Few things are more frustrating than a slow laptop—especially when you’re trying to get work done, attend a Zoom meeting, or enjoy a movie. If your laptop is crawling, freezing, or taking ages to open apps, you’re not alone. Over time, laptops—whether Windows or macOS—tend to slow down due to various reasons like cluttered storage, outdated software, background processes, or even overheating.
This guide offers practical steps anyone can take to make their laptop run faster in 2025, even if you don’t consider yourself tech-savvy.
1. Restart Your Laptop Regularly
It may sound basic, but restarting your laptop helps clear out temporary files and shuts down unnecessary background processes. Many people leave their laptops on sleep mode for weeks—leading to performance drops.
Tip:
Restart at least once every few days, especially if you’ve installed updates or new apps recently.
2. Uninstall Unnecessary Programs
Over time, your laptop gets cluttered with software you no longer use. These programs can take up storage, run background services, or slow down boot time.
How to do it:
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On Windows: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and uninstall what you don’t need.
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On macOS: Open Finder > Applications, drag unwanted apps to the Trash, and then empty the Trash.
Use tools like Revo Uninstaller (Windows) or AppCleaner (macOS) to fully remove leftover files.
3. Disable Startup Programs
Many apps sneak into your startup routine and launch automatically when you boot your laptop. This can drastically slow down start times.
How to disable:
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Windows: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable unnecessary items. -
macOS: Go to System Settings > General > Login Items and remove unwanted programs.
4. Upgrade Your RAM
If you multitask with several tabs or programs open, adding more RAM can make a huge difference. RAM allows your laptop to process more data at once. Many budget laptops come with 4GB or 8GB, which may not be sufficient for heavy use.
Note:
Not all laptops support RAM upgrades, especially ultrabooks. Check your model’s specifications first or consult a technician.
🟢 Learn more: Crucial’s Advisor Tool can help you find compatible memory for your laptop.
5. Switch to an SSD (if you haven’t already)
If your laptop still uses an HDD (hard disk drive), upgrading to an SSD (solid-state drive) is one of the best ways to speed it up. SSDs have no moving parts, which means they are faster, quieter, and more durable.
With an SSD, your:
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Laptop boots in seconds
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Apps open almost instantly
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File transfers are much faster
🟢 Guide: How to Install an SSD – Tom’s Hardware
6. Clean Up Your Hard Drive
Your laptop performs better when the hard drive has at least 15–20% free space. If you’re running low on storage, it’s time to clean up.
Options:
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Delete old downloads, videos, and large files
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Use built-in tools like Storage Sense (Windows) or Manage Storage (macOS)
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Move media to external drives or cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive)
Free tool: CCleaner – helps clean temp files and unused system files quickly.
7. Scan for Malware and Viruses
A slow laptop could be infected with malware or adware running in the background. These programs can hog resources, steal data, or even redirect your browser.
Recommended:
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Windows: Use Windows Defender or third-party tools like Malwarebytes.
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macOS: Though Macs are less likely to get malware, tools like CleanMyMac X can help maintain system health.
8. Keep Your Operating System Updated
Updates aren’t just about new features—they also include performance improvements and security patches. Running outdated software may cause compatibility and speed issues.
Check for updates:
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Windows: Settings > Windows Update
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macOS: System Settings > General > Software Update
Also, ensure your drivers (especially graphics and Wi-Fi) are up to date. Driver booster tools like Driver Booster can help automate the process.
9. Clear Browser Cache and Extensions
If your laptop feels slow while browsing the internet, your browser may be the issue. Over time, cache files and extensions accumulate and slow down performance.
What to do:
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Clear browsing history and cached data
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Disable or remove unused extensions
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Consider switching to a lightweight browser like Brave or Microsoft Edge
🟢 Tip: Use Chrome’s Task Manager to see which tabs and extensions are using the most resources.
10. Adjust Visual Effects
Modern operating systems use animations and effects to look appealing. These visuals can slow down older or low-spec laptops.
How to disable:
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Windows: System > About > Advanced system settings > Performance Settings > Adjust for best performance
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macOS: System Settings > Accessibility > Display > Reduce Motion & Transparency
This won’t affect your functionality—just the aesthetics.
11. Restart Your Router or Optimize Wi-Fi
Sometimes, a slow laptop isn’t the problem—it’s your internet connection. Restart your Wi-Fi router, limit connected devices, or consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router for better speeds.
🟢 Check your speed with Speedtest.net
12. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If all else fails, a factory reset might be necessary. This returns your laptop to its original state—like new—but also deletes all your files, so back up your data first.
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On Windows: Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC
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On macOS: Boot into macOS Recovery by holding Command + R at startup, then use Disk Utility to erase and reinstall macOS.
Also Check
- 7 Tech Gadgets Every Home Office Needs
- Android vs iOS: Which One Wins in 2025?
- What Is the Metaverse? A Simple Guide
- Best Laptops for College Students on a Budget
- How to Keep Your Data Safe in 2025
Final Thoughts
Laptops naturally slow down over time—but that doesn’t mean you need a new one. From removing startup apps to installing an SSD, there are many steps you can take to breathe new life into your device.
For most users, a few tweaks can make a big difference, improving speed, efficiency, and the overall user experience.