Getting a Laggy Laptop Sorted on Windows 11
So, your decent old laptop suddenly turns into a slowpoke outta nowhere. Proper annoying, huh? But don’t stress too much—most fixes are pretty straightforward, and you don’t need to be a tech whiz to sort it out. Whether it’s random lag or a constant crawl, a bit of tinkering can usually get your machine back up to speed. Here’s a real-world Aussie guide on what to do when Windows 11 starts feeling lazy.
Close Unnecessary Programs
Kick things off by checking what’s running in the background. It’s fair dinkum how many apps can sneak in and gobble up your CPU. Just press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, and shut down the apps you don’t need hogging resources. It’s like giving your laptop a quick breather. Sometimes, you’ll free up heaps of juice without even realising. But be careful—if you don’t close the right apps, your laptop can keep dragging its heels, especially when launching something heavy before you even ask.
Disable Startup Programs
Next, have a gander at what loads up every time you boot the laptop. Still in Task Manager, head over to the Startup tab. Turns out, heaps of unnecessary programs sneak in here. Disabling them can really give your system a boost—kind of like waking up fresh. It tends to run a lot smoother. If you’re after an easier way, just go to Settings > Apps > Startup to turn stuff off without mucking about with Task Manager.
Quick tip: right-click on apps in Task Manager and choose Disable for anything you’re sure you don’t need starting up. Less clutter equals better speed.
Update Windows and Drivers
Out-of-date software can be a sneaky slowpoke. Just because Windows says it’s all good doesn’t mean it actually is—those updates are vital for performance and stability. Check for updates via Settings > Windows Update. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to update your drivers; they can make a real difference. Head to Device Manager (just right-click the Start button) and find your hardware like the display or graphics card. Right-click and hit Update driver. If there’s nothing available, a quick visit to the manufacturer’s site might reveal the latest drivers you need.
Scan for Malware
Nothing ruines performance like sneaky malware. It’s a good idea to run a full scan with Windows Defender now and then. Open Windows Security, select Quick scan, or go for a deeper Full scan under Scan options. If you want extra peace of mind, tools like Malwarebytes are a good shout too.
Adjust Power Settings
Sometimes it’s not the apps, but how Windows 11 is set up to run. By default, it might prefer to save power rather than give you a kick in the pants. Especially when running on battery, this can slow things down. To give it a nudge, go to Settings > System > Power & Battery > Power Mode and select Best performance when plugged in. Feeling a bit more tech-savvy? You can run a command like powercfg -s SCHEME_MIN in Command Prompt for high performance. Just be aware—it’ll drain your battery quicker. So, find a balance if you don’t want to keep hunting for power points.
Extra tip: for a quick switch, press Win + X and select Power Options.
Try these tips out—most folks notice a good speed boost. If it’s still slow as a wet week, it might be time for a hardware upgrade. Sometimes, no amount of software fixes beats tired old parts—especially if your RAM’s maxed out or you’re running low on storage.
Quick Tips for Keeping Your Laptop Running Smoothly
Keeping that machine in good nick isn’t just about fixing issues as they pop up. Regular habits can save heaps of headaches down the line. Cleaning up that desktop helps too—less clutter equals less strain on resources. Clearing browser caches and history regularly can boost loading times. For Chrome or Edge, just head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear browsing data. Easy as!
The built-in Windows disk cleanup tool is handy for tidying up junk files. Type cleanmgr.exe into the Run box and follow the prompts. Automating this process with Task Scheduler is another handy tip. And if your laptop’s still feeling sluggish, a hardware upgrade—like more RAM or switching to an SSD—can work wonders. To check your RAM, go to Settings > System > About or run msinfo32 from the Run dialog.
FAQs about Fixing a Slow Laptop on Windows 11
Why is my laptop suddenly so slow?
Could be a few things—big Windows updates, sneaky malware, or just a handful of apps gobbling up resources. Even having heaps of browser tabs open can slow things right down. Check Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see what’s idling in the background and draining your CPU or RAM.
How do I open Task Manager in Windows 11?
Just press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, or right-click the Start button and pick Task Manager. It’s a handy way to see what’s running and shut down the rubbish apps you don’t need.
Is it safe to disable startup programs?
Most of the time, yep. Just be careful and only turn off the ones you recognise and know you don’t need booting up. Things like Spotify or Adobe can usually wait until you’re ready to use them. Avoid disabling anything vital for Windows or security though—unnecessary risks aren’t worth it.
How often should I run a virus scan?
Once a week is a good go-to, especially if you’re downloading stuff from dodgy sites. Setting up regular scans with Windows Security is a top habit—like brushing your teeth.
Can hardware upgrades really help?
Definitely! More RAM clears the multitasking headache, and swapping to an SSD is a game changer for quick load times. Think of it like giving your car a service—replacing the old parts makes everything run smoother.
Most people see a fair dinkum boost after trying these tips. But if it’s still sluggish, a hardware upgrade or a chat with a pro might be the way to go. Just like looking after the ute, a bit of maintenance keeps things running smoothly—takes a bit of effort but pays off in the long run.