Whether it happens gradually over time or all of a sudden, trying to work with a slow computer can be seriously frustrating. Even if you’re fairly diligent with the maintenance of your laptop or PC, it’s surprising how quickly things slow down. If you’re running Windows 10, 8, or 7 and asking yourself “Why is my laptop so slow?” this post is for you!
Thankfully, you don’t have to trade in your computer just yet. In fact, you can take several steps to give it a bit of a boost in the performance department. With some simple decluttering and a few more technical operations, even the slowest computer can return to its old self.
In this post, we reveal 14 things you can do to speed up a slow laptop or PC using Windows 10, 8, or 7. For this article in particular, we’ll be focusing on system performance issues rather than those related to the network you’re using. We’re running Windows 10, so we’ll be using this version for the directions and screenshots. However, any adjustments for Windows 8 and 7 will be noted directly below, if applicable.
Looking for a quick fix? Our favorite tool for automatically fixing and maintaining PC speed is Iolo System Mechanic. It’s a cheap and effective way to significantly improve performance. We like System Mechanic because it:
- Works in real time to optimize CPU, RAM, and hard drive performance
- Removes junk files to free up space
- Identifies unwanted programs which slow down start-up
- Monitors for and fixes over 30,000 known problems that can cause errors or performance issues
- Patches known Windows security vulnerabilities
Iolo has offered Comparitech readers a 70% discount on System Mechanic.
Here’s how to speed up a slow laptop:
1. Close system tray programs
If your computer is off to a slow start, then it’s possible you have too many programs starting up at the same time as Windows itself. Items in the system tray often launch at startup and then stay running while you use your computer.
To access these items, click the upwards arrow toward the right side of your taskbar.
If there are any programs you don’t need to have running, right-click them and close.
2. Stop programs running on startup
Similar to programs running in the tray, other programs that automatically run on startup can slow down your computer. Some you may actually want to run, such as antivirus software, but others may be unnecessary.
Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager or hit Ctrl-Shift-Escape to launch. Head to the Startup tab and you’ll be able to view each item that runs on startup, along with its impact.
Go through these and decide which ones don’t need to start automatically. This process is especially beneficial to performance if you can disable some of the high impact ones. But note that some of these programs are vital for Windows to operate. For example, the ones with Microsoft listed as the publisher are probably best left alone. If you aren’t sure, either leave it, or try a Google search to find out more.
To disable, simply right-click and hit Disable. Remember, you’re not disabling the program, just the fact that it runs on startup.
Windows 7: Instead of accessing Task Manager, you’ll need to search for System Configuration.
3. Update Windows, drivers, and apps
You’ve probably heard that keeping your software up to date is a good idea for security. This is true and it can help performance too. Windows will automatically send you a notification when an update is available. You just need to make sure you don’t keep putting it off.
If you think you might have missed an update, you can always check. Go to Start and click Settings or the settings icon. Then go to Updates & Security > Windows Updates.
Aside from your Windows operating system, drivers and apps should be kept up to date too. Again, this is good for both security and performance. If you think you might have missed an update, a quick online search should tell you which version you should be using.
4. Delete unnecessary files
Just like our closets and drawers, our computers get cluttered. While you can’t really see it, you know it’s there, and it could be having a negative impact on your computer’s performance. This is especially true if you deal with a lot of large files, such as high-resolution images, audio files, and videos, on a day-to-day basis.
Free up space by making a habit of deleting files and folders each week and emptying the recycle bin afterwards. Doing this regularly means it’s more likely you’ll remember exactly what’s in the files and folders and won’t be so concerned about mistakenly deleting something important.
Handy tip: HDDs usually run at peak speed until they reach roughly 90 percent capacity. So if you check how much space is used up and you’re over 90 percent, that’s probably what’s slowing things down. SSDs slow down more gradually as they fill up, so it’s good to stay on top of things. It’s recommended not to fill an SSD to more than 75 percent of its capacity.
5. Find programs that eat up resources
If you find that your computer is suddenly running significantly slower, chances are there is a particular program to blame. One way to identify the culprit is to go into your task manager and find out what’s eating up your resources.
Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager. Click More details to find out information about the programs that are currently running on your computer. It should show you the Processes tab by default.
