Nothing’s more frustrating than a slow laptop—especially when you need it to be fast and responsive. Whether you’re a student, remote worker, or casual user, this guide will show you how to speed up your laptop with simple tweaks and upgrades in 2025.
Step 1: Restart Your Laptop
It might sound basic, but restarting your laptop clears out background tasks and memory leaks. If you haven’t restarted it in days, start here.
Step 2: Disable Startup Programs
Startup apps slow down boot time significantly. Here’s how to disable them:
On Windows:
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Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc→ Task Manager -
Go to the Startup tab
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Disable apps with “High” impact
On macOS:
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Go to System Settings → Users & Groups → Login Items
Microsoft’s guide on managing startup apps
Step 3: Clean Up Disk Space
Junk files, browser cache, and outdated system files can slow your system down.
Use tools like:
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Windows: Storage Sense or CCleaner
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macOS: CleanMyMac or built-in Storage Management
Don’t forget to empty the Recycle Bin / Trash.
Step 4: Update Your OS and Drivers
Outdated drivers and operating systems can slow performance and create compatibility issues.
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On Windows, use Windows Update
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On macOS, go to System Settings → Software Update
Also update your graphics and chipset drivers via official sites like Intel or NVIDIA.
Step 5: Uninstall Unused Software
Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features (Windows) or use Finder > Applications (macOS) to remove bloatware and apps you never use.
Step 6: Upgrade Hardware (If Possible)
If your laptop allows hardware upgrades:
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Add RAM: Upgrade to 16GB if you’re on 8GB or less
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Switch to SSD: Replace an old HDD with an NVMe SSD for massive speed gains
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Replace thermal paste: If your laptop is overheating
Check upgrade compatibility on Crucial’s Advisor Tool
Step 7: Scan for Malware or Viruses
A slow laptop might be infected. Use trusted antivirus software:
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Free: Windows Defender, Malwarebytes
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Premium: Bitdefender, Norton 360
Always download from official sites to avoid malware.
Step 8: Reset or Reinstall OS (As a Last Resort)
If nothing else works, consider:
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Windows: Reset This PC (keep or remove your files)
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macOS: Reinstall macOS from Recovery Mode
Back up important data before doing this step.
With these steps, your laptop should feel much faster and smoother. Regular maintenance—just like with a car—keeps your machine running efficiently for years. For the best long-term results, combine software tweaks with occasional hardware upgrades.
