Whether you are using Windows 7, 8, or 10, working on a slow laptop is really frustrating and time-consuming. We all want the same lightning-fast speed we used to get when the laptop was new with less software installed. But this doesn’t mean that you have to purchase the new Windows laptop to boost its performance. With these 12 simple ways, you can speed up a windows laptop within an hour and enjoy the seamless performance.
To boost the windows laptop performance, we will be focussing majorly on system performance issues rather than those related to the network you are using. All these ways are effective for laptops having Windows 7, 8, and 10. Let’s begin.
12 Ways to Speed up a Windows Laptop Performance – Step-By-Step Guide
All the ways we will mention here to boost windows laptop performance are pretty simple and effective. By investing your 40-60 mins in these methods, you will enjoy the fast performance of your device. Check here.
1. Uninstall the Unused Apps & Programs
One of the primary reasons for the slow performance of your laptop or PC is the installation of unwanted apps and programs that you never use. We don’t realize how much space these unused programs are taking up. By uninstalling these apps and programs, you can actually free up quite a space on your laptop, boosting its speed and performance.
To uninstall the unused apps and programs on Windows Laptop, follow these steps:
- Head Over to the Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- You will get a list of all the programs installed on your laptop. Now go through the Programs and select the one which you want to uninstall.
- Right-click on that program and select the “Uninstall” option to delete that particular program.
In this way, you can delete all the unused apps and programs from your device. If you cannot understand any program, take the help of the search engine to determine whether it is good or bad for your system.
2. Limit or Stop Startup Programs
If your laptop is slow at the startup but works smoothly after few minutes of the startup, then there is an issue with startup programs that you need to tackle. There are many programs (most of them are unnecessary) in the startup that automatically runs and slow down your computer. To close such programs, follow these steps:
- Right-Click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager, or you can press Ctrl-Shift-Escape to launch the task manager.
- Now head to the Startup tab and view each item run under this tab along with their impact.
- Some of these programs are vital for Windows to operate. Like the one with Microsoft listed as Publisher. Don’t disable such programs.
- Only select those programs that don’t need to start automatically and disable them with a right-click. Remember that disabling a program will only disable it to run on the startup automatically without impacting its performance.
3. Delete Junk Files
We often don’t realize that Junk Files actually takes up a lot of space on our device and impacts its performance. Even when you delete some image, file, or folder from your device, it remains in the recycle bin until you permanently delete it from there and keep consuming your device’s space and performance.
You can free up quite a space on your device by simply making a habit of deleting junk files from the Recycle Bin from time to time. Not only Junk Files but also cleaning your Internet Cache regularly will also speed up your Windows laptop performance.
4. Close System Tray Programs
Many times when we open our laptop, it takes a bit more time to start, which is probably because of too many programs starting up at the same time. Items in the system tray often launch at startup and keep running while you use the device. These programs take unwanted space on the device and impact its performance.
To identify and disable such programs, Click the upwards arrow towards the right side of the taskbar. If there are any programs you don’t need to have running, right-click on them and close.
5. Use the Windows Performance Troubleshooter
Windows Performance Troubleshooter is an excellent way to find out which file(s) are running and slowing down your system. To perform troubleshooting, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start Button and open the Control Panel.
- Now type Troubleshooter in the Search box and click on Troubleshooting.
- Under the section System and Security, click on Check for performance issues.
6. Run a Disk Cleanup
There is an in-built junk in your system that accumulates over time and slows down your Windows laptop’s performance. To clean this junk, you must run a disk cleanup from time to time by following these steps:
- To access the cleanup tool, go to the Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools and select Disk Cleanup.
- Now select the files you want to get rid of and click OK.
- Then click on Clean up system files and choose any system file you want to remove. This will boost your system’s performance by free up some space.
7. Upgrade the RAM
Sometimes RAM is the main reason for slowing down your PC/laptop. If you have less GB RAM (like 4-6GB) with heavy apps installed on your device, your system will be more likely to respond slow. The only and simple solution to this is to Upgrade the RAM according to your usage and system specifications.