You can click each header to sort the list according to which applications are using the most of that particular resource. If you need to close something, try closing the actual application first. If it won’t close, come back to the Task Manager screen, right-click the application, and hit End task.
Windows 7: Instead of accessing Task Manager, you’ll need to search for System Configuration.
6. Adjust your power options
Windows comes with several preset ‘power plans’ to suit your needs. The default is set to Balanced, which takes into account performance and energy consumption. But the latter is only really a concern if you’re running off battery or trying to keep the electricity bills down. As such, you may want to change your plan.
As its name suggests, the High performance plan is a better option is your PC is running slow. Although this option uses more energy, it favors performance so should help speed up your machine.
Aside from the standard options, you could choose to create your own custom plan. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Create a power plan. Choose which existing plan you would like to start with, enter a name for your new plan, and select Next.
Basic options include how long the display stays on for when you’re inactive and how long before the computer goes into sleep mode. These won’t really affect your computer’s speed, but if you go into Change advanced power settings, you can make more adjustments that will have an impact.
7. Uninstall programs you don’t use
We often install huge programs without realizing how much space they’re taking up. If you think that might be the case, you can easily uninstall any programs you don’t use. Even if it’s a program you do use now and again, if it’s particularly large, it might be worth simply reinstalling each time you need it.
To uninstall a program, head over to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Go though the programs and decide which ones, if any, you don’t need. If you’re unsure about a particular program, you could simply use a search engine to find out more. Alternatively, you can also use a tool like the aptly named PC Decrapifier to help you distinguish the good from the bad.
8. Turn Windows features on or off
While you’re in the Programs and Features screen, you might want to check to see if there are any Windows components you don’t need. Click Turn Windows features on or off and you’ll see a list of these components.
You’ll want to be careful you don’t turn off anything you actually need. So again, a search for anything you’re unsure about is a good idea.
9. Run a disk cleanup
Windows comes with a built-in tool for cleaning up junk that accumulates over time. To access the Disk Cleanup tool, go to Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools, and select Disk Cleanup from the list.
Here, you can select the types of files you want to get rid of and click OK. Then click Clean up system files and choose any system files you want to remove.
If you’d rather not do this manually, there is software you can purchase to help. For example, Iolo System Mechanic will detect and remove junk files in real time so you don’t have to worry about it.
It has lots of other features designed to boost your computer’s performance such as cleaning up your browsing history, optimizing settings and application processes, and defragmentation (see below). This software currently costs just $14.98 for a one-year subscription.
10. Defragment your hard drive
Over time, files on your hard drive become fragmented. As your computer now has to check in multiple places for the pieces, it can run more slowly. The term ‘defragment’ sounds a little dramatic, but it basically means putting those files back together so your system can run more efficiently.
In fact, it’s something that Windows 10, 8, and 7 do automatically on a set schedule. The default schedule is once per week, but you can go in and manually run it if you suspect there’s an issue.
First, it’s important to note that you only need to do this if your computer uses a traditional mechanical Hard Disk Drive (HDD). A Solid State Drive (SSD) works differently from an HDD, and there is no need for defragmentation. If you have both, only defragment the HDD.
Go to My Computer and right-click the hard drive (by default named WINDOWS (C:) though you may have renamed it). Then go to Properties > Tools and under Optimize and defragment drive, click Optimize.
You’ll then get an Optimize Drives screen popup.
Note that in the above screenshot, all of the drives are SSD. These do not need to be defragmented. As in the image, Analyze will be grayed out for SSD drives, but will be available for hard drives.
Select an HDD drive and click Analyze to see how fragmented it is. A good rule of thumb would be to keep it below five percent. If it’s above, you can click Optimize to defragment the disk.
If you have an SSD, you’ll notice Optimize is actually an available option. Clicking it will run the TRIM command which will wipe data that is no longer considered in use.
Windows 7: Look for Disk Defragmenter using the search bar and select an HDD under Current status.
11. Adjust or disable graphics and animations
More recent versions of Windows come with lots of graphics, including animations such as fading effects and flyouts. These help make the application appear more sleek and refined and contribute to a better overall user experience. On the other hand, they can also slow down your computer.
Thankfully, it’s simple to adjust these settings and hopefully save a little processing power. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced system settings. Then, in the Performance section, hit Settings and you’ll have a full list of options.
