A slow laptop can make simple tasks frustrating. Programs may take a long time to open, your system might freeze during work, or your device could take several minutes to start up.
You can make your laptop faster by removing unnecessary startup programs, updating your software, freeing up disk space, and adjusting your system settings for better performance. These steps are simple and can be done in less than an hour. For bigger speed problems, upgrading your hardware with a solid-state drive from KingSpec can help.
Most performance problems come from software issues. Your laptop collects digital clutter, runs too many background processes, and needs regular maintenance to work well. By following the right steps, you can restore your laptop's speed and avoid buying a new device.
Key Takeaways
- Remove startup programs and background processes to free up system resources and improve boot times
- Update your software and drivers regularly while cleaning up disk space to maintain smooth performance
- Upgrade to an SSD or add more RAM if basic optimization steps don't solve your speed problems
Need a storage upgrade to maximize speed? Explore our guide to choosing the right Solid State External Hard Drive for portable, fast, and reliable storage that keeps up with your workflow.
Essential Steps to Make Your Laptop Faster
Your laptop collects clutter over time that slows it down. Removing startup programs, clearing temporary files, uninstalling unused software, and managing cloud storage sync can restore speed.
Remove Unnecessary Startup Programs
Many programs automatically launch when you turn on your laptop. This slows down your boot time and uses system resources.
You can manage startup apps through Task Manager on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then click the "Startup" tab to see a list of programs that run when your computer starts.
Look at the "Startup impact" column. Programs marked as "High" impact slow down your laptop the most. Right-click any program you don't need at startup and select "Disable."
Common programs to disable include:
- Messaging apps like Skype or Discord
- Music streaming services
- Cloud storage sync tools (unless you need them immediately)
- Printer software
- Game launchers
Keep security software and essential system programs enabled. You can still open disabled programs manually when needed.
Clean Up Temporary and Unneeded Files
Temporary files build up from web browsing, software installations, and system updates. These files take up storage space and can slow down your system.
Windows includes built-in tools to remove these files. Storage Sense in Windows 10 and Windows 11 automatically cleans temporary files. Go to Settings > System > Storage and turn on Storage Sense. You can set it to run automatically every week or month.
For immediate cleaning, use Disk Cleanup. Type "Disk Cleanup" in the search bar and select your main drive. Check the boxes for temporary files, downloads folder, recycle bin, and thumbnails. Click "Clean up system files" for more options.
You should also clear your browser cache. Browsers like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, and Opera store website data that takes up space. Go to your browser settings and clear browsing data from the past month or longer.
Uninstall Unused Applications
Unused programs waste storage space and sometimes run background processes that slow your laptop. Review your installed software and remove what you don't use.
Open "Programs and Features" on Windows 10 by typing it in the search bar. On Windows 11, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Sort the list by size to find large programs first.
Remove programs you haven't used in six months or longer. Be careful not to uninstall:
- System programs from Microsoft or your laptop manufacturer
- Drivers for hardware devices
- Security software you actively use
Some programs come pre-installed on new laptops (called bloatware). Manufacturers often include trial software and promotional apps you can safely remove. Check each program online if you're unsure about its purpose.
Manage OneDrive and Cloud Storage Sync
Cloud storage services like OneDrive sync files between your laptop and the cloud. This uses system resources and can slow down your computer, especially during large syncs.
OneDrive is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you don't use it, you can stop it from running. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, click Settings, then uncheck "Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows."
If you use OneDrive but want better performance, adjust what syncs. Go to OneDrive Settings > Account > Choose folders. Uncheck folders you don't need on your laptop. They'll stay in the cloud but won't take up local storage.
You can also pause syncing temporarily when you need full system performance. Right-click the OneDrive icon and select "Pause syncing" for 2, 8, or 24 hours.
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Optimize System Settings for Better Performance
Windows includes many settings that prioritize appearance over speed. Adjusting these can make your laptop run faster. Tweaking visual effects, power settings, and background processes can give you noticeable improvements.
Adjust Visual Effects and Animation Settings
Windows uses animations, shadows, and transparency effects that slow down your laptop. You can turn these off through advanced system settings.