You can search online for Best RAM for Windows Laptop, and you will get pretty good options. Go for the one which fits best to your budget and requirements.
8. Turn Off Visual Effects
The latest versions of Windows come with in-built multiple Visual effects for a better-looking view on the screen. Though they enhance the overall user experience, these effects take up lots of battery and storage, and only a few of them getting used by most users.
You can adjust the settings of these visual effects to minimize or turn them off. To access these settings, follow these steps:
- Open the Control Panel, and in the search box, type Performance Information and Tools and click on it.
- Now click on Adjust Visual Effects
- Enter the Admin authorization if it asks for the same, and then click on the Visual Effects Tab.
- Click on Adjust for best performance and hit OK.
9. Upgrade or Add an SSD
SSD is a better alternative than HDD as it lasts longer with no movable parts or risk of parts wearing out. SSD might feel a little expensive, but worth having to speed up your Windows laptop. There are multiple great SSD options available online, but you can choose the one according to your storage needs and budget. Generally, a 4TB SSD is enough to boost your system’s performance, but if you have higher requirements, go for the 8GB or more.
10. Turn Windows Features On and OFF
There can be multiple Windows Components that you might not need, and thus you can turn them OFF and vice-versa by following these steps:
- Open Programs and Features Screen (as we stated in a 1st Way) and check for Windows Components you don’t need.
- Now click Turn Windows features on or off, and you will get a complete list.
- According to your requirements, ON or OFF the Windows components you require or not.
11. Add Virtual Memory in Windows
This way works best when you have limited RAM and multiple programs to operate. In such scenarios, you can create virtual memory in Windows for additional space by following these steps:
- Go to the Settings from the Start Menu.
- Now type Performance on the search bar and select the option Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
- A new window will open. Choose the Advanced tab in it.
- Select the Virtual Memory section and click on Change.
- Unselect the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives and click on Custom Size to manage recommended settings as per your choice.
- Enter the recommended value in the Initial size box and the larger figure in the Maximum size.
- Click OK to save the changes, and you have successfully created the virtual memory to boost your system’s performance.
12. Format and Reinstall the Operating System
This is the last way to boost your system’s performance and only opt for it when none of the other ways works for you. In that case, simply do a factory reset, uninstall and reinstall the operating system. But before doing this, don’t forget to take the backup of all the essential files and folders in an external hard drive to restore them later.
You can opt this way in case of any malware threat, which cannot be removed via anti-malware software.
FAQs
Can delete junk files improve the speed of your Windows laptop?
Some of you may not realise this but junk files occupy a lot of space in your Windows laptop. This in return affects the performance of your device. Even when you delete some items like videos, files, or images, it remains in the recycle bin. This is why you need to delete it permanently, not only from your folders but also from the recycle bin. This will help you improve the speed and performance of your Windows laptop.
What causes your Windows laptop to slow down?
There could be various reasons your laptop is slowing down. Some of the common causes are outdated operating systems and malware. Even too many temporary files or start-up programs can also slow down your laptop.
Why should uninstall unused apps from your Windows laptop?
One of the main causes of the slow performance of your Windows laptop is the installation of unused or unwanted programs and apps. If you have any app that you rarely use, you should uninstall them from your device. This is because they occupy unnecessary space in your storage, which impacts the performance and speed of your laptop.
Final Words!
These are some of the best and proven ways to speed up windows laptops at home in just a few steps without consuming much time. You can follow any of the steps mentioned above whenever you feel there is less space available on your device or some slow performance. But the bottom line will be the same. If you want your laptop to work efficiently without slowing down, don’t install unnecessary apps and programs, and keep cleaning the junk files from time to time to boost RAM and performance.
If you have any other queries related to your laptop performance or maintenance, stay tuned to our blog or connect with us in the comments section! Keep learning, keep growing!
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