12 Tips for Improving Your Slow Laptop’s Speed 

why is my laptop so slow

Is your laptop feeling sluggish and unresponsive? Recognizing common signs like long boot times, slow applications, and frequent crashes is crucial for diagnosing the issue. Various factors, from too many startup programs and insufficient RAM to malware, overheating, and outdated hardware, can slow down your laptop.  

Fortunately, there are effective solutions to tackle these problems. In this blog, we’ll explore how to manage startup programs, run antivirus scans, upgrade hardware, clean up disk space, and update software. 

What are The Common Signs of a Slow Laptop?

A slow laptop can be frustrating, but recognizing common signs can help diagnose and address the issue. Indicators include long boot times, slow application launches, frequent lagging or freezing, slow internet browsing, unresponsive programs, delayed keyboard and mouse response, high disk and CPU usage, memory leaks, overheating, frequent crashes, excessive pop-ups and ads, delayed file operations, outdated software, and low battery life. 

Why is My Laptop So Slow?

1. Too Many Startups Programs

Boot times and general performance can be considerably slowed down by having many apps configured to begin at startup. 

2. Malware or Viruses

Your laptop may become slower due to the consumption of system resources by malware, viruses, and other dangerous applications. 

3. Insufficient RAM

Not having enough RAM can cause your laptop to struggle with multitasking and running modern applications efficiently. 

4. Fragmented or Full Hard Drive

A fragmented or nearly full hard drive can slow down data retrieval times. This particularly applies to conventional hard disks (HDDs). 

5. Outdated Hardware

New applications and tasks might be challenging for obsolete technology, such as a graphics card that is out of date or a CPU that is sluggish. 

6. Overheating

Overheating can cause your laptop to throttle its performance to cool down, leading to sluggish behavior. 

7. Background Processes

Excessive background processes and services can drain system resources, affecting performance. 

8. Outdated Software

Running outdated operating systems, drivers, and applications can cause compatibility and performance issues. 

9. Unnecessary Visual Effects

Fancy visual effects and animations can consume resources and slow down performance, especially on older machines. 

10. Poor Maintenance

Lack of regular maintenance, such as disk cleanups and defragmentation (for HDDs), can lead to slower performance over time. 

11. Low Storage Space

Running low on storage space can impact system performance, especially if the operating system requires additional space for virtual memory.

12. Faulty Hardware

Performance can be significantly impacted by malfunctioning hardware, such as a broken RAM module or a hard drive.

13. Network Issues

Slow internet speeds or network issues can affect online activities, making it seem like the laptop is slow.

14. Bloatware

Pre-installed software (bloatware) that you don’t need can consume resources and slow down your laptop.

How Can I Fix My Laptop from Slowing Down?

You may enhance a sluggish laptop’s performance by doing the following:

1. Manage Startup Programs

Disable any apps that you don’t need to execute at launch by opening Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), selecting the “Startup” tab.

2. Run Antivirus Scans

Use a reliable antivirus program to scan your laptop and remove any detected malware or viruses.

3. Upgrade Hardware

Performance and multitasking on your laptop may be greatly enhanced by adding more Memory. Additionally, replacing a traditional hard disk (HDD) with a solid-state drive (SSD) may greatly enhance overall speed and startup times.

4. Clean Up Disk Space

Uninstall programs you don’t use and delete temporary files and other unnecessary data. Utilize pre-installed tools such as Windows’ Disk Cleanup or similar apps for alternative operating systems.

5. Update Software

Ensure that the newest patches and updates are applied to your operating system. Keep all drivers and applications updated to their latest versions to ensure your laptop keeps running at optimal speeds.

6. Reduce Visual Effects

To deactivate certain visual effects, go to System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings on Windows and select “Adjust for best performance” or another option.

7. Manage Background Processes

In Task Manager, identify which processes are taking extensive resources and end them with the “End Task” command.

8. Perform Regular Maintenance

Defragment your hard drive if you’re using an HDD. This is not necessary for SSDs. Open your laptop (if you’re comfortable doing so) and carefully clean out dust from the components to prevent overheating.

9. Check for Overheating

Make sure there is enough airflow on your laptop and that it is not overheated. Use a cooling pad if required. Furthermore, dust accumulation can clog cooling systems and fans, therefore it’s critical to keep them clean.

10. Uninstall Bloatware

You can also try uninstalling software that came pre-installed with your laptop that you don’t use. This can help clear space in your hard disk and speed up your laptop.

11. Optimize Internet Performance

Resolve any network issues to ensure smooth online activities. Make sure your network drivers are current as well.

