1. UNINSTALL UNNECESSARY PROGRAMS
Go through your installed programs and remove any software you no longer use. These applications take up storage and may run background processes that slow down your laptop.
How to do it:
On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select the unwanted program, and click Uninstall.
On Mac, open Finder, go to the Applications folder, and drag unwanted apps to the Trash.
2. DISABLE STARTUP PROGRAMS
Many programs automatically start when you turn on your laptop, slowing down the boot time and overall performance. Disable non-essential startup programs to improve speed.
How to do it:
On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, and disable unnecessary programs.
On Mac, go to System Preferences > Users & Groups, select your user account, and click Login Items to remove unnecessary apps.
3. CLEAR DISK SPACE
Over time, your laptop accumulates junk files, temporary files, and downloads. Cleaning up disk space can help improve performance.
How to do it:
On Windows, use Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files: search for it in the start menu, select the drive to clean, and check the boxes for temporary and system files.
On Mac, use Finder to go to your Downloads and delete old files. Empty the Trash regularly to free up space.
4. UPDATE YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM AND DRIVERS
Ensure your operating system and drivers are up to date. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can speed up your laptop.
How to do it:
On Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security and click Check for updates.
On Mac, go to System Preferences > Software Update and install any available updates.
5. Add More RAM or Switch to an SSD
If your laptop is still slow after optimizing software, consider upgrading your hardware. Adding more RAM (memory) allows your laptop to handle more tasks simultaneously, while upgrading to an SSD (solid-state drive) significantly boosts speed.
How to do it:
Consult your laptop’s manual or visit a professional technician to upgrade the RAM or replace your traditional hard drive with an SSD.
These steps will help breathe new life into your laptop and improve its overall performance.