Disk Cleanup Windows
Plan a safe cleanup for files, cache, and storage space.
PlannedWindows performance tool
How to Fix a Slow Laptop (Windows 10/11)
Answer a few simple questions to identify the most likely reason your laptop feels slow. The tool gives practical next steps you can try before replacing the device.
Analyze slow laptop symptoms
Choose the options that best match your laptop. The diagnosis focuses on common Windows 10 and Windows 11 performance problems.
Your slow laptop diagnosis will appear here.
Common causes
Common causes of a slow laptop
Slow Windows laptops are often caused by a mix of old storage, low memory, heavy startup apps, low free disk space, background updates, or heat that forces the processor to slow down.
First steps
Quick fixes to try first
- Restart the laptop. This clears stuck background tasks and pending update states.
- Disable unnecessary startup apps. Open Task Manager and turn off apps you do not need at login.
- Free up storage space. Keep enough free disk space for Windows updates, temporary files, and app caches.
- Check for updates. Install Windows and driver updates when the laptop is plugged in.
Hardware
When to upgrade hardware
If the laptop uses an HDD, upgrading to an SSD is often the biggest speed improvement. If it has 4GB RAM and supports upgrades, moving to 8GB or 16GB can make multitasking much smoother.
FAQ
Why is my Windows 11 laptop so slow?
Common causes include low RAM, an older HDD, too many startup apps, low disk space, pending updates, overheating, or background apps using resources.
Can too many startup apps slow down a laptop?
Yes. Startup apps can use memory, CPU, and disk resources as soon as Windows loads, making the laptop feel slow.
Is 4GB RAM enough for Windows 11?
4GB RAM can run Windows 11, but it often feels limited for everyday multitasking. 8GB or more is usually a better baseline.
When should I upgrade from HDD to SSD?
Upgrade to an SSD if your laptop uses an HDD and feels slow when starting Windows, opening apps, or switching between tasks.