12. Advanced Options

As a last resort, you can reset your laptop to its factory settings or perform a clean installation of the OS to start fresh.

Is There a Software That Can Speed Up Your Laptop?

If all these tips don’t work, and you don’t see an improvement in the performance of your laptop, then you can use FastWindows. FastWindows is a windows utility tool that allows users to prioritize their apps and programs so that they can use your laptop resources for a smooth performance.

FastWindows

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Conclusion

Even if a sluggish laptop might be quite annoying, its performance can be recovered with the correct procedures. By managing startup programs, running antivirus scans, upgrading hardware, cleaning up disk space, and updating software, you can address many common causes of sluggishness.

Maintaining ideal speed also requires frequent maintenance, regulating background operations, and minimizing visual impacts. If these solutions don’t fully resolve the issue, consider using FastWindows, a utility tool designed to prioritize apps and improve overall performance. By putting these tactics into practice, you may restore your laptop’s functionality and make it operate properly once more.

10+ Tips to Improve Your PCs Performance in Windows 11

window 11 fast

Our computers play an increasingly pivotal role in our daily lives. Whether we’re tackling work tasks, engaging in creative pursuits, or unwinding with our favorite games, the performance of our PCs can make or break the experience. Microsoft has ushered in a new age of computing with Windows 11, promising improved productivity, design, and seamless cross-device integration. 

However, if you want more juice out of Windows 11 fast then we can help you.  In this blog, we’ll delve into a comprehensive array of strategies designed to maximize the performance of your Windows 11 PC. 

Tips to Improving PC Performance in Windows 11

Improving PC performance in Windows 11 fast can be achieved through a combination of system settings adjustments, software management, and hardware optimization. Here are some tips to help enhance your PC’s performance: 

System Settings Adjustments

  1. Update Windows and Drivers: 

Ensure Windows 11 is up to date by checking for updates in the Settings app. Update your device drivers, especially graphics, audio, and network drivers, through Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website.

  1. Adjust Power Settings: 

For optimal performance, choose “High Performance” or “Balanced” for your power plan.  

  • Navigate to Power & Battery > Power mode under Settings > System. 
  1. Manage Startup Programs: 

Disable unnecessary startup programs to speed up boot time. 

  • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) > Startup tab and disable unwanted programs. 
  1. Optimize Visual Effects: 

Reduce visual effects for better performance. 

  • Go to Settings > System > About > Advanced system settings > Performance Settings and select “Adjust for best performance” or customize which effects to disable. 
  1. Disk Cleanup and Defragmentation: 

To get rid of system cache and temporary files, use Disk Cleanup. Here’s how to do it: 

  • Go to Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations. 
  • For HDDs, use the defragmentation tool (Defragment and Optimize Drives). 

Software Management

  1. Uninstall Unnecessary Software: 

Remove bloatware and unused programs to free up resources. 

Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and uninstall unwanted applications. 

  1. Use Lightweight Software 

Use software that is less resource-intensive for your everyday tasks. 

  1. Manage Background Processes 

Disable or limit background processes and apps. Here’s how: 

Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select the app, and configure its background activity. 

Hardware Optimization

  1. Upgrade RAM 

Adding more RAM can significantly boost performance, especially for multitasking and memory-intensive applications. 

  1. Switch to an SSD 

An SSD may significantly speed up boot times and general system responsiveness if you’re still using an HDD.  

  1. Check for Overheating 

Make sure your computer is not overheated and has adequate ventilation because too much heat might stifle performance. Clean dust from vents and consider using a cooling pad for laptops. 

  1. Optimize Graphics Settings 

To strike a balance between performance and visual quality, adjust the in-game visuals. To adjust performance parameters, use your GPU’s control panel (NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon parameters). 

  1. Virtual Memory (Paging File) 

Adjust the size of the virtual memory (paging file) for better performance. 

Go to Settings > System > About > Advanced system settings > Performance Settings > Advanced tab > Virtual memory. 

  1. Disable Search Indexing 

If you rarely use Windows search, disabling indexing can improve performance. 

Open Services (type services.msc in the Run dialog), find “Windows Search,” and set it to “Manual” or “Disabled.” 

  1. Use Performance Monitoring Tools 

Use built-in tools like Task Manager or third-party tools to monitor and manage system resources effectively. 

  1. Keep Your System Secure 

Regularly scan for malware and viruses using Windows Defender or other reputable antivirus software, as infections can severely impact performance. 

