Is your laptop running slower than usual? Waiting minutes just to open a browser tab or start your system can be frustrating — especially when you’re trying to get work done or stream your favorite content.
This updated 2025 guide walks you through effective, beginner-friendly ways to speed up your slow laptop or PC without needing technical skills.
Why Computers Slow Down Over Time
Before diving into the fixes, it’s important to understand why your system may be lagging:
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Too many startup programs
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Outdated hardware or drivers
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Low disk space or memory (RAM)
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Malware or bloatware
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Fragmented hard drives (for HDD users)
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Background tasks draining resources
Let’s go through proven steps that can help you fix this.
1. Disable Startup Programs You Don’t Need
When your system boots, dozens of apps may launch in the background. Many aren’t essential and just eat up RAM and CPU.
🛠️ How to do it:
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On Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc > Task Manager > Startup tab
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On Mac: System Settings > General > Login Items
🔻 Disable any unnecessary apps like Spotify, Skype, or Dropbox (unless critical to your workflow).
2. Uninstall Unused Apps and Bloatware
Apps you installed months (or years) ago may still be running background processes. Bloatware — pre-installed apps you never use — can also hog system resources.
✅ Go through your software list and remove:
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Games you no longer play
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Trials of antivirus software
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Pre-installed manufacturer tools (careful with drivers)
On Windows: Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
On Mac: Finder > Applications
3. Clean Up Disk Space
A nearly full hard drive slows down system performance — especially on traditional HDDs.
Free up space by:
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Emptying Recycle Bin / Trash
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Deleting old downloads and duplicate files
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Using built-in cleanup tools
💡 Tools to try:
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Windows Storage Sense
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CCleaner
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CleanMyMac X
If your disk is over 90% full, performance will suffer.
4. Check for Malware or Viruses
Malware often runs silently in the background, draining memory, showing pop-ups, and slowing down your internet.
🛡️ What to do:
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Run a full scan using Windows Defender or Malwarebytes
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Remove suspicious browser extensions
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Avoid installing pirated software or random .exe files
5. Upgrade Your RAM or Storage Drive
If your laptop has less than 8GB of RAM, upgrading can deliver a huge performance boost — especially if you multitask or use Chrome with multiple tabs.
✅ Recommendations for 2025:
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8GB = minimum for basic use
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16GB = ideal for multitasking or creative work
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32GB+ = heavy video editing or development
Also, if you’re still using an HDD, switching to an SSD can improve boot and load times by 5–10x.
6. Update Windows/macOS and Device Drivers
System updates often include performance enhancements, bug fixes, and compatibility improvements.
How to check:
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Windows: Settings > Windows Update
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Mac: System Settings > General > Software Update
Also update GPU, sound, and motherboard drivers if needed.
7. Adjust Power Settings for Performance
Laptops often default to “Balanced” or “Battery Saver” modes, which limit CPU power.
For better performance:
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Windows: Control Panel > Power Options > High Performance
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Mac: System Settings > Battery > turn off “Low Power Mode”
Note: This may affect battery life but gives more processing power.
8. Manage Background Processes
Some apps (like OneDrive, Chrome extensions, or antivirus software) can consume high resources constantly.
Open Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) and:
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Check which apps are using most RAM/CPU
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Close unnecessary ones
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Consider replacing heavy apps with lighter alternatives
9. Clean Your Laptop Physically
Overheating causes CPU throttling — making your device slower. Dust buildup blocks airflow and worsens this problem.
🧼 What to do:
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Use compressed air to clean vents and fans
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Ensure your laptop sits on a flat, clean surface
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Consider a cooling pad for gaming or high-load use
10. Perform a Fresh OS Install (Optional but Powerful)
If nothing else works, a clean reinstall can remove years of junk and restore speed.
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Backup your files to an external drive or cloud
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Use Windows Reset or macOS Recovery
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Reinstall only the apps you truly need
This gives you a clean slate and dramatically improves performance.
Bonus Tips for 2025:
🧠 Pro Tip 1: Switch from Chrome to a lighter browser like Brave or Firefox for better memory management
🧠 Pro Tip 2: Use cloud-based office tools instead of local installations
🧠 Pro Tip 3: Avoid using too many desktop widgets or live wallpapers
Final Thoughts
Your laptop doesn’t have to be slow forever. By following these simple but effective steps — from disabling startup apps to cleaning up disk space or upgrading RAM — you can breathe new life into your system.
Even aging laptops can be powerful when optimized right.