How to Fix a Slow Laptop and Boost Performance in 2025

Why Is Your Laptop Running Slow in 2025?

If your laptop is slow, it’s likely due to a mix of aging hardware, software overload, or poor maintenance. In 2025, with apps and updates demanding more resources, even newer devices can lag. Here’s how to boost laptop performance with actionable steps.

Step 1: Free Up Disk Space

A cluttered drive slows everything down.

• Press Win + R, type cleanmgr, and hit Enter.
• Select your main drive (usually C:), then check Temporary Files and Recycle Bin.
• Click “Clean up system files” for deeper cleaning.
• Delete unused apps via Settings > Apps.

Pro Tip: Aim for at least 20% free space on your drive.

Step 2: Update Your System and Drivers

Outdated software can bottleneck performance.

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all updates.
2. Visit your laptop manufacturer’s site (e.g., Dell, HP) for the latest drivers—especially graphics and chipset.
3. Use Device Manager (right-click Start) to manually update outdated drivers.

Step 3: Reduce Startup Programs

Too many apps launching at boot can cripple speed.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab.
• Disable non-essential programs (e.g., Spotify, old antivirus) by right-clicking and selecting Disable.

Step 4: Upgrade Hardware (If Needed)

For older laptops, hardware upgrades can work wonders.

• Add RAM: Upgrade to 16GB if you’re stuck at 4GB or 8GB—check your model’s max capacity.
• Switch to SSD: Replace your HDD with a solid-state drive for 10x faster boot and load times.
• Cost: $30-$100, depending on specs.

Step 5: Optimize Power Settings

Low-performance modes can throttle speed.

1. Type powercfg.cpl in Win + R and press Enter.
2. Select “High Performance” or “Ultimate Performance” (if available).
3. For battery life balance, tweak “Advanced settings” to prioritize CPU power.

Step 6: Scan for Malware

Viruses can hogbr> hog resources.

• Run Windows Defender (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection).
• For deeper scans, download Malwarebytes (free version) and remove any threats.

Step 7: Defragment (HDD Only)

If you’re still on a hard drive, fragmentation slows access.

1. Search for “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the Start menu.
2. Select your HDD and click “Optimize”.
3. Skip this for SSDs—it —it can damage them.

With these steps, you’ll fix your slow laptop and enjoy a snappy device in 2025. Overheating can also slow things down—check our guide on how to cool down an overheating laptop in 2025 for extra tips.