However, if you don’t want the hassle of applying these tips, then you can use FastWindows to improve your PCs performance in Windows 11 fast. FastWindows is a top-tier windows utility app that users can use to prioritize their apps and programs and improve their computer’s performance.

FastWindows

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Final Word 

Optimizing the performance of your Windows 11 PC is not merely about enhancing speed; it’s about cultivating a smoother, more efficient computing experience. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, from adjusting system settings to managing software and hardware, you can breathe new life into your device.  

Whether you’re aiming to boost productivity, enhance gaming experiences, or simply streamline everyday tasks, these tips offer a roadmap to success. On Windows 11, though, you may also utilize FastWindows to enhance PC performance. 

What Software You Can Use to Improve Your Computer’s Performance?

how to Improve Computer Performance

A slow and sluggish computer can impact productivity and user experience. Fortunately, there are various software tools available to optimize the performance of your windows computer. From cleaning up disk space to enhancing security measures, these tools can significantly improve your system’s speed and efficiency.  

In this blog post, we will delve into a selection of software applications meticulously designed to elevate your computing experience by ensuring swifter and more seamless performance.

What Software Can You Use to Improve the Performance of Your Windows Computer?

To improve the performance of your PC, you can consider using the following software: 

1. Disk Cleanup 

Disk Cleanup is a handy tool that comes with Windows, helping your free up space on your computer. It clears away unnecessary files like temporary files and system cache. Using Disk Cleanup regularly keeps your hard drive organized, making your computer respond faster. 

2. CCleaner 

CCleaner is a popular third-party utility that goes beyond the capabilities of Disk Cleanup. It not only cleans up temporary files but also scans and fixes registry issues. Additionally, CCleaner allows you to manage startup programs, giving you better control over your system’s boot time. 

3. Windows Defender 

Having a strong antivirus is essential for a safe and smooth-running computer. Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus from Microsoft, offers real-time protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats. Regularly updating it ensures your computer is protected from the newest cyber risks. 

4. Malwarebytes 

Alongside Windows Defender, think about adding Malwarebytes for an extra security boost. Malwarebytes is good at finding and removing malware, ransomware, and other tricky threats. Doing regular scans with Malwarebytes helps keep your system safe and avoids slowdowns caused by harmful software. 

5. MSI Afterburner 

For users interested in optimizing their graphics card performance, MSI Afterburner is a powerful tool. It allows you to overclock your GPU, adjust fan speeds, and monitor temperature levels. Properly configuring MSI Afterburner can lead to improved graphics performance in resource-intensive applications and games. 

6. Disk Defragmentation 

Over time, files on your hard drive may become fragmented, leading to slower read and write speeds. The built-in Windows Disk Defragmenter tool can help rearrange file fragments, resulting in faster access times and improved overall system performance. 

7. Virtual Memory Management 

Virtual memory, also called the page file, is super important for how your computer works. Setting up virtual memory based on what your computer needs can stop problems when there’s not enough memory, keeping your system running smoothly. 

8. Operating System Updates 

Keeping Windows up to date is important for ensuring it works best. Updates usually have things like security fixes, bug repairs, and ways to make your computer run smoother. Making sure your system is always updated helps it stay stable and secure. 

How Can FastWindows Help You in Improving Your Computer’s Performance? 

FastWindows is a Windows utility app that improves a PC’s performance by allowing users to automatically or manually assign priority access to Windows resources to specific apps and programs. 

FastWindows is a quick and hassle-free way to improve a PC’s performance. Users only have to install FastWindows on their PCs, and the app will automatically start to assign priorities to  

 Here’s how you can use FastWindows: 

  1. Install FastWindows on your Computer 
  1. In the bottom right icon tray, find the FastWindows icon and click on it to launch it 
  1. Once launched, you will see a panel where all of your open apps will be listed 
  1. You can either manually assign priorities to the apps you use the most or allow FastWindows to assign priorities 
  1. You can assign priority starting from the low to the highest 

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Conclusion

Optimizing the performance of your windows computer involves a combination of built-in utilities and third-party software applications. By incorporating tools like Disk Cleanup, CCleaner, Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, and MSI Afterburner, and managing disk defragmentation and virtual memory effectively, you can achieve a faster and more responsive system. Additionally, staying proactive with operating system updates ensures that your computer is equipped with the latest enhancements and security patches. Taking these steps will not only boost your system’s performance but also contribute to a more enjoyable and efficient computing experience. 

And, if you don’t want the hassle of cleanup disks and updating your OS, you can use FastWindows to considerably improve your PC’s performance.

