This guide will help you with How to Speed Up a Windows Laptop?
When one of our readers complained about his old laptop is too slow, we were happy to help. He stated it was great at first, but slowed down after adding certain apps.
Even though it has an Intel i3 CPU, 8GB RAM, and a 1TB hard drive, he claims it takes 3-5 minutes to start Notepad.
It took our tech support team 17 hours to figure out what causes Windows laptop performance issues. Opening Notepad, Windows search, and even resource-intensive web browsers like Google Chrome now take only 1-2 seconds.
Newer computers aren’t faster. They all rely on the components and their waste. A hard disc may be formatted to remove unwanted software and reinstall desirable applications, but that doesn’t guarantee it won’t slow down again! So?
12 Best Ways On How to Speed Up a Windows Laptop?
Most steps are easy to follow and take 30-40 minutes to finish. You may speed up your Windows laptop by 40-60% by formatting, adding SSD, or increasing system memory (16GB RAM is plenty).
1. Remove Real-time Security
With Windows 10, Windows Defender may check your system disc in real-time. But the continuous scans slow disc speed. With an SSD, there is no lag, but with an HDD, the task manager continually shows 90-100 per cent disc utilisation.
Insecure systems are hard to secure. Disable Norton, McAfee, or Kaspersky antivirus software.
2. Virtual Memory Add-On
So, would a machine with an SSD but less RAM be slower? Your software uses RAM, however, if your RAM is limited, you can’t run many programmes at once.
To circumvent this, Windows OS allows you to create virtual memory (paging file). It moves dormant processes to a 7200 RPM HDD to free up RAM for new or existing tasks that may need more resources.
3. Windows Performance Issues
First, troubleshoot before going on to further options. The Windows operating system has a performance checker. The method may detect numerous files running or slowing the system. And it’s fixed with a click. Troubleshoot as follows:
Then start the Control Panel.
• Enter troubleshooter on the troubleshooting tab.
• Select System and Security > Performance.
4. Deleted Junk Files
Deleting junk files is one way to practise alerting your system. Disk Cleanup in Windows enables you to automatically eliminate junk files and unnecessary caches.
Similarly, Mac users may look for similar functionality in Mac OS. You may also defragment your Windows OS. It will defrag your hard disc and clean up your stuff.
You may also manually delete unwanted files, videos, music, documents, images, etc. De-cluttering your recycle container may also help! On a Mac, you can accomplish the same thing, but an SSD disc is not required.
5. Upgrade RAM
A machine’s RAM may seem unnecessary. But not usually. Your system will slow down if you have 4-6GB RAM and run intensive programmes. Short-term benefits may be huge.
Go online and find the finest RAM. It won’t be free, but it won’t be cheap. Find out whether you can update your laptop’s RAM online before you begin hunting.
Surface Pro, new MacBooks, and many other compact ultrabooks don’t allow you to upgrade your RAM. Greater RAM means more system space. With greater area to work, programmes will run faster.
6. SSD Upgrade
Notably, SSD (Solid State Drive) is a speedier alternative to HDD (Hard Disk Drive). It lasts longer than Hard Disks since there are no moving parts.
SSDs may be more costly than HDDs. So you can afford it for your laptop. You may not require storage space if you have a Mac since it comes with an SSD.
The SSD capacity of the current MacBook Pro may be expanded to 4TB. Installing new hardware into the system takes technical expertise, so hire a specialist.
7. AVG Virus Scan
A virus or malware is one of the many reasons your system is slow. You may use Windows Defender or any other anti-virus software you’ve installed. It is best to test the system first.
Norton, McAfee, Avast, Bitdefender, etc. You may get the application for free and upgrade it if it works.
8. Setup Apps Limit
Is your system first slow but afterwards smooth? Deactivate launching programmes to fix the issue and enjoy a smooth system! Regardless of OS, certain programmes start immediately.
It is a major concern when the system slows down. You may reduce the number of programmes that startup with the system.
If you want to know how many programmes are running when Windows 10 starts, go to the Startup tab in Task Manager. A few applications may be unfamiliar to you. To remove the unneeded.
Also works on macOS. Simply open the Activity Monitor and uninstall the programmes.
9. Get Rid of Unused Apps
You may also remove unused software from your PC. It’s not like eliminating junk. Delete all unneeded applications. Unused games may be taking up space on your system.
Or delete all the useless browsers and stick to Chrome or Opera. It may happen to pre-installed or downloadable programmes. Antivirus software may slow down the system if it is not compatible. It’s preferable to discard it and buy something new.
10. Tend to your laptop more
Consumers who use a PC or laptop for work do not shut down their machines often. Once people become used to the system, they can’t go back. That’s the rub. That means it functions even while the machine is sleeping.
So do your body’s rest and processing needs. Just shutting down your machine once a week may help you identify changes. Whenever you install new software, it always asks for a system restart. It’s about time.
11. VFX Off
We may also deactivate or reduce the visuals. Who doesn’t desire a prettier system screen? So you can dim or turn it off. That it drains the battery and slows the computer is evident.
You can control 20 visual effects including transparent glass, menus, and shadows. Reduce Visual Effects by:
- Then start the Control Panel.
- Type performance information or tools into the search box.
- Select Visual effects.
- Type Admin if needed.
- Select the best performance option in Visual Effects.
- OK, now.
12. Format your PC
This is the last resort if none of the others works. A factory reset or reinstalling the OS. First, make an external hard drive backup of all your data. Not lost data may be retrieved after reformat.
It will be virus-free and as good as new. Also, make sure all CDs and OS are current, and then restore all data. A laborious process, yet required if the issue has been neglected for too long.
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Conclusion: How to Speed Up a Windows Laptop?
These are some strategies to increase system or laptop speed. You may also try decreasing the system’s visual effects. If you’re a regular user and don’t mind the look, you can speed up your system.
The bottom fact is that adding data and files slows down your machine. Long-term catastrophes need regular maintenance. You don’t want to pay for RAM, SSD, or even a new OS. Prevention beats cure every time.