You can select Adjust for best performance (this will remove all visual effects) or opt to remove some individually. It’s a matter of preference, but fade and shadow features are some you could probably live without.
Windows 7: Search for Performance Information and Tools, select Adjust visual effects, and use the Visual Effects tab.
12. Check for malware
Malware (malicious software) is a broad term used to describe malicious programs that could cause harm to your computer. These may come from various sources, including email links, software downloads, and even ads (malvertisements). Aside from potentially causing permanent damage to your system, some forms of malware can cause your computer to run slow.
Having good antivirus software installed can help protect against malware, as well as other threats. Some solid free options are available, so you don’t need to spend a penny.
We particularly recommend Avira’s free tool, which scans for and removes malware and includes tuneup tools. This means it will protect your data and speed up your PC at the same time.
If you’re willing to pay a fee for your antivirus software, we recommend Norton, TotalAV, or McAfee.
If you suspect malware is already affecting your computer, you can check for it using a scanner such as Zemana AntiMalware. You can then remove it using a removal tool like Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit. We’ve tested both of these products and were very satisfied with the results.
13. Disable Cortana
While the Windows 10 digital assistant, Cortana, is a handy feature, it uses up a lot of resources and also poses a privacy threat. Cortana used to be easily removed but in the up-to-date versions, it’s a little trickier. Nonetheless, if you’re willing to make an edit to your system’s registry, it can be done.
14. Upgrade your hardware
If you’ve tried all of the tricks above, it might be time to invest in some new hardware. Here are a couple of things you may want to consider putting some money into:
- Add an SSD: While HDDs offer more space for a lower price, adding an SSD can make your computer run much faster.
- Add more RAM: If you have an older system, it may have too little memory to run modern applications efficiently. What’s more, if you use a lot of programs simultaneously, you might not have enough Random Access Memory (RAM) to carry you through. Installing a new RAM kit could give you the boost you need.
A few more tips
Of course, it’s not just your operating system slowing things down. Some computer habits and other apps and systems could be contributing to an overall sluggish experience. Here are a few more tips to get you up to speed:
- Keep your computer clean: This may sound obvious, but accumulated dust and grime can actually slow down your computer. Physically cleaning your computer regularly could help speed it up and prevent overheating.
- Remove unused browser extensions: These can slow down your browsing experience so it’s worth doing some regular housekeeping there.
- Use a memory-saving extension: Speaking of extensions, there are some popular options including Auto Tab Discard and New Tab Suspender which will reduce the memory footprint of open tabs.
- Restart regularly: Sometimes all you need is a fresh boot. Restarting your computer can enable updates to take effect and shut down stuck programs. When you’re taking a break, it could be a good time to hit restart while you go and make yourself a cuppa.
- Run fewer simultaneous programs: Just like multitasking can be detrimental to our productivity, running lots of programs simultaneously can dampen your computer’s speed. Make a habit of closing programs instead of just minimizing them and you should see some improvement.
- Reinstall the operating system: If you’ve tried everything and you’re still running into problems, a last resort might be to use a fresh install of Windows.
Keeping things running smoothly
Once you’ve cleaned up your computer by implementing some of the tips above, no doubt you’ll want to keep it running at top speed. To avoid getting frustrated with lackluster performance, it’s a good idea to schedule a monthly cleanup. Use the above list of tips as a handy checklist and you’re all set.
Contents [hide]
- 1. Close system tray programs
- 2. Stop programs running on startup
- 4. Delete unnecessary files
- 5. Find programs that eat up resources
- 6. Adjust your power options
- 7. Uninstall programs you don’t use
- 8. Turn Windows features on or off
- 9. Run a disk cleanup
- 10. Defragment your hard drive
- 11. Adjust or disable graphics and animations
- 12. Check for malware
- 13. Disable Cortana
- 14. Upgrade your hardware
HUGE THANK YOU!
This actually works! I bought my Asus laptop 3 years ago and then I forgot my login password. So I took back to the shop to get fixed, 5 hours before my flight. Since then, it got so slow. I need an hour to let it warm up before I can use it. So I followed this guide and man, I can now multitask and no more waiting time before I could use it. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Will this work to speed up my laptop it was slow when I got it from best buy new.
