How to fix a slow laptop

Is your laptop performance not up to par and leaves you wondering, "Why is my laptop so slow?" A sluggish laptop can be a major productivity roadblock. However, there's no need to despair. Learn about potential culprits for its slow performance and how to implement practical solutions to fix it.

Why is your laptop slow?

A man sitting at a desk while waiting for his laptop to finish loading its screen content

Credit: Image created with AI

Identifying the source of your laptop’s slow performance can be challenging. Check if any of the following potential causes are responsible:

Insufficient RAM

Having too little Random Access Memory (RAM) can slow down your laptop's performance, especially when running memory-intensive applications. If your laptop has insufficient RAM, consider upgrading it for smoother multitasking and better performance.

Excess files and junk

Excessive junk, including temporary files, cache files, unused files, and a lengthy browsing history, can slow down your laptop’s speed. To ensure optimal laptop performance, it's essential to regularly check and delete this unnecessary data from your laptop.

Too many background programs

Background programs and processes can consume system resources, making your laptop slow to respond. To resolve this, identify and close unnecessary background programs and processes using the Task Manager (or press Ctrl+Shift+Esc).

Full hard drive

A cluttered and nearly full hard drive can lead to slow read and write speeds, affecting your laptop’s overall performance. You can clean up your hard drive by removing unnecessary files, uninstalling unused programs, and using built-in disk cleanup tools.

Malware and viruses

Malware and viruses can secretly operate in the background, resulting in a slowdown of your laptop's performance and compromising your security. To address this, conduct routine scans to eliminate malware and viruses. With Microsoft Defender, you can automatically perform quick daily scans, block potential threats, and take proactive measures to prevent malware or virus attacks.

Outdated software and drivers

Using outdated software and drivers can result in compatibility issues and decreased performance. Ensure your laptop’s operating system, software, and drivers are up to date. Windows Update can help with system updates, and manufacturers' websites provide driver updates.

Overheating

Excessive heat can cause your laptop's components to throttle performance to prevent damage. Place your laptop on a flat surface to ensure proper ventilation. Consider using a cooling pad for extended use.

Improve your laptop performance with a Microsoft Surface device

If your laptop is slow and you are considering a new computer, learn about some of the features that set Microsoft Surface apart for optimal performance and productivity:

Efficient hardware

Microsoft Surface devices are renowned for their exceptional power and performance. Surface Pro 9, for instance, comes equipped with 12th Gen Intel® Core processors, offers a variety of RAM options, and incorporates a Firmware TPM 2.0 security processor, which safeguards against malware threats. This latest Surface hardware is expertly designed to effortlessly manage multitasking and resource-intensive applications.

Microsoft Surface accessories

Consider complementing your Microsoft Surface Laptop with accessories such as the Surface Slim Pen 2 or Surface Thunderboltᵀᴹ 4 Dock,¹ which can enhance productivity and expand your laptop's capabilities.

Streamlined user experience

The intuitive Windows operating system on Microsoft Surface devices offers a user-friendly experience, making it easy to manage and maintain your laptop's performance.

Identify the source of your laptop’s performance issues to improve its speed. Delete excess files, close programs, routinely check for malware and more to ensure your laptop is running smoothly. For more ways to improve your laptop’s performance and get productive, find out how you can do more with Microsoft Surface.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.
[1] Chargers, software, accessories, and devices sold separately. Availability may vary by market.