Right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer" and select Properties. Click "Advanced system settings" on the left side. Under the Performance section, click Settings.
You'll see a list of visual effects options. Select "Adjust for best performance" to turn off all effects at once. This gives you the biggest speed boost but makes Windows look more basic.
If you want to keep some visual appeal, choose "Custom" instead. Turn off effects like animations, shadows under menus, and transparency effects. Keep "Smooth edges of screen fonts" checked so text stays easy to read.
These changes take effect right away. Your laptop should feel more responsive when opening windows and switching between programs.
Change Power Plans for Maximum Speed
Your laptop's power plan controls how much energy your CPU uses. The default "Balanced" plan saves battery but limits performance.
Open Control Panel and go to Power Options. Select "High Performance" if you see it listed. This plan allows your CPU to run at full speed all the time.
If High Performance isn't visible, click "Show additional plans" to reveal it. Some laptops hide this option to save battery life.
This setting uses more battery power. Use it when your laptop is plugged in or when you need maximum speed for demanding tasks. Switch back to Balanced when you need longer battery life.
Monitor and Manage Background Processes
Background apps and services use your laptop's resources even when you're not actively using them. Reducing these improves speed and frees up memory.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click the Startup tab to see programs that launch when Windows starts. Right-click any program you don't need immediately and select Disable.
Common startup programs you can safely disable include chat apps, cloud storage sync tools, and printer software. Only disable programs you recognize.
For more control over services, press Windows + R and type services.msc. This shows system services running in the background. Only disable services you're sure about, as some are required for Windows to work properly.
Check the Processes tab in Task Manager regularly to spot programs using too much CPU or memory. Windows Security and Windows Defender run scans that can slow things down, but these are important for protection. Schedule scans for times when you're not using your laptop instead of disabling them completely.
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Update and Maintain Software Health
Keeping your laptop's software updated and healthy prevents slowdowns and security risks. Regular updates, driver maintenance, malware scans, and system resets keep your device running at its best.
Check for Windows Updates Regularly
Windows updates fix bugs, patch security holes, and improve performance. You should check for updates at least once a week to keep your system running smoothly.
To check for Windows updates, open Settings and click on Windows Update. Click the "Check for updates" button to see if any are available. Windows 10 and Windows 11 handle updates similarly, though the interface looks slightly different.
Updates often include performance improvements that make your laptop faster. They also update built-in apps like Microsoft Teams, which can slow down your system if running outdated versions. Some updates install automatically, but checking manually ensures you don't miss important patches.
Set your laptop to install updates during off-hours so they don't interrupt your work. If an update causes problems, you can roll it back through the update history section.
Keep Device Drivers Updated
Outdated device drivers cause crashes, slow performance, and hardware malfunctions. Drivers are small programs that help Windows communicate with your hardware like graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters.
Windows Update handles many driver updates automatically, but it doesn't always get the latest versions. You can update drivers manually through Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it from the menu. Right-click any device and choose "Update driver" to search for newer versions.
Graphics card drivers affect gaming and video performance. Visit the manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the newest drivers directly. Many laptop makers like Dell offer tools like SupportAssist that automatically find and install the right drivers for your specific model.
Avoid downloading drivers from unfamiliar websites since they might contain malware. Stick to official manufacturer sources or Windows Update.
Scan for Malware and Remove Threats
Malware slows your laptop by running hidden processes that consume resources. Regular scans catch viruses, spyware, and other threats before they cause serious damage.
Windows Security (built into Windows 10 and Windows 11) provides solid protection without needing third-party antivirus software. Open Windows Security from Settings or by searching for it in the Start menu. Click on Virus & threat protection to run a quick scan.
Run a full scan weekly to check every file on your system. Schedule scans during times when you won't be using your laptop. If Windows Security finds threats, it quarantines or removes them automatically.
You can use additional antivirus software if you prefer, but avoid running multiple programs at once since they conflict with each other. Many users on Reddit recommend sticking with Windows Security for most situations unless you need specialized features.
Reset or Refresh Windows If Needed
Sometimes your laptop accumulates so many problems that a fresh start works better than individual fixes. Windows offers reset options that reinstall the operating system while optionally keeping your files.