There may be some items here that can help. A laptop might be slow after purchase due to updates on the operating system, antivirus software, and other applications. If it’s still slow after the initial updates and trying relevant items on this list (e.g. stopping programs running on startup and adjusting your power options), then it’s advisable to contact Best Buy or the manufacturer.
hello, for some reason my computer does not let the update happens
what can I do
This could be happening for a number of reasons. The Microsoft forum offers several troubleshooting options for update issues so I’d suggest searching there and following the advice provided.
Wow, Thanks so much I mostly use my laptop for gaming but then it started to get really laggy, games/apps/programs keep on crashing, but after I came across the article it really helped my laptop is now the way it used to be- with no lag! 🙂
So what did you do that made it faster ???
what did you do in particular, if i may ask?
Thanks so much for the advice. My laptop is already running more smoothly and I have a better understanding of what to do on a regular basis to keep it that way.
Amazing tips and written so even a non tech head like me can understand! Thanks x
Great tips.. Used most of them & they helped. Thanks for making it easy to understand and follow.
This was the most helpful compared to the other articles out there.
Only when I started using my laptop without the battery it started getting slow. Do u know why?
Most laptops have default settings that cause them to run slower when not plugged in, to conserve the battery life. To change this, check out section 6 above on adjusting your power options.
Good explanations.
How do I know which programs I don’t need? I don’t want to delete something that’s needed.
Thank you.
If you’re not sure on what you mean by the question as far as what you’re asking how do I know what’s needed there is an option to hide all windows system apps so you can look at the optional program that you’ve installed in your system then you can choose an option to look at least used apps in your programs and features and then when you see the least use programs that you know you don’t need those are the ones that are completely safe to remove because they were added by the user not part of the operating system and then you uninstall those the ones that are the least use that you know you can go without I hope that helps.
It can be tricky to decide on which programs to install. General advice would be to first go through the list and uninstall anything you recognize and know you don’t need anymore. Avoid deleting anything that is obviously associated with your hardware or operating system. If there are programs you are unsure about, try typing the name in a search engine to see what they are. This may jog your memory about a program you installed in the past but no longer need. There is a also a handy tool called PC Decrapfier which will scan your PC for unwanted programs.
Most genuine and resourceful article I have read so far. Thank you for the invaluable insights!
What a really great easy to use tutorial. No 11 significantly sped up my laptop. I was too chicken to try to disable Cortana!
Super helpful tips! My laptop is now faster in booting up and usage.
Thanks a lot
Great tips, my laptop performance has improved.
Also steps are well explained and easy to follow.
Thanks!
It doesn’t appear System Mechanic is still running that 70% off promo for the year subscription. Is there a discount code that I should be using? Great article for sure! I cannot wait to implement some of these ideas.
Did you click the link in the article? If so, you should see an automatically discounted price for System Mechanic.
Yes but when I went to check out it charges full price or asks for a discount code.
The discount link should be working now if you want to try again.
Number 11 is great
This was so helpful. I used a bunch of the suggestions made throughout the article and it helped speed up my laptop. I’m a cavewoman when it comes to tech jargon, but this helped break it down and made it easy to understand.
Amazing article. I don’t really comment anywhere but this prompted me to do so. It really has helped my PC to speed up. Thanks.
Don’t know what one it was that has improved the laptop the most but it seems to be running a lot quicker. Most likely getting rid of Cortana has made the biggest improvement
Thank you for the screen shots helps me being an older user lol always unsure as to what to or not to remove
Thanks for all the screen grabs! Made it much easier to grasp and locate where to navigate to and accomplish the various tasks.
Good explanation. my System has taken more than 70% for services. I have now disabled a lot and bring it down to less than 40%.
Hate this unnecessary services.
Extremely useful my laptop was getting very slow. I had already done a few of your suggested solutions, but working through one item at the time has taken my laptop from nearly unusable to being like new.
Excellent article reminding me of some features I have used in the past and introducing some new key functions. Thank you.
God bless you.. so helpful and straight forward.
Thank you
Great article, thank you for the guided instructions, tools and tips.
awesome
Great guides and well explained, thanks
Well explained.
Thankyou.
Thanks, it was very useful.
Great post and very informative
it was useful…thanks for that
Thank you!
This solved my problem.
great tips
It was very helpful.Turning of the animations has fasten my laptop.
Good explanation indeed.
Very nicely explained. Easy understanding. Thank you for these points.