How to Speed Up Your Windows Laptop: 16 Proven Tips

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Introduction: Why You Need to Speed Up Your Windows Laptop?

Have you noticed that your laptop’s performance isn’t as fast as it was when you first bought it? It’s a common issue, and it can be frustrating when you expect your laptop to be as quick as when it was brand new. The good news is that improving your laptop’s speed is easier than you think! In this guide, we’ll walk you through several simple yet effective ways to speed up your Windows laptop, from freeing up space to upgrading hardware. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, you’ll find a solution that works for you.

Everything is explained in detail in this article, so you won’t need to read anything else!

Simple Ways to Speed Up Your Windows Laptop:

1. Free Up Disk Space and Clear Temporary Files

Why it Matters:
Over time, unnecessary files like browser caches, system files, and temporary files accumulate on your laptop, taking up space and slowing it down.

How to Do It:

  • Clear Temp Files:
    1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
    2. Type temp and hit Enter. Select all files (Windows + A) in the Temp folder and delete them.
    3. Repeat the process with %temp% and prefetch.
  • Note: If some files can’t be deleted because they’re in use or open in a program, simply skip them.
    Keep in Mind: Don’t forget to empty the Recycle Bin after deleting the files to free up space.
  • Use Disk Cleanup Tool:
    1. Press Windows + S, type “Disk Cleanup” and select the app.
    2. Choose your primary drive (usually C:), and let Disk Cleanup scan for unnecessary files.
    3. Check the boxes next to files like Temporary Files, System Error Memory Dump Files, and Recycle Bin, then click OK to delete them.

Pro Tip: Use tools like CCleaner to automate cleaning and remove other unnecessary files.

2. Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

Why it Matters:
Unneeded applications can consume valuable system resources, slowing down your laptop. Disabling or uninstalling these apps can free up memory and processing power, leading to a smoother and faster experience.

How to Do It:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Apps & Features.
  3. Select the apps you no longer need and click Uninstall.

Pro Tip: Be cautious not to delete essential drivers, Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, or system-related apps, as they are crucial for your laptop’s proper functionality.

3. Disable Startup Programs (But Don’t Disable Essential Windows or Driver Software)

Why it Matters:
Many programs automatically start when your laptop boots, consuming memory and slowing it down.

How to Do It:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Startup tab.
  3. Review the programs and disable any non-essential ones.

Pro Tip: Avoid disabling essential programs like antivirus or system drivers that are crucial for proper operation.

4. Update Windows and Drivers

Why it Matters:
Outdated software and drivers can cause slowdowns. Updating them ensures your system runs smoothly.

How to Do It:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates to install the latest Windows and driver updates.

Pro Tip: Enable automatic updates for both Windows and drivers to keep your system up-to-date without manual checks. Consider using tools like Driver Booster for non-Microsoft drivers.

5. Defragment and Optimize Your Hard Drive

Why it Matters:
If you’re using a traditional hard drive (HDD), defragmenting it can improve read and write speeds. SSDs don’t require defragmentation but benefit from optimization.

How to Do It:

  1. Press Windows + S, type “Defragment” and select Defragment and Optimize Drives.
  2. Select your HDD and click Optimize.

Pro Tip: If you’re using an SSD, skip the defragmentation process. SSDs don’t benefit from it and frequent defragmentation can reduce their lifespan. Instead, just click “Optimize” for better performance.

6. Turn Off Visual Effects (Only for Low-End PCs or 2-4GB RAM)

Why it Matters:
Visual effects in Windows, like animations and transparency, can consume system resources. Turning them off can boost performance, especially on low-end systems.

How to Do It:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Performance. In the Performance Options window, select Custom to manually adjust the settings.
  2. Untick all options to disable unnecessary visual effects. Then, tick the following options to keep some essential effects:
  3. Enable Peek (shows previews when hovering over taskbar icons).
  4. Show thumbnails instead of icons (for easier navigation).
  5. Show window contents while dragging (to preview windows as you move them).
  6. Smooth edges of screen fonts (for cleaner text rendering).

7. Increase Virtual Memory (Pagefile) for Better Performance

Why it Matters:
If your laptop doesn’t have enough physical RAM, increasing virtual memory (pagefile) can help improve performance.

