If your Windows 10 or Windows 11 laptop feels sluggish, unresponsive, or takes ages to boot, this comprehensive guide offers simple, effective steps to clean up your system and dramatically boost performance.
Keywords: Windows laptop running slow, speed up Windows 11, slow boot fix, disable startup apps, disk cleanup Windows, visual effects performance
Contents 📋
Fix 1: Stop Unnecessary Startup Programs
The single biggest cause of slow boot times and general lag is too many applications launching automatically when Windows starts. They hog RAM and CPU resources immediately.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Click the Startup tab (or Startup apps on Windows 11).
- Sort the list by the Startup impact column (High impact apps are the worst offenders).
- For any app you do not need running immediately (e.g., Spotify, Discord, or redundant updaters), **right-click** the entry and select **Disable**.
- **Note:** Only disable apps you recognize. Leave essential drivers or security software enabled.
Fix 2: Clean Up Your Hard Drive and Files
Over time, temporary files, old Windows updates, and caches can clutter your drive, particularly if you are low on storage space.
Use Disk Cleanup
- Search for and open **Disk Cleanup**.
- Select your main drive (usually C:).
- Click **Clean up system files**.
- Check the boxes for items you want to delete (especially **Windows Update Cleanup**, **Temporary Internet Files**, and **Delivery Optimization Files**). These items can often free up several gigabytes.
- Click **OK** to run the cleanup.
Manage Desktop and Downloads
Move large files (videos, installers) out of the Downloads folder and off your Desktop. The Desktop uses system resources to render icons, making a cluttered desktop slow down your system.
Fix 3: Adjust Visual Effects for Performance
Windows uses fancy visual effects (fading menus, smooth scrolling) that look nice but can strain older or lower-end laptops.
- Search for and open **Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows**.
- In the **Visual Effects** tab, select the option **Adjust for best performance**.
- Alternatively, select **Custom** and manually check only the effects you need, like **Smooth edges of screen fonts**.
- Click **Apply** and **OK**. This removes shadows and animations, significantly reducing GPU/CPU load.
Fix 4: Update Drivers and Check for Malware
Outdated chipset or graphics drivers can bottleneck performance, and hidden malware will consume resources in the background.
Update Drivers
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Also, check **Advanced options** > **Optional updates** to see if any new driver updates are available.
Run a Malware Scan
Use the built-in Windows Security tool to check for unwanted software.
- Search for and open **Windows Security**.
- Go to **Virus & threat protection**.
- Click **Quick scan** to check for common threats slowing your system.
Fix 5: Optimize Your Web Browser
The web browser is often the most resource-intensive application on a laptop.
- Reduce Tabs: Too many open tabs (especially in Chrome or Edge) consumes massive amounts of RAM. Close unnecessary tabs.
- Remove Extensions: Uninstall or disable any browser extensions you do not actively use, as they run constantly in the background.
When All Else Fails: Hardware Checks
If software fixes do not help, the issue may be hardware related:
- RAM Upgrade: If you have 4GB of RAM or less, upgrading to 8GB or 16GB will make a world of difference.
- SSD Upgrade: If your laptop uses an old Hard Disk Drive (HDD), upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is the single biggest performance improvement you can make.
- Check for Overheating: Ensure the laptop cooling vents are clean and not blocked. High temperatures force the CPU to slow down (thermal throttling).