Your laptop used to be fast. Now it takes forever to boot, programs freeze constantly, and even typing feels sluggish. Before you rush out to buy a new computer, try these fixes—most slow laptops can be restored to reasonable performance with some basic maintenance.
We'll start with the quickest solutions and work up to more involved fixes. Often, the first few steps are all you need.
Quick Fixes (5 Minutes or Less)
1. Restart Your Laptop
It sounds too simple, but when did you last actually restart (not just close the lid)? Modern laptops often run for weeks without a full restart, and temporary files, memory leaks, and background processes accumulate.
A proper restart clears RAM, closes all processes, and gives your system a fresh start. Do this weekly at minimum.
2. Close Unused Programs and Browser Tabs
Check what's actually running. On Windows, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. On Mac, open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities.
Common memory hogs:
- Web browsers with many tabs (each tab uses memory)
- Communication apps running in the background (Slack, Teams, Discord)
- Creative software left open (Photoshop, video editors)
- Cloud sync services actively syncing large files
Close what you're not using. If a browser tab is for "later," bookmark it and close it.
3. Check for Overheating
Laptops automatically slow down (throttle) when they get too hot to prevent damage. Signs of overheating:
- Fan running constantly at high speed
- Bottom of laptop is very hot to touch
- Performance drops after extended use but improves after cooling
Quick fixes:
- Ensure vents aren't blocked (don't use on beds or couches)
- Use on a hard, flat surface or a laptop cooling pad
- Clean visible dust from vents with compressed air
Temperature Check
On Windows, free tools like HWiNFO or Core Temp show your CPU temperature. Anything under 80°C under load is normal. Consistently above 90°C indicates a cooling problem.
Software Maintenance (15-30 Minutes)
4. Check for Storage Space
When your storage drive is nearly full, your laptop slows dramatically. Windows and macOS both need free space for virtual memory and temporary files.
Windows: Open File Explorer, right-click on C: drive, select Properties. You should have at least 10-15% free space.
Mac: Click Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage.
If you're running low, use the built-in cleanup tools:
- Windows: Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations
- Mac: Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage
Common space-wasters:
- Downloads folder (old installers and files)
- Recycle Bin / Trash
- Old software you no longer use
- Temporary files and cache
5. Update Your Operating System
Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. An outdated system may run slower than necessary.
Windows: Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates
Mac: System Preferences > Software Update
Note: Major updates (like upgrading from Windows 10 to 11) can sometimes slow older hardware. Research before upgrading.
6. Scan for Malware
Malware, spyware, and unwanted programs can consume resources in the background. Run a full system scan:
Windows: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan
For a second opinion, download and run Malwarebytes (free version is sufficient for scanning).
Mac: Macs are less susceptible but not immune. Malwarebytes for Mac is available and free.
7. Disable Startup Programs
Many programs set themselves to launch when you start your computer, slowing boot time and consuming resources you may not need.
Windows: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) > Startup tab. Disable programs you don't need running at startup.
Mac: System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Remove unnecessary items.
Safe to disable: Cloud storage sync (unless you need immediate sync), communication apps, software updaters, gaming clients.
Keep enabled: Antivirus, essential drivers, security software.
Be Careful
If you're unsure what a startup program does, search its name online before disabling. Some are required for hardware to function properly.
Deeper Solutions (30+ Minutes)
8. Uninstall Unused Software
Over time, we accumulate programs we no longer use. These take up space and sometimes run background processes.
Windows: Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Sort by size or last used date.
Mac: Applications folder, or use a tool like AppCleaner to remove apps and their associated files.
Be thorough but careful—don't uninstall anything you don't recognise without researching it first. Some programs with technical names are system components.
9. Add More RAM (If Possible)
If your laptop has 4GB of RAM and you regularly see high memory usage in Task Manager or Activity Monitor, adding RAM can significantly improve performance.
Check if your laptop allows RAM upgrades:
- Search "[your laptop model] RAM upgrade" online
- Use Crucial's System Scanner tool to check compatibility
Many modern thin laptops have soldered RAM that can't be upgraded. Older business laptops and some gaming laptops often allow upgrades.
Going from 4GB to 8GB or 8GB to 16GB makes a noticeable difference for multitasking.
10. Upgrade to an SSD
If your laptop still has a traditional hard drive (HDD), upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) is the single most impactful upgrade you can make.
SSDs are dramatically faster than HDDs—your laptop will boot in seconds instead of minutes, programs will open almost instantly, and everything will feel more responsive.
Signs you have an HDD:
- You hear clicking or spinning sounds from the laptop
- Boot time is measured in minutes
- Laptop is from before 2018 and hasn't been upgraded
SSD prices have dropped significantly. A 500GB SSD can be found for $60-$100, and the upgrade is straightforward on most laptops. Many computer shops will do the installation and data transfer for a small fee.
11. Reinstall Your Operating System
If all else fails, a fresh operating system installation removes years of accumulated software issues, registry problems, and hidden malware.
This is a significant step that requires:
- Backing up all your important files first
- Time to reinstall your programs
- Product keys for paid software
Windows: Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. Choose "Remove everything" for a clean start.
Mac: Restart holding Command+R, then use Disk Utility to erase and reinstall macOS.
A fresh installation often makes an old laptop feel new again.
12. Adjust Power Settings
If your laptop only runs slowly when unplugged, your power settings may be limiting performance on battery.
Windows: Click the battery icon in the taskbar. Move the slider toward "Best performance."
Mac: Some Macs have Low Power Mode enabled by default on battery. Check System Preferences > Battery.
Note: Choosing maximum performance reduces battery life. Balance based on your needs.
When It's Time for a New Laptop
Sometimes, no amount of optimisation can overcome hardware limitations. Consider replacing your laptop if:
- It's more than 6-7 years old
- It has 4GB of non-upgradeable RAM
- The processor is significantly outdated (pre-2018 budget chips)
- You've tried all these fixes and it's still frustratingly slow
- Hardware is failing (screen issues, keyboard problems, battery won't hold charge)
Modern budget laptops ($400-$600) are surprisingly capable and will feel dramatically faster than an older system. Check out our laptop comparison tool to find options that match your needs.
Maintenance Going Forward
To keep your laptop running smoothly:
- Restart weekly
- Run Windows Update or macOS updates monthly
- Clear out old files quarterly
- Review and uninstall unused software periodically
- Keep at least 15% of your storage free
A little regular maintenance prevents the gradual slowdown that makes laptops feel old before their time.