How to Do It:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Performance, and select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
  2. Click the Advanced tab, and under Virtual memory, click Change.
  3. Set a custom size for virtual memory (1.5 to 2 times the size of your RAM).

Example: If your laptop has 6GB of RAM, set the virtual memory to 1.5 times your RAM, which equals 9GB (6GB x 1.5).

Pro Tip: For most users, setting virtual memory to 1.5 to 2 times the size of your RAM helps maintain system performance. Avoid setting it too high, as it can consume unnecessary disk space, and ensure your system has enough storage for the pagefile.

8. Clean Your PC’s Fans and Apply Thermal Paste

Why it Matters:
Dust buildup in your laptop’s cooling system can cause overheating, leading to performance throttling.

How to Do It:

  1. Use compressed air to clean your laptop’s cooling vents and fans.
  2. If you’re comfortable disassembling your laptop, apply fresh thermal paste to the CPU to improve heat transfer.

Note: If you’re a beginner, avoid opening your laptop yourself. Disassembling it can void your warranty or cause damage. Instead, take it to a professional to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance.

9. Upgrade Your Laptop’s Hardware

Why it Matters:
If software tweaks don’t cut it, upgrading your laptop’s hardware can dramatically improve performance.

How to Do It:

  1. Increase RAM: Upgrading from 4GB to 8GB or 16GB can improve multitasking.
  2. Switch to an SSD: Replacing your HDD with an SSD provides faster boot times and quicker file access.

Pro Tip: Before upgrading, check compatibility with your laptop. Not all laptops allow easy upgrades, and some may have limitations on RAM size or type. Consult your laptop’s manual or manufacturer website to ensure compatibility with the parts you’re upgrading.

10. Disable Unnecessary Notifications and Background Apps

Why it Matters:
Background apps and constant notifications can drain system resources and slow down your laptop.

How to Do It:

  1. Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions and turn off unnecessary notifications.
  2. Disable background apps by going to Settings > Privacy > Background apps and turning off apps that aren’t essential.

Note: Disabling unnecessary notifications and background apps can help free up system resources, but be cautious not to turn off essential apps or notifications that you might need for work or security updates. It’s best to prioritize which ones are truly unnecessary for your daily use.

11. Adjust Power Options for Better Performance

Why it Matters:
Your laptop’s power settings can impact performance. Switching to a performance mode can make a noticeable difference, especially if you’re plugged into a power source.

How to Do It:

  1. Open the Control Panel:
  • Press the Windows key and type “Control Panel,” then press Enter.

2. Switch to Large Icons:

  • If your Control Panel is not already in large icon view, find the “View by” option at the top right corner and select Large icons from the dropdown.

3. Click on “Power Options”:

  • In the Control Panel, click on Power Options.

4. Select a Power Plan:

  • You’ll see several power plans listed, including Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance (and in some cases, Ultimate Performance if available on your laptop).

5. Choose High Performance:

To ensure your laptop is running at its best, select the High Performance power plan.

Want More Performance ? (Custom Power Plan):

  1. Turn off Fast Startup:
    • In the Power Options menu, click Choose what the power buttons do.
    • Uncheck Turn on fast startup.
  2. Advanced Power Settings:
    • Click Change plan settings next to your selected power plan.
    • Then click Change advanced power settings.
  3. Adjust Key Settings:
    • PCI Express: Set Link State Power Management to Off.
    • Processor Power Management:
      • Set Minimum processor state to 100%.
      • Set Maximum processor state to 100%.
    • System Cooling Policy: Set it to Active.

This setting is perfect for gamers, video editors, graphic designers, or anyone using resource-heavy software like 3D modeling tools or running virtual machines. It’s not needed for light tasks like browsing or word processing. By adjusting these settings, your laptop will run more efficiently while plugged into power, boosting performance for demanding tasks. Keep in mind, a custom power plan can drain battery faster, generate more heat, and push your system harder.

Pro Tip: Be aware that using high-performance settings can drain your battery faster.

12. Check for Malware and Viruses

Why it Matters:
Malware can use up resources and slow down your system. Regular scans are essential for keeping your laptop running smoothly. Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or third-party antivirus like Malwarebytes.

How to Do It: Using Windows Defender

  1. Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
  3. Click on Scan Options, select Full Scan, and click Scan Now.
  4. Once completed, follow the prompts to handle any threats detected.

