Slow laptop or PC? Here is what you can do to make it faster.

1. Check Startup and Background Applications

Programs that start automatically with Windows can continue running in the background and use memory, processor time and other system resources. Over time, computers can accumulate applications that start automatically even though they are rarely used.

In Windows 11, you can review startup applications through Settings → Apps → Startup, or through Task Manager → Startup apps.

Before disabling anything, make sure you understand what the application does. Some startup items are required for hardware, security, backup, synchronisation or other functions you may rely on.

2. Keep Windows, Drivers and Applications Up to Date

Updates can include security fixes, reliability improvements, bug fixes and compatibility changes that help Windows and installed applications operate correctly.

Windows Update should normally be allowed to keep the operating system current. Depending on the computer, updates may also be available for hardware drivers and other components. Applications such as web browsers should also be kept up to date.

If an update repeatedly fails, causes errors or the computer is running an unsupported version of Windows, the underlying problem may need to be investigated rather than repeatedly attempting the same update.

3. Check Available Storage Space

A computer can become slower or less reliable when its system drive is running very low on available storage space. Windows needs free space for updates, temporary files, applications and normal system operations.

You can check your available storage in Windows 11 under Settings → System → Storage. Windows also includes tools such as Storage Sense that can help manage temporary files and other unnecessary data.

Before deleting files, make sure you understand what they are and that important information is backed up. Avoid using unknown “PC cleaner” or optimisation programs simply because they claim they can make the computer faster.

If storage is consistently running low, it may be better to investigate what is consuming the space or consider a larger drive rather than repeatedly deleting files.

4. Check What Is Using Your Computer’s Resources

If your computer becomes slow, Task Manager can help identify applications or processes using a large amount of processor (CPU), memory, disk or other system resources.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. The Processes section shows which applications and background processes are currently using your computer’s resources.

High resource usage does not automatically mean that something is wrong. Windows updates, security scans, backups, web browsers and other legitimate programs can temporarily use significant resources.

If CPU, memory or disk usage remains unusually high for extended periods, particularly when you are not doing much on the computer, it may help identify where further investigation is required.

Avoid ending unfamiliar Windows processes simply because they appear to be using resources. Some are required for Windows or other installed software to operate correctly.

5. Uninstall Programs You No Longer Use

Over time, computers can accumulate programs that are no longer needed. Some may use storage space, run background services, start automatically with Windows or continue installing updates.

In Windows 11, installed applications can be reviewed under Settings → Apps → Installed apps. Programs you recognise and no longer need can be uninstalled from there.

Be careful when removing unfamiliar software. Some applications, drivers and utilities may be required by your computer’s hardware or by other programs. If you are unsure what something does, investigate it before removing it.

6. Clean Up Unnecessary Files

Temporary files, old update files and other unnecessary data can accumulate over time and consume storage space. Removing appropriate temporary files can help recover space, particularly when the system drive is becoming full.

Windows 11 provides storage-management options under Settings → System → Storage, including Temporary files and Storage Sense. The traditional Disk Cleanup tool may also be available.

Review what Windows proposes to remove before proceeding, particularly if options include personal files such as Downloads. Cleaning files may recover storage space, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed solution for a slow computer.

7. Optimise Your Drives

Windows includes drive optimisation tools, but the appropriate maintenance depends on the type of storage installed in your computer.

Traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) can become fragmented, and Windows can reorganise the data to improve how efficiently the drive is accessed.

Solid-state drives (SSDs) work differently and should not be treated like traditional hard drives. Windows automatically performs the appropriate optimisation for recognised SSDs, including TRIM-related maintenance where applicable.

For most users, Windows’ automatic drive optimisation should be left enabled rather than manually running frequent defragmentation or using third-party “disk optimisation” software.

If a hard drive is becoming unusually slow, making noises or showing other signs of failure, optimisation is not a substitute for checking the condition of the drive and protecting important data.

8. Check for Malware and Unwanted Software

Malware, potentially unwanted applications and unwanted browser extensions can affect computer performance and cause unusual behaviour. If a computer has become unexpectedly slow, security should therefore be one of the areas considered.

For most Windows users, Microsoft Defender Antivirus and the security features built into Windows provide an appropriate starting point for checking the computer. Windows Security can be used to review protection status and run appropriate scans.

Avoid installing multiple antivirus products in an attempt to make the computer more secure. Multiple security programs can conflict with each other, consume system resources and sometimes contribute to the very performance problems being investigated.

If suspicious behaviour continues despite a normal security scan, further investigation may be required. A slow computer is not automatically infected with malware, and installing another antivirus product is not necessarily the solution.

9. Consider a Hardware Upgrade

If software maintenance and configuration changes do not provide sufficient improvement, the computer’s hardware may be limiting its performance. This does not automatically mean that the entire computer needs to be replaced.

Two upgrades that can make a significant difference on suitable computers are:

• Replacing a traditional hard drive (HDD) with a solid-state drive (SSD) – this can substantially improve startup times, application loading and general responsiveness on computers still using a mechanical hard drive.
• Increasing memory (RAM) – additional memory can help where the computer does not have enough RAM for Windows and the applications being used, particularly when several programs or browser tabs are open at the same time.

Not every computer is worth upgrading. Its age, processor, Windows 11 compatibility, physical condition, existing hardware and intended use should all be considered before spending money on upgrades.

A proper assessment can help determine whether maintenance, an SSD or memory upgrade, another repair, or replacement provides the better value.