Restart it properly
Many people only close the lid. A full restart (Start → Power → Restart) clears memory and finishes waiting updates. If your laptop has been on for more than a week, start here.
Turn off start-up programs you don't need
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, choose Startup apps, and disable programs you don't need the moment Windows starts (chat apps, updaters, game launchers). Don't disable your antivirus. See our start-up guide.
Free up disk space
Windows slows down badly when the main drive is nearly full. Aim to keep at least 15–20% free. Our disk space guide shows the safe ways to clear it.
Install Windows updates
Go to Settings → Windows Update and install everything waiting, then restart. Updates fix bugs and security holes that can slow things down.
Check for viruses and adware
Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan. Constant pop-ups or a changed browser home page are classic adware signs. See our virus check guide.
Check the power mode
On battery, Windows may throttle speed. In Settings → System → Power & battery, set Power mode to Balanced or Best performance when plugged in.
Close heavy browser tabs
Dozens of open tabs can use several GB of memory. In Task Manager, the Processes tab shows what is using the most memory and CPU.
Listen for the fan and feel the heat
A loud fan and hot base often mean dust is blocking the vents, so the processor slows itself down. A professional clean usually fixes it.
Consider an SSD or more memory
If your laptop still has an old spinning hard drive, swapping it for an SSD is often the biggest speed-up you can buy — far cheaper than a new laptop. We can tell you if it's worth it for your model.
Do it in one click — freeAiActions PC Helper checks all of this for you in about a minute and explains what it finds in plain English. Free health check any time, plus one free fix session. Nothing changes without your OK.
Questions
Is it worth fixing an old slow laptop?
Often yes. A clean-up, an SSD or a new battery can give an older laptop years more use for much less than a new one.
Will a factory reset make it faster?
It can, but you lose your programs and possibly files. Try the steps above first, and back up before any reset.