Introduction
How To Make Your Laptop Fast? Like most people, you use your laptop for almost everything, from working to browsing the internet to streaming your favourite shows. However, nothing is more frustrating than a slow laptop that takes forever to open a program or load a web page. The great news is that you can do many things to make your computer faster, and we will show you how.
Uninstall Unused Programs
If you have too many programs on your laptop, it can slow down your computer. Some programs may run in the background, even without using them. Uninstalling unused programs can help speed up your laptop. To uninstall a program, go to the control panel and click “Delete a program.” Select the program you want to remove and click “uninstall.”
Delete Unnecessary Files
Deleting unnecessary files can also help speed up your laptop. Over time, your computer can now accumulate a lot of temporary files, downloads, and other files you no longer need. You can delete these files from your computer’s built-in Disk Cleanup tool. To access Disk Cleanup, go to your start menu and search “Disk Cleanup.”
Disable Startup Programs
Many programs automatically start when you turn on your computer, which can slow down your laptop. To disable these programs, go to the Task Manager and click on the “Startup” tab. Here, you can see which programs are starting with your computer and disable the ones you don’t need.
Increase Your RAM
Upgrading your RAM can make a big difference if your laptop runs slowly. RAM is where your computer stores the data it uses. If you have more RAM, your computer can handle more data simultaneously, speeding up your laptop. Check your laptop’s specifications to see how much RAM it can support and upgrade accordingly.
Run a Virus Scan
Sometimes, a virus or malware can slow down your laptop. Running a virus scan can help detect and remove any malicious software causing your computer to run slowly. There are many free antivirus programs available, such as Avast and AVG.
Use a Solid State Drive
Upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) can also make your laptop faster. SSDs are way faster than traditional hard drives because they don’t have moving parts. They also use less power and generate less heat, which can help extend your laptop’s battery life.
Update Your Operating System
Updating your operating system can also speed up your laptop. New updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can make your laptop faster. To check for updates, go to your computer’s settings and look for “updates” or “software updates.”
Disable Animations and Visual Effects
Animations and visual effects can make your laptop look fantastic and slow down your computer. Disabling these effects can help speed up your laptop. To do this, go to your computer’s settings and look for “performance settings” or “visual effects.”
Keep Your Laptop Clean
Dust and debris can clog your laptop’s fan and slow down your computer. Keeping your laptop clean can help prevent this. Use compressed air to blow out dust or debris from your laptop’s keyboard and vents.
Keep Your Laptop Up-to-Date
Keeping your laptop up-to-date is vital for maintaining optimal performance. Manufacturers release updates that can fix bugs, add features, and enhance security. Install updates for your operating system, drivers, and applications regularly. You can set your computer to update automatically to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates.
Disable Background Apps
Background apps can slow down your laptop using system resources even when not using them. You can disable background apps in Windows 10 by going to Settings > Privacy > Background apps. Here, you can turn off the apps you don’t need running in the background.
Disable Browser Extensions
Browser extensions can also slow down your laptop by using system resources. You can disable browser extensions by opening your browser’s settings and navigating to the extensions or add-ons section. Here, you can turn off the extensions you don’t need.
Use a Cooling Pad
Using a cooling pad can help prevent your laptop from overheating, which can slow down performance. A cooling pad is a simple device that sits underneath your laptop and uses fans to circulate air and dissipate heat. You can find cooling pads online or at most electronics stores.
Disable File Indexing
File indexing is a feature that helps you search for files on your computer faster. However, it can also slow down your laptop, especially if you have a lot of files. You can disable file indexing by going to Control Panel > Indexing Options > Modify. Here, you can uncheck the folders you don’t want to be indexed.
Adjust Virtual Memory
Virtual memory is a feature that allows your computer to use your hard drive as temporary RAM. However, if your virtual memory settings are incorrect, it can slow down your laptop. You can adjust virtual memory by going to Control Panel > System > Advanced System Settings > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory > Change. Here, you can adjust the virtual memory settings to optimize performance.
Use Task Scheduler
Task Scheduler is a built-in tool in Windows that allows you to automate tasks on your computer. You can use Task Scheduler to schedule tasks like virus scans, disk cleanup, and updates, which can help maintain optimal performance. Type “Task Scheduler” into the Windows search bar to access Task Scheduler.
Use a High-Quality Antivirus Program
Using a high-quality antivirus program can help protect your computer from viruses and malware, which can slow down your laptop. Look for antivirus programs that offer real-time protection, automatic updates, and regular scans. Some popular antivirus programs include Norton, McAfee, and Kaspersky.
Clean Your Registry
The Registry database contains settings and configurations for your computer’s hardware and software. Over time, the registry can become cluttered and slow down your laptop. You can clean your registry using a registry cleaner program like CCleaner.
Use the High-Performance Power Plan
The power plan you choose can affect your laptop’s performance. The High-Performance power plan provides the best performance but uses more battery life. You can switch to the High-Performance power plan by going to Control Panel > Power Options > High-Performance.
Defragment Your Hard Drive
Defragmenting your hard drive can improve your laptop’s performance by reorganizing files and optimizing storage. To defragment your hard drive, go to Start > Disk Defragmenter.
Use a Quality Mouse or Touchpad
A high-quality mouse or touchpad can help improve your laptop’s performance by providing more accurate and responsive input. Look for a mouse or touchpad with high sensitivity and precision.
