Laptop Running Slow? Try These Free Fixes Before You Buy Anything
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A slow laptop can be incredibly frustrating—especially when you rely on it for work, study, or entertainment. But before you shell out money for upgrades or a new machine, try these free and effective solutions. Often, a few simple tweaks can bring your system back to life.
Restart Your Laptop
It may sound basic, but a simple restart can clear background processes and memory leaks that slow things down. If your laptop hasn't been rebooted in a while, do it now and see the difference.
Close Unnecessary Startup Programs
Many programs start automatically with your system, eating up memory. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager → go to Startup tab → disable unwanted items. This can speed up boot time and overall performance.
Free Up Disk Space
A nearly full hard drive can significantly slow your laptop. Delete unused files, uninstall software you no longer need, and clear your Recycle Bin. Use Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup tool for an easy start.
Scan for Malware and Viruses
Malware can drastically affect performance. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or any trusted antivirus tool. Make sure your system is protected and running clean.
Uninstall Bloatware and Unused Apps
Pre-installed software (aka bloatware) and unused apps can clutter your system. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program and remove what you don’t use.
Disable Visual Effects
Windows animations look nice but consume resources. Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings > Performance Settings, then choose Adjust for best performance or manually disable unnecessary effects.
Update Windows and Drivers
Outdated system files and drivers can create glitches and slowdowns. Go to Settings > Windows Update to install the latest patches. Also, update graphics and chipset drivers through Device Manager.
A cluttered desktop with too many shortcuts and files can slow startup. Move files into folders and keep your desktop clean for smoother performance.
A sluggish laptop doesn’t always need a costly fix. With a little maintenance and smart use of free tools, your device can run more smoothly without spending a rupee. Try these tips first—and you might just save yourself from an unnecessary upgrade.
Restart Your Laptop
It may sound basic, but a simple restart can clear background processes and memory leaks that slow things down. If your laptop hasn't been rebooted in a while, do it now and see the difference. Close Unnecessary Startup Programs
Many programs start automatically with your system, eating up memory. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager → go to Startup tab → disable unwanted items. This can speed up boot time and overall performance.Free Up Disk Space
A nearly full hard drive can significantly slow your laptop. Delete unused files, uninstall software you no longer need, and clear your Recycle Bin. Use Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup tool for an easy start. Scan for Malware and Viruses
Malware can drastically affect performance. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or any trusted antivirus tool. Make sure your system is protected and running clean. Uninstall Bloatware and Unused Apps
Pre-installed software (aka bloatware) and unused apps can clutter your system. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program and remove what you don’t use. Disable Visual Effects
Windows animations look nice but consume resources. Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings > Performance Settings, then choose Adjust for best performance or manually disable unnecessary effects. Update Windows and Drivers
Outdated system files and drivers can create glitches and slowdowns. Go to Settings > Windows Update to install the latest patches. Also, update graphics and chipset drivers through Device Manager.
Clean Your Desktop
A cluttered desktop with too many shortcuts and files can slow startup. Move files into folders and keep your desktop clean for smoother performance.Use Lighter Software Alternatives
If your current apps are too heavy, consider lightweight alternatives. For example, use LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office, or VLC instead of heavier media players.Try a Cloud Reset (Windows 10/11)
If nothing works and you're still experiencing lag, Windows allows you to do a Cloud Reset that reinstalls the system without deleting your personal files. Go to Settings > Recovery > Reset this PC and follow the steps.A sluggish laptop doesn’t always need a costly fix. With a little maintenance and smart use of free tools, your device can run more smoothly without spending a rupee. Try these tips first—and you might just save yourself from an unnecessary upgrade.
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