“Why is my laptop so slow?” It’s a question anyone doing remote work dreads having to figure out. Below, we take a look at some of the most common causes behind a slow laptop. Moreover, we provide a few solutions to help you speed things up and get on with your day!
Read More: Check out our guide for How to Fix a Slow Computer.
Under the umbrella of malware, you have a plethora of potential types of harmful programs designed to abuse your computer. In order to prevent infection, it’s a very good idea to install an anti-malware app.
For Linux or Windows users, an active anti-malware app can scan your laptop whenever you want while it also performs regular checks in the background.
In ages past, Mac users didn't need an anti-malware solution near as much as PC users did. But as the PC platform has become better protected, and Mac laptops have become more popular, virus creators have increasingly turned their attention to Macs as a new frontier for their exploits. As a result, running a good real-time malware protection on your Mac laptop has become a must, just as much as it is on a PC.
Read More: Computer Virus Removal
Every app you have open uses up your laptop’s resources. When apps take up RAM, CPU and GPU power, or disk space (with temporary files), it starts to slow your laptop down. Even apps running in the background start to hog your resources.
Additionally, it’s important to consider how you use your apps. Think about your web browser. How many windows do you have open right now? In each window, how many tabs are open.
Typically, browsers use a sandbox technique to isolate each window or tab from the others.
So, think of each tab as a separate browser app. They start to add up quickly, which can really slow down a laptop.
A great habit to develop is to close out unused apps and browser tabs - even the ones you’re definitely going to read later on. Try bookmarking those instead or even emailing them to yourself.
When you boot up your laptop, it’s a good idea to limit how many apps automatically start. Overloading automatic apps slows down the startup process, resulting in a lackluster performance. Too often, people don’t even consider what items start with their computer.
However, these auto-start apps often also use far more resources than people realize. This slows your laptop to a crawl if you’re not careful.
If your laptop doesn’t have enough free space on its startup drive, it has to work harder to find space for temporary files. Moreover, it has to set aside space for virtual memory, which allows the laptop to squeeze out additional RAM performance. It does so by moving old data from the RAM to a slower disk.
As space grows tighter, your laptop slows down as the operating system tries to manage these storage tasks on its own. To ease the burden, you can ensure that your laptop has enough free disk space.
Generally, a good rule to follow is keeping a minimum of 10-15% of the space free. This helps to prevent a slow laptop weighed down by storage issues. The more free space you have, the better the performance.
If you eliminate some of the visual effects of the operating system, you increase the overall performance of your laptop. This happens because you help ensure your GPU and CPU aren’t weighed down with flashy eye candy. Oftentimes, toning down these effects improves the user interface.
On a Mac, you can manage this through system preferences, such as the Dock and Accessibility features. For Windows users, there are separate system properties settings that impact performance.
One way to improve the overall performance of your laptop is to increase the amount of RAM available. Alternatively, you can use a larger or faster disk or even upgrade your CPU. Often, these upgrades bring significant improvements at a lower cost than a complete replacement. Here are a few things to consider:
• More RAM means more power to allow apps to run smoothly all at once. Also, when apps see more RAM in your computer, they are able to increase their use of RAM for faster speed.
• With a larger, quicker storage drive, apps can start up and work more efficiently.
• A stronger graphics engine helps many intensive apps perform better.
As you start to consider upgrades to your slow laptop, research options for your specific model. Then, shop around to find deals on components. If you need help installing them, HAILaGEEK is a great way to connect with trusted technicians for expert help on your time schedule, and at your convenience.
If the above tips don’t do the trick, there are still options available. When you need the opinion of an expert, call on HAILaGEEK. Our remote experts meet you wherever you are to help speed up your laptop.
HAILaGEEK's experts know what to look for when the common issues aren’t the concern. From improved internet performance to program swaps, trust our technicians to find the right solution for you.
If you have a problem you can't figure out, don’t panic. We covered plenty of troubleshooting topics above.
When you have trouble resolving your issue, check out the HAILaGEEK app. Our mobile support technicians meet you wherever you are to provide tech repair when and where you need it.
We're more than happy to step in on a repair job you started yourself and help it get completed. To have a geek at your door ASAP, sign on at www.hailageek.com, download the app from the Play Store or App Store and sign on, or call (844) 4DA-GEEK !
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Difference
vendor, HAILaGEEKTM engages 3 skilled techs to review disputed jobs and assess the quality of the work