Tip: Regular scanning ensures your laptop stays free of malware, improving both security and performance.

13. Enable Hardware Acceleration

Why it Matters:
Enabling hardware acceleration in browsers and apps can offload tasks to the GPU, improving overall performance.

How to Do It:

In Google Chrome:

  1. In Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > System and enable Use hardware acceleration when available.
  2. Do the same in Microsoft Edge and other apps that support hardware acceleration.

In Microsoft Edge:

  1. Go to Settings:
    Click the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
  2. System and Performance:
    Scroll down to System and Performance in the settings menu.
  3. Enable Hardware Acceleration:
    Toggle Use hardware acceleration when available to On.
  4. Restart Edge:
    Restart the browser for the changes to take effect.

Important Note: Some steps or menu names might be different due to browser updates. If you can’t find the option, try navigating through the settings or search for “hardware acceleration” in the browser’s settings. The option is often in the System or Performance sections.

14. Use a Lightweight Antivirus or Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Why it Matters:
Heavy antivirus programs can slow down your laptop, especially during resource-intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. Switching to a lightweight antivirus or temporarily disabling it can boost performance. However, always ensure your system is protected afterward to maintain security.

How to Do It:

  • Use Windows Defender or Bitdefender Free for a less resource-intensive option.
  • Temporarily disable antivirus software if you need a performance boost for specific tasks (e.g., gaming).

15. Adjust Screen Resolution and Refresh Rate

Why it Matters:
Higher screen resolutions and refresh rates can put additional strain on your laptop’s GPU. Lowering these settings can free up system resources.

How to Do It:

  1. Right-click on your desktop and go to Display settings.
  2. Lower the resolution or adjust the refresh rate under Advanced display settings.

ProTip: If you’re using your laptop for gaming or graphic-intensive tasks, adjust the resolution and refresh rate only when performance drops. For regular use, maintaining a higher resolution and refresh rate provides better visual clarity. Always find a balance between performance and display quality.

16. Reinstall Windows (as a Last Resort)

Why it Matters: If your laptop is still slow or encountering persistent issues despite troubleshooting, reinstalling Windows can help eliminate problems like bloatware, corrupted system files, or software conflicts. This process provides a fresh start, restoring the operating system to its original state

How to Do It:

  1. Open Settings:
    • Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Go to Recovery:
    • In the Settings window, select Update & Security.
    • On the left sidebar, click on Recovery.
  3. Start the Reset Process:
    • Under the Reset this PC section, click on Get Started.
  4. Choose Your Option:
    • You’ll be given two options:
      • Keep my files: This option will remove apps and settings but keep your personal files (documents, photos, etc.).
      • Remove everything: This option will erase all personal files, apps, and settings, essentially giving your laptop a fresh start. Choose this option for a complete reinstall.
  5. Follow On-Screen Prompts:
    • After selecting Remove everything, you’ll be asked whether to clean the drive (this option is more secure but takes longer) or just remove your files.
    • Select your preferred option and click Next.
  6. Complete the Reset:
    • Click Reset to begin the reinstallation process. Your PC will restart and go through several stages of reinstalling Windows, which can take some time.
    • Once done, your laptop will boot up with a fresh copy of Windows.

ProTip: If you’re reinstalling Windows, make sure to create a recovery drive beforehand. This allows you to restore your system in case something goes wrong during the reinstallation process. It’s a smart precaution to avoid any future complications!

Conclusion: Restore Your Laptop’s Speed with These Simple Fixes

By following these easy and effective tips, you can restore your laptop’s performance and make it run faster, just like when it was brand new. Whether it’s freeing up storage, optimizing system settings, or upgrading hardware, there are many ways to boost laptop speed. Regular maintenance, along with smarter choices about software and hardware, will ensure your laptop remains fast and responsive for years to come. Consistent upkeep will allow your laptop to continue performing like new, maintaining optimal speed and functionality.

Important Note: Some steps might be slightly different depending on your system version or updates, so be sure to explore your settings or search for relevant options if needed.

Important Advice: Before proceeding with the steps outlined in this guide to improve your laptop’s performance, we highly recommend creating a system restore point. This will allow you to revert your system to its previous state in case any issues occur during the process. While the steps are generally safe, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan. You can create a restore point by searching for “Create a restore point” in the Windows search bar and following the on-screen instructions.