Why Is My Chromebook So Slow? 9 Proven Fixes to Speed It Up

How To Fix Slow Laptop?

Here are the top methods to diagnose and fix a slow laptop.

1. Increase Free Space in Local Disk C

Most computers slow down due to low storage in the Hard Disk. What is the reason we require free space on hard drives? In the end, hard drives require space to hold virtual memory.

As you complete more tasks, RAM becomes overloaded, and future tasks are automatically occupied by the space that is left on hard disks (i.e., memory swapping), so there is no space left in the disk.

How to free up space:

• In the search bar: type “computer management,” and a dialog box will appear. Select Disk Management in the storage section.
• If you click Disk Management, a dialog box will open. Select the volume you wish to extend and then click Extend Volume
• A crucial point to remember is that the “Extend Volume” option is only available if you have unallocated space behind the partition that you want to extend.

2. Delete Temporary (Temp) Files

Deleting temporary and Temp files every week can make your laptop faster. On PCs, temporary files are created and stored when using video, graphics software, and other software. In general, these files occupy more space on your system.

How to delete temp files:

• Press WIN key + R -> Type “%temp%” -> Click OK -> Press Ctrl + A -> Press Shift + Delete -> Click “Yes”
• You can follow the same steps by typing alternative words such as (temp prefetch) in the Run Window (WIN keys plus R).

3. Uninstall Unnecessary Software

If you are using a new computer, you’ll find pre-installed applications by default, which we do not use at any point. These pre-installed apps take up more space and reduce your system’s performance. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the unneeded apps you don’t use.

How to uninstall apps:

Press the WIN key and R, then type “control” in the tab -Click OK On the Control Panel page, select “program” -> Click “Programs and Features” -You will view the software that is available on your computer – click the program -> Right click and then press Uninstall.

4. Check Your PC for Malware and Viruses

Make sure to scan your PC every time you install new software or put hard drives, pen drives, and so on, to protect against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software, which consume a large amount of your system’s resources (such as hard drive memory, memory, and processor)

How to scan for malware:

In the case of Windows 10 – Press the Win key, then enter “Windows Security” -> select “virus or Threat Protection”, choose the quick or Full Scan

5. Restart Your Laptop Regularly

Start your computer once every day. Lock your computer each time you step away from your workstation. This can boost your computer performance by flushing your RAM, preventing memory leaks, and fixing problems. If your computer is slowing down, you must first restart the system before going to the next steps.

6. Disable Startup Programs

Many programs on the PC can be set to automatically start running during the system’s ON mode and continue running in the background. But if you don’t utilize these apps regularly or don’t have an extremely powerful computer, they could waste precious system resources, which can drastically slow down the user experience.

How to disable startup apps:

Press the WIN key + R, then enter “ipconfig” -> Click “OK.” In the system configuration pop-up, select the start-up option, and choose the unwanted apps running in the background. Click “OK”

Also read: How to Stop Laptop From Overheating

7. Add More RAM (Hardware Upgrade)

Modern applications and programs require a lot of RAM to run effectively. When your computer is performing slowly due to the software needing to run more RAM, there’s nothing you can do about it, other than upgrade your laptop’s RAM. This could cost you more, but it will increase your laptop’s performance since it’ll have the resources to deliver the required output.

8. Clean Your Laptop Hardware

Once a month, you should have your laptop serviced by a skilled technician, or you can perform the task yourself by watching online videos. To service your laptop, search for the laptop’s company address and serial number.

Small guide on how to perform hardware troubleshooting yourself:

• Turn off the power (or) disconnect the power source before doing hardware troubleshooting
• Remove the bottom case of your laptop using a screwdriver and, if you’re a desktop user, remove the top cover of the CPU cabinet.
• Clean the parts with the blower
• Clean the circuit board using Isopropyl alcohol, a white cloth, or a brush
• Remove the RAM gently, and then clean the RAM

Final Thoughts

Because of regular use, your computer will slow down. To avoid becoming frustrated, it is recommended to perform a routine service and ensure everything is operating smoothly. These suggestions can help to improve your computer performance. I hope this article gives you some solutions to ” why is my laptop so slow.

FAQs: Why Is My Laptop So Slow