Clear Your Browser Cache
Clearing your browser cache can speed up your laptop’s performance when browsing the internet. Your browser cache stores temporary files and website data to help load pages faster, but it can also slow down your computer over time. You can clear your browser cache by going to your browser’s settings and finding the option to clear browsing data. Select the option to clear the cache and choose the time range you want to clear.
Adjust Display Settings
Adjusting your display settings can help improve your laptop’s performance by reducing the strain on your graphics card. You can adjust your display settings by visiting your computer and finding the display or graphics options. You can lower the screen resolution or refresh rate to improve performance here.
Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth When Not in Use
Disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use can help improve your laptop’s performance by reducing the strain on your wireless card. You can turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth by clicking on the corresponding icons in your system tray, going to your computer’s settings, and finding the network or wireless options.
Close Unused Programs and Tabs
Closing unused programs and browser tabs can free up system resources and improve your laptop’s performance. You can close programs by clicking on the X in the upper right corner of the window or by right-clicking on the program in the taskbar and selecting “Close.” You can close tabs in your browser by clicking on the X on the tab or by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+W.
Use a Lightweight Browser
Using a lightweight browser can help improve your laptop’s performance when browsing the internet. Lightweight browsers use fewer system resources and are optimized for speed. Some popular lightweight browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera.
Disable Automatic Updates
Automatic updates can slow down your laptop by using system resources when trying to use your computer. You can disable automatic updates by visiting your computer’s settings and finding the update options. Here, you can turn off automatic updates or set them to occur when you’re not using your computer.
Get a New Laptop
However, getting a new laptop is always a good option if you’re looking for the best performance and speed. With more recent hardware and advanced technologies, you can enjoy faster boot times, better multitasking, improved battery life, and more. In this article, we’ll cover some essential things to consider when buying a new laptop so that you can make an informed decision and get the best possible device.
Identify your needs
The first of all you need to do is identify your needs. Ask yourself what you’ll be using the laptop for. Do you need a device for basic web browsing, checking emails, and social media? Or do you require a high-performance laptop for intensive video editing, gaming, or programming tasks? Once you know what you’ll be using the computer for, you can narrow your options and choose a device that meets your requirements.
Choose the right processor.
The processor is the laptop’s brain and is crucial in determining its performance. There are two leading CPU manufacturers in the market – Intel and AMD. Both companies offer a range of processors at different price points and performance levels. You can use an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor if you want a budget-friendly laptop. Consider an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor for mid-range laptops. And if you need a high-performance laptop, look for an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor.
Get the right amount of RAM
Random Access Memory or RAM is the temporary memory used by the laptop to store data that’s currently in use. More RAM allows the computer to handle more applications simultaneously without slowing down. 4GB of RAM is sufficient for basic tasks, but you’ll need at least 8GB of RAM for more demanding applications. If you’re a heavy user, go for 16GB of RAM or more.
Choose the right storage type
The type of storage in your laptop also affects its performance. There are two main types of storage – HDD and SSD. HDD, or Hard Disk Drive, is a traditional type of storage that’s been around for decades. It’s slower than SSD but offers more storage capacity. SSD, or Solid State Drive, is a newer type of storage that is faster and more reliable than HDD. It’s more expensive but offers better performance and shorter boot times. If you can afford it, use an SSD as your primary storage and an external HDD to store large files.
Consider the screen size and resolution
The screen size and resolution also play a significant role in determining your laptop’s usability. A larger screen offers more real estate for multitasking and entertainment but adds weight and bulk to the computer. A smaller screen is more portable but can be limiting when it comes to productivity. The screen resolution determines the sharpness and clarity of the image. A higher resolution is better, but it also drains the battery faster. Choose a screen size and resolution that suits your needs.
Look for good battery life.
Battery life is essential when buying a laptop, especially if you’ll be using it on the go. Look for a laptop that offers at least 6-8 hours of battery life on a single charge. Also, consider the battery’s watt-hour (Wh) rating, which indicates the battery’s capacity. A higher Wh rating means longer battery life.
Summary
In summary, there are many ways to make your laptop faster without buying a new one. You can significantly improve your laptop’s speed and performance by following the steps outlined in this article. From freeing up space and optimizing settings to updating drivers and upgrading hardware, there are many things you can do to make your laptop run faster and smoother. So before you rush out to buy a new laptop, try these tips first and see if they make a difference. You may be surprised at how much of a difference a few simple changes can make.
FAQs
How do I free up space on my laptop? To free up space on your computer, you can delete unused programs and files, run disk cleanup, and uninstall any programs you no longer need. You can transfer your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
How often should I update my drivers? It’s a good idea to check for driver updates regularly, at least once a month. However, if your laptop is running fine, there’s no need to update your drivers if there are no updates available.
What are the minimum hardware requirements for a laptop to run smoothly? The minimum hardware requirements for a computer to run smoothly vary depending on the type of usage. However, a laptop should generally have at least 8 GB of RAM, a solid-state drive (SSD), and a decent processor to run smoothly.
How can I pre-check if my laptop is infected with a virus? You can use antivirus software to scan your computer for viruses and malware. Most antivirus programs will also provide real-time protection to prevent future infections.
How can I improve my laptop’s battery life? To enhance your laptop’s battery life, you can adjust power settings to reduce screen brightness, turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use, close unused programs and browser tabs, and use the laptop on a flat surface to prevent overheating.
Read More: SSD vs HDD: Which is Faster?