How to Clean AppData Folder in Windows 11?

Are you experiencing a slow PC? Then this could be due to your AppData folder taking a lot of storage space on your PC.

So, if you don’t want to compromise on your PC’s performance, you have to clean your AppData folder. If you are looking for ways to clean your AppData folder in Windows 11 then this guide has all that you need to know about cleaning your AppData folder.

But first, let’s understand what the AppData folder is and how cleaning it can affect your computer.

What is the AppData folder?

The AppData folder is where all the app data and settings of all applications and programs are stored.  This folder can be found on the C drive in every Windows computer. C:\Users\User Name\AppData is the path of this folder.

As it is hidden by default in Windows, you first have to make the AppData folder visible. You can unhide this folder by going to View > Show and select Hidden items on Windows 11. This will make the Windows show all the hidden files and folders.

Why does the AppData folder take up a lot of space on your computer?

When you use your PC for a long time, the AppData folder can take a lot of GBs on your C drive. If there are too many files in C drive, then it can slow down your system and cause performance issues.

However, it is not safe to jump the gun and delete all the files in the AppData manually as it can cause serious performance issues. The files in the AppData folder are important for the apps that are installed on your PC. If you delete these files then your apps might not work properly, and you will also lose user information and all other saved data.

How to delete the AppData Folder in Windows 11?

Here are 3 ways you can delete temporary files from the AppData folders in Windows 11.

1. Manually delete the files

You can manually delete temporary files in the AppData folder. Temporary files of the app are saved in a folder called Temp. Here’s how you can delete these files:

  • Open Run by pressing Win + R
  • In the Run dialogue, type %LocalAppData%\Temp and press Enter. With this, you can navigate to the Temp folder in the AppData folder. There you will find some temporary files which are safe to delete
  • Press Ctrl + A to select all temporary files. Then delete the files by pressing the delete button or by right-clicking on the selected files and selecting the delete option
  • If you want to permanently delete the temporary files press Shift after right-clicking and selecting all the files, and then click on the Delete option. After you do it, a pop-up will appear saying “Are you sure you want to permanently delete these XYZ items.” Click Yes to complete the process
  • To permanently delete these files from the Recycle Bin, just right-click on it and click on “Empty Recycle Bin”.

2. Through the settings app

Windows 11 has some built-in features for users to delete temporary files in the AppData folders. Storage is a feature in the settings app that lets you safely delete temporary files.

  • Press Win + I to open the settings apps
  • Navigate to System > Storage 
  • Click on Temporary files
  • You have to make sure that the Temporary Files option is selected. Click on the Remove Files button. This will clean up the temporary files in the AppData folder. 

3. Use the Disk Cleanup feature

Disk Cleanup is another built-in Windows feature that can help you to remove temporary files from your computer. Here’s how you can use this tool:

  • Into the search box, Type cleanup and select Disk cleanup from the result to open this tool
  • Select drive C and click OK to start the scan for junk and temporary files
  • In the Disk cleanup interface, select Temporary files to remove them. Moreover, you can also select junk files to delete.
  • After the process ends, click OK.

It doesn’t matter what way you use to clear your AppData folder, you will find more space in your C drive after you are done.

Why should you clean your AppData folder?

Cleaning your AppData folder can help you improve your PC’s performance. Temporary files can cause your PC to slow down, or at least, to lag. But deleting the contents manually can also affect the performance of your apps. 

If you don’t want to delete AppData folders, but don’t want to compromise on your PC’s performance, then you can use FastWindows.

FastWindows is a top-tier windows utility app that allows you to allocate your PC’s resources effectively so that you get optimal performance from your PC.

Simply just download and install FastWindows, launch it, and the app will automatically assign priority to the apps and games you use the most. If you want to personalize your app prioritization, then you can do that as well with FastWindows.

FastWindows

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Conclusion

Given how many apps we use these days on our PC, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when our PCs become slower. However, you can clean your AppData folder to improve your PC’s performance with all the ways listed in this guide.

Why is Chrome so slow on Windows 11?

Windows 11 improves considerably on the previous iterations of Windows. However, users have come to experience slow browsing on Chrome after upgrading to Windows 11.

If you are one of those not happy with a laggy Chrome browsing experience, we have got you covered. We will share a few useful tips to fix slow browsing issues on Windows 11, in this guide.

Reasons for Chrome becoming so slow on Windows 11?

There can be a myriad number of reasons, but the most common one is not upgrading to the latest version of Chrome. Secondly, there can be cache blocking going on that can make browsing on Chrome extremely slow.