Reset This PC appears in Settings under System and Recovery. You get two choices: keep your personal files or remove everything. Keeping files preserves documents and photos but removes all installed programs. Removing everything gives you a completely clean slate.
Reset Windows when your laptop stays slow after trying other solutions. This removes junk files, corrupted settings, and problematic software all at once. The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your hardware.
Before you reset, back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage. Make a list of programs you need to reinstall afterward. Resetting won't fix hardware problems, but it solves most software-related slowdowns.
Boost your system's multitasking power by exploring our article, Best DDR4 RAM for Smooth and Reliable Performance to find the right memory upgrade for your needs.
Advanced Improvements and Hardware Upgrades
Physical upgrades and system-level optimizations can make a sluggish laptop much faster. These changes take more effort than basic software tweaks but deliver noticeable speed gains.
Defragment and Optimize Hard Drives
Your hard drive stores data in fragments scattered across the disk, which slows down file access over time. Windows has a built-in Disk Defragmenter tool that reorganizes these fragments for quicker access.
Open the "Defragment and Optimize Drives" utility by searching for it in your Start menu. Select your drive and click "Optimize" to start. Windows schedules this task weekly, but you can run it manually if needed.
ReadyBoost is another option if you have a USB flash drive. This feature uses the flash drive as extra cache memory to speed up disk operations. Right-click your USB drive, select Properties, then the ReadyBoost tab to enable it.
Solid-state drives (SSDs) do not need defragmentation. The Optimize Drives tool runs TRIM commands on SSDs instead, which keeps them performing well.
Add More RAM or Upgrade Hardware Components
RAM affects how many programs your laptop can run at once. Check your memory usage in Task Manager under the Performance tab. If it often shows 80% or higher usage, consider adding more RAM.
Most laptops can use 8GB to 32GB of RAM depending on the model. Make sure to match the correct type and speed for your motherboard. Check your laptop's manual or the manufacturer's website for details.
Upgrading to an SSD gives the largest performance boost for older laptops with traditional hard drives. SSDs load Windows and apps much faster because they have no moving parts. All systems benefit from SSD upgrades.
Your processor and graphics card usually can't be upgraded in laptops. If you do gaming or video editing and your hardware can't keep up, it may be time for a new laptop.
Always create a backup before installing new hardware. This protects your data if something goes wrong.
Use Specialized Optimization Tools
Third-party software can automate maintenance tasks and find performance issues that Windows might miss. Iolo System Mechanic is a popular option that cleans junk files, fixes registry problems, and monitors system health.
System Mechanic includes startup optimization, memory management, and drive defragmentation in one package. The software can run scheduled maintenance automatically.
Free tools like CCleaner are good for basic cleaning and optimization. These programs remove temporary files, clear browser caches, and disable unnecessary startup programs.
Be careful when downloading optimization software. Use trusted brands and avoid programs that make unrealistic promises. Read reviews before installing any utility.
Some manufacturers provide their own optimization utilities pre-installed on laptops. These tools are designed for your specific hardware and storage setup.
Upgrade your system memory for better performance. Check out our DDR RAM options to handle more programs at once and reduce lag during intensive tasks.
Hardware Upgrades to Maximize Laptop Speed
When software optimization isn't enough, upgrading your laptop's RAM delivers immediate performance improvements. More memory allows your system to handle multiple programs simultaneously without slowdowns or freezing.
KingSpec DDR4-NB Notebook RAM
The KingSpec DDR4-NB is specifically designed for laptops and notebooks. Running at 3200MHz, this RAM module provides the speed needed for smooth multitasking, faster program launches, and better overall responsiveness.
This module comes with a 3-year product warranty and expert technical support, giving you confidence in your upgrade. The compact dimensions (69.6mm x 30mm x 4mm) fit standard laptop RAM slots, and it operates reliably in temperatures from 0°C to 85°C.
If you frequently experience lag when running browsers with multiple tabs, video conferencing software, or productivity applications, upgrading to 16GB with the DDR4-NB can eliminate these bottlenecks.
