To speed up a slow laptop, restart it, install updates, stop unnecessary apps from opening at startup, free up disk space and close heavy browser tabs and extensions. On Windows 11, also switch the power mode to Best performance and scan for malware. On a Mac, use Activity Monitor to find apps using too much memory or CPU. If the laptop is still slow after these free fixes, the cause is often an old hard drive or too little memory, and an SSD or RAM upgrade can make it feel new. This guide walks through each step in order, from quickest to most involved.
First: what is actually slow?
Before changing settings, notice when the slowness happens. It points to the fix:
| Symptom | Likely cause | Go to |
|---|---|---|
| Takes minutes to start up | Too many startup apps or an old hard drive | Steps 3 and 9 |
| Slow only in the browser | Too many tabs or extensions | Step 5 |
| Freezes when several apps are open | Not enough memory (RAM) | Steps 6 and 9 |
| Slow and hot, fan always loud | Overheating or a background process | Steps 6 and 8 |
| Web pages and videos load slowly | Internet connection, not the laptop | Run our Internet Speed Test |
Step 1: Restart and install updates
Many people put their laptop to sleep for weeks. A full restart clears memory and finishes pending updates.
- Windows 11: Start > Power > Restart. Then go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, and check Advanced options > Optional updates for driver updates.
- Mac: Apple menu > Restart. Then System Settings > General > Software Update.
Step 2: Free up disk space
When the main drive is almost full, everything slows down. Aim to keep at least 10 to 15% free.
- Windows 11: Settings > System > Storage. Open Temporary files to remove them, turn on Storage Sense to clean up automatically, and uninstall apps you do not use in Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Mac: System Settings > General > Storage shows what uses space and offers recommendations.
- Everywhere: empty the Downloads folder and the Trash or Recycle Bin, and move large videos to an external drive or the cloud. If your cloud is full too, see how to free up Google Drive and iCloud storage.
Step 3: Stop apps from opening at startup
Chat apps, game launchers, cloud sync tools and updaters often start with your laptop and keep running in the background.
- Windows 11: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select Startup apps, right-click anything you do not need right away and choose Disable. You can still open those apps whenever you want.
- Mac: System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then remove apps from the “Open at Login” list.
Keep your security software and touchpad or audio drivers enabled.
Step 4: Change the power setting (Windows)
Laptops often run in a power-saving mode that slows the processor. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery and set Power mode to Best performance while plugged in. This uses more battery, so switch back when you are on the go. If your battery drains fast or the laptop slows down when unplugged, check how to check laptop battery health.
On older or low-end Windows laptops, you can also search Start for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows and choose Adjust for best performance to turn off animations.
Step 5: Tame your browser
For many people the browser is the heaviest app on the laptop.
- Close tabs you are not using, or use the browser’s tab groups and memory saver features.
- Remove extensions you do not recognize or no longer use. Each one uses memory, and some track you.
- Update the browser and restart it once in a while.
Browser AI assistants are handy, but they also add load. See what each offers in AI in your browser.
Step 6: Find what is using memory and CPU
- Windows 11: open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and sort the Processes tab by CPU or Memory.
- Mac: open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities and sort by % CPU or Memory.
If one app constantly sits at the top, close it, update it or uninstall it. Be careful not to end system processes you do not recognize; search the name online first.
Step 7: Scan for malware
Malware and unwanted programs can slow a laptop and steal data. On Windows 11, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and run a Quick scan. Only install apps from official stores or trusted developers; our checklist on checking an app before installing it helps.
Step 8: Keep it cool
Laptops slow themselves down when they get too hot. Use them on a hard, flat surface instead of a bed or sofa, keep the vents clear, and have dust cleaned from the fans if the laptop is a few years old. A loud fan during light work is a sign of heat or a busy background process.
Step 9: Upgrade the hardware
If the laptop is still slow after the free fixes, hardware is the likely limit:
| Upgrade | When it helps | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| SSD instead of a hard drive (HDD) | Slow startup and app loading on an older laptop | Usually the biggest improvement |
| More RAM | Freezes with many tabs or apps open | Large, if the laptop allows it |
| New battery | Slows down or shuts off when unplugged | Restores normal performance on battery |
Many thin laptops and all recent MacBooks have memory and storage soldered to the board, so check your model’s specifications or ask a repair shop before buying parts.
Step 10: Reset as a last resort
If nothing else helps, a fresh start removes years of clutter. On Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. On a Mac, use Erase All Content and Settings, if available. Back up your files first; a reset can remove apps and data.
Want to play new games on an older laptop? Cloud gaming can help; read is cloud gaming worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my new laptop slow?
New laptops often come with trial software and updates running in the background for the first days. Install all updates, restart, and remove preinstalled apps you do not need.
Do PC cleaner apps help?
Usually not. The built-in tools in Windows and macOS do the same cleanup for free, and some “cleaner” apps add ads or unwanted software.
How much RAM does a laptop need?
8 GB is the minimum for everyday use today, and 16 GB is comfortable for many browser tabs, office work and light creative work.
Will these steps help with gaming?
Yes, but games have their own settings. See how to increase FPS on Windows 11, and if online games lag, read how to reduce lag in online games.
Start with the quick wins
Restart, update, disable startup apps and free up space: these four steps take about 15 minutes and fix most slow laptops. If yours is still struggling, look at the hardware upgrades above before buying a new one.
Sources
This article is based on the official documentation and reporting listed in the sources above, checked on October 19, 2026. Features and prices change, so confirm details on the official pages before you buy. ShokokoTech does not accept payment for coverage. Read our editorial policy.