Moreover, some other programs or applications might be using too much of your PC’s resources, causing Chrome to slow down.

7 Tips to Fix Slow Chrome Browsing in Windows 11

Here are a few fixes that you can try to make your Chrome browsing experience a breeze in Windows 11.

1. Restart your computer or Chrome

The first fix is an easy one. Just restart your computer. If this doesn’t help, you can also restart your browser.

For restarting Chrome, type chrome://restart in the address bar. This will restart your browser quickly.

2. Close all unused tabs

Google Chrome is famous for using a lot of resources, especially when you open a lot of tabs. Too many tabs can eat a lot of your RAM resources because each tab opens its own process,  which can lead to your browser getting slow.

You can check how many resources your Chrome browser has through the Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open the Task Manager. Then find Chrome under the apps section and check how much resources it is consuming in the Memory section on the right.

As you can see in the image, Google Chrome is using a lot of memory. Sometimes, if you have a high-end PC with sufficient RAM, then your Chrome window might not slow down. However, if you don’t have a lot of PC resources and your Chrome gets slow, then close unnecessary tabs and see if it fixes the issues.

3. Clear browsing cache and cookies

Accumulated cached data and cookies can also slow down your browser if you have been using Chrome for a long time. You can resolve this issue by clearing the browsing cache and cookies. 

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to go to the clear browsing page
  • The next step is to check the Cache and Cookies boxes
  • Click “Clear Data” to clear the caches and cookies
4. Disable unused Chrome extensions

Your browser might be running slow because of unnecessary extensions. Some extensions can conflict with other programs, hence slowing down your browser. You can easily disable such extensions by:

  • Start by typing chrome://extensions in the address bar
  • From the Extensions page, choose an extension you want to disable. We are using Kaspersky Protection as an example.
  • Turn off the blue toggle button on the extension.
  • You can turn off as many extensions as you want. After that, check whether your Google Chrome is working normally.
5. Disable hardware acceleration

If you are still facing slow Chrome then this next tip can help you. Disabling hardware acceleration is another tip that can fix slow Chrome issues. Hardware acceleration is used to reduce the workload on the CPU by assigning computing tasks to other specialized hardware. But your browser can get slowed down because of this feature.

Here’s how you can disable it:

  • First, find the Settings option.
  • From the Settings page, navigate to the System section.
  • Find the toggle “Use hardware acceleration when available” and disable it.
  • After disabling it, restart your Chrome browser and see if it’s slow or not.
6. Update Chrome version

Another reason for your Chrome browser getting slow might be that you are running an old version of the browser that doesn’t support some plug-ins and features. Google, with the new Chromium built, releases regular monthly updates. To avoid your browser getting slow, keep it up to date.

  • Open settings and navigate to “About Chrome”
  • Check the version of your browser, and update it if necessary
  • After installing the latest version, see if your browser is working normally or not.
7. Use third-party software

If your browser is still slow, then you can always turn to third-party software to effectively allocate PC resources to Chrome. One such software is FastWindows. FastWindows is a Windows utility app that can supercharge your PC’s performance. With FastWindows, you can allocate your PC’s resources to Chrome to ensure that it doesn’t slow down.

Here’s how you can use FastWindows to boost your browser’s performance:

  • Download and install FastWindows.
  • Once you launch the application, a menu will open up
  • If you enable the “Auto Manage” toggle in the menu, then FastWindows will automatically assign the highest priority to apps that are in use.
  • You can assign priority manually to apps through the “Manage Apps” section. Also, you can add other apps and assign them their respective priorities.

FastWindows

Boost productivity and system performance with FastWindows. Organize your apps and games and simplify your workflows with FastWindows’ automatic app prioritization

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Conclusion

Chrome on Windows 11 can get slow due to a number of reasons. However, you can restart your browser to resolve simple issues. Also, for more serious issues, you can either clear your caches, disable hardware acceleration, or use third-party software, like FastWindows, to fix this problem.

FAQs

How Can I Make Chrome Run Faster in Windows 11?

  • Close unnecessary tabs
  • Update Chrome
  • Turn off any unwanted processes
  • Configure your preload settings

How do I reduce RAM Usage in Chrome Windows 11?

To reduce RAM usage in Chrome Windows 11, follow the following steps:

  • Open Chrome and type the following into the address bar:

chrome://flags/#high-efficiency-mode-available

  • Next, type the following in the address bar:

chrome://settings/performance

  •  From the Performance menu, toggle the Memory Saver switch to enable it
  • Restart your browser for the change to take effect