DDR4 RAM Memory with Heatsink
For users who push their laptops harder with gaming, video editing, or demanding workloads, the DDR4 RAM Memory with Heatsink offers enhanced thermal performance. The integrated heatsink dissipates heat more effectively during intensive tasks, maintaining stable performance even under sustained loads.
This option is ideal if your laptop supports RAM modules with heatsinks and you regularly use resource-intensive applications. Better heat management extends the lifespan of your RAM while preventing thermal throttling that can slow down your system during critical moments.
Both options from KingSpec provide reliable performance upgrades that complement the software optimization techniques covered in this guide, helping you get the most speed possible from your existing laptop.
Learn more about storage technology by reading our article, NVMe vs SATA: Which Is Faster? to understand which upgrade delivers the best speed improvement for your laptop.
Wrap Up
A faster laptop doesn't always require expensive replacements. By removing startup programs, cleaning disk space, updating software, and adjusting system settings, you can restore your device's performance in under an hour.
For persistent speed issues, hardware upgrades like adding more RAM or switching to an SSD deliver significant improvements.
If you're considering a storage upgrade, explore KingSpec's collection of internal SSDs and portable SSDs for reliable, high-speed solutions. KingSpec offers dependable storage options engineered for speed, durability, and long-term stability—helping your laptop perform like new again.
Experiencing storage issues? Troubleshoot common problems by checking out our guide, Hard Drive Not Showing Up: Quick and Easy Fixes for step-by-step solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are effective ways to clean up my hard drive to improve laptop speed?
Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files, system cache, and old downloads. Search for "Disk Cleanup" in your Windows search bar to access it.
Delete programs you no longer use through the Settings menu under Apps. This frees up space and reduces background processes.
Move large files like videos and photos to an external drive or cloud storage. Keeping at least 15-20% of your hard drive space free helps maintain good performance.
Can upgrading the RAM on my laptop enhance its performance?
Adding more RAM helps your laptop handle more programs at once. If you often experience lag when running several applications, a RAM upgrade can reduce slowdowns.
Most laptops running Windows 11 need at least 8GB of RAM for smooth performance. Upgrading to 16GB is helpful if you use demanding programs or many browser tabs.
Check your laptop's manual or manufacturer website to see if your model allows RAM upgrades. Some newer laptops have RAM that cannot be replaced or expanded.
How does disabling startup programs impact my laptop's speed?
Startup programs launch automatically when you turn on your laptop, using memory and processing power right away. Disabling unnecessary startup programs reduces boot time and frees up resources.
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then click the Startup tab. You'll see which programs are enabled to start automatically and their impact on startup speed.
Disable programs you don't need immediately. Keep only essential programs like antivirus software enabled at startup.
What should I consider when adjusting my laptop's power settings for better speed?
Your laptop's power plan affects how much processing power your system uses. "Power Saver" mode limits performance to extend battery life, while "High Performance" mode maximizes speed.
Switch to "Balanced" or "High Performance" mode through Settings > System > Power & Battery. High Performance mode works best when plugged in, as it uses more battery.
You can customize advanced power settings to control processor performance and cooling. Higher processor states deliver faster performance but generate more heat and use more power.
In what ways can updating the operating system and drivers contribute to a faster laptop?
Windows updates include performance improvements and bug fixes that help your system run better. Outdated systems may struggle with newer programs and security features.
Driver updates optimize how your hardware communicates with Windows. Graphics, network, and chipset drivers especially affect system performance when kept current.
Enable automatic updates in Windows Settings to get the latest improvements. You can also check your laptop manufacturer's website for driver updates specific to your model.
How often should I defragment my hard drive, and how does it affect laptop performance?
Traditional hard drives (HDD) benefit from defragmentation about once a month, which helps your drive read data faster and improves program loading times.
Windows 11 automatically schedules defragmentation for hard drives, so you usually don't need to do it yourself. You can check the schedule by searching for "Defragment and Optimize Drives" in Windows search.
Never defragment solid-state drives (SSD), as it can shorten the drive's lifespan. SSDs don't have the same fragmentation issues as traditional hard drives.
