Published on 03:30 PM, February 05, 2023

Tech Tips

How to boost your laptop speed

There are a few key ways you can boost the speed of your laptop and get it running smoothly again. Illustration: Zarif Faiaz

As laptops have become an integral part of our daily lives, it's natural to want to make sure they're running at their best. One of the most frustrating things that can happen is when your laptop becomes slow and sluggish, taking forever to load or run programs.

There are a few key ways you can boost the speed of your laptop and get it running smoothly again. Here are some tips to try:

Close unnecessary programs and processes

One of the biggest reasons laptops slow down is because they have too many programs and processes running at once. To free up some space, close any programs that you're not currently using. You can also use the Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Delete) to see which programs and processes are taking up the most resources and close them.

Delete temporary files

Temporary files are created when you use your laptop and can take up a lot of space on your hard drive. To delete these files, go to the Start menu and type "disk cleanup" into the search bar. This will open a program that will allow you to delete temporary files, including Internet cache and temporary files created by programs.

Defragment your hard drive

When you save and delete files, they can become fragmented and scattered throughout your hard drive. This can cause your laptop to take longer to access these files, which can slow it down. To fix this, you can defragment your hard drive. To do this, go to the Start menu and type "defragment" into the search bar. This will open a program that will allow you to defragment your hard drive and arrange the files in a more organised way.

Remove unnecessary software

If you have a lot of software that you don't use, consider uninstalling it. This will free up space on your hard drive and make your laptop run faster. To uninstall software, go to the Start menu and type "add or remove programs" into the search bar. This will open a program that will allow you to see a list of all the software installed on your laptop and allow you to uninstall anything you don't need.

Update your software

Make sure you're using the latest versions of your software and operating system. Software companies frequently release updates that fix bugs and improve performance. To update your software, go to the Start menu and type "update" into the search bar. This will open a program that will allow you to check for updates and install them.

Use a lightweight antivirus 

Antivirus software can help protect your laptop from viruses and other malware, but it can also slow it down. If you're using an antivirus program that is causing your laptop to run slow, consider switching to a lighter version.

Clean your laptop

Dust and dirt can accumulate on your laptop and cause it to run slower. To clean it, turn off your laptop and unplug it. Then, use a soft cloth to gently wipe down the exterior and the vents. This will help remove any dust and dirt that may be causing your laptop to overheat and slow down.

Add more RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is used by your laptop to store data that is being used or accessed frequently. If you don't have enough RAM, your laptop may struggle to keep up with your demands, causing it to run slowly. You can add more RAM to your laptop by purchasing and installing additional sticks.

Upgrade your hard drive 

If you're using an old hard drive, it may be time to upgrade to a newer, faster one. Doing so can dramatically boost your laptop speed. To upgrade your hard drive, check out any of the local shops. The best place to look is always the computer market at IDB Bhaban.