Windows Laptop Slow? 10 Practical Fixes That Work
Your Windows laptop is slow to start and apps take forever to open. Work through these 10 fixes in order.
By DigitalNepal · Updated 2026-09-15
A slow Windows laptop is usually caused by too many startup programs, a nearly full disk, or background updates - not by a virus. These steps fix the most common causes without reinstalling Windows.
Do the steps in order and restart your laptop after step 4. Most users notice a clear difference by step 6.
Steps
1Turn off unnecessary startup apps
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to Startup apps, and disable everything you do not need at boot, such as chat apps and updaters.
2Free up disk space
Go to Settings > System > Storage and turn on Storage Sense. Delete the Downloads folder clutter and empty the Recycle Bin. Aim for at least 15-20% free space.
3Uninstall programs you never use
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, sort by size, and remove toolbars, duplicate cleaners and preinstalled games.
4Pause Windows updates while fixing
Go to Settings > Windows Update and pause updates for a week so background downloads do not slow you down during the fix.
5Run a malware scan
Use the built-in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan. Remove anything it finds.
6Check Task Manager for resource hogs
In Task Manager > Processes, click CPU or Memory to sort. If one app constantly uses 80%+, update or replace it.
7Switch to High Performance power plan
On laptops plugged into power, use Settings > System > Power > Best performance while working.
8Disable visual effects
Search for 'Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows' and choose Adjust for best performance.
9Check disk health (HDD laptops)
If your laptop still has a spinning hard disk, upgrading to an SSD gives the biggest speed boost of all - usually 3-5x faster boot.
10Reset only as a last step
Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC keeps your files. Back up important data to a pendrive or Google Drive first.
Good to know: If the laptop is still slow after all steps, the hard disk or RAM may be failing - take it to a trusted repair shop instead of installing more 'speed booster' apps.
FAQ
Will resetting delete my files?
Choose 'Keep my files' during reset to keep personal files, but installed programs will be removed. Back up first anyway.
Do cleaner apps help?
Most cleaner apps add startup load themselves. Windows built-in Storage Sense is enough.
Was this page helpful?
Related guides
Laptop Battery Drains Fast? Extend Backup Time
Your laptop dies in 1-2 hours. Get more backup time with settings before considering a battery replacement.
Pendrive Not Detected? Recover Access Step by Step
USB drive not showing on Windows. Diagnose whether it is the port, the drive letter, or a dead drive.
Android Storage Full? Free Up Space Safely
Cannot install apps or take photos because storage is full. Free gigabytes in 10 minutes without losing memories.
Facebook Password Reset: Recover Your Account Safely
Forgot your Facebook password or locked out? Use only the official recovery flow - never third-party 'hacker' tools.