The laptop is slow: what should I do to get it back up to speed?

Has your laptop become slower than a snail in a marathon? Applications take forever to open, videos lag, and the cursor freezes in place as if thinking about the meaning of life? The problem is familiar to millions of users - and it is not always associated with “aging” equipment. Most often the brakes cause software conflicts, overheating or inefficient use of resources, which can be fixed without purchasing a new device.

In this article we will look at all possible reasons - from a clogged cache to hardware faults - and we’ll give specific instructions for Windows 10/11, macOS and Linux, which will help restore the laptop to its former agility. Don’t rush to take it to service: in 80% of cases the problem can be solved on your own in 10–30 minutes. Let's start with diagnostics - it will tell you where exactly to look for the bottleneck.

1. Diagnostics: why is the laptop slow?

Before treatment, a diagnosis must be made. Brakes may be caused by for a dozen different reasons, and their symptoms are often similar. Here's how to quickly identify the culprit:

• 🔍 Launch Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc on Windows). Sort processes by load on CPU, memory or disk. If some process constantly “eats” 90–100% of resources, this is your main enemy.
• 🌡️ Check the temperature. Install HWMonitor (Windows) or iStat Menus (macOS). The norm for a processor under load is up to 85°C. If higher, clean the cooling system immediately.
• 💾 Disk analysis. On Windows, open Start → Administrative Tools → Resource Monitor (or enter resmon in search). Tab Disk will show which programs are actively writing/reading data.
• 🕵️ Performance test. Programs like UserBenchmark or Geekbench will compare your performance with the benchmark for your laptop model.

Found that disk is 100% loaded even when you are doing nothing? This is a classic symptom dying HDD or conflict with drivers. And if the processor heats up to 95°C while watching YouTube, it’s time to change the thermal paste or clean the fans.

⚠️ Attention: If your laptop starts to slow down only when running on battery, check your power settings. On Windows, go to Control Panel → Power Options and select a scheme "High performance". On macOS, turn off power saving mode in System Settings → Battery.

2. System cleaning: remove junk and malware

Over time, the laptop becomes clogged with unnecessary files, like an attic with old things. Let's figure out what can be safely removed and what should not be touched.

2.1. Cleaning the disk from temporary files

On Windows:

• 🧹 Launch Disk Cleanup (enter cleanmgr in search). Select drive C: and tick all the boxes, especially "Temporary files" And "Basket".
• 🗑️ Delete the contents of the folders:

  C:\Windows\Temp
  C:\Users\<Ваше_имя>\AppData\Local\Temp

  (to see the folder AppData, enable display of hidden files in Explorer → View).

On macOS:

• 🍎 Open File manager, press Command+Shift+G and enter:

  ~/Library/Caches

  Delete the entire contents of the folder (not the folder itself!).

2.2. Search and remove viruses

Malware can not only slow down the system, but also steal your data. Use:

• 🛡️ Malwarebytes (free version) - scans the registry and startup.
• 🔍 AdwCleaner — removes adware and unnecessary browser extensions.
• 🦠 Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool — for deep scanning (does not conflict with other antiviruses).

There are fewer viruses on macOS, but they do exist. Check the system Avast Security or Bitdefender Virus Scanner (both are free). Pay special attention to extensions in Safari - they often cause brakes.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete files with the extension .dll or .sys manually - this can break the system. For deep cleaning use CCleaner (just disable the registry cleaning function - it often breaks Windows!).

3. Optimization of startup and background processes

Every time you turn on your laptop, dozens of programs are launched that you don't even use. They eat up memory and processor, slowing down work. Here's how to fix it:

On Windows 10/11:

1. Open Task Manager → Startup.
2. Disable everything except antivirus and critical programs (such as keyboard drivers Logitech or Razer).
3. Pay attention to programs marked "High load impact" — they need to be disabled first.

On macOS:

• 🚀 Go to System Preferences → Users and Groups → Login Items.
• Remove unnecessary programs from the list (especially Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft OneDrive and other “heavy” services).

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

sudo systemctl list-unit-files --state=enabled

This command will show all services that are started at startup. Disable unnecessary ones:

sudo systemctl disable имя_службы.service

Program	Is it possible to turn it off?	Consequences
NVIDIA GeForce Experience	Yes	There will be no automatic update of video card drivers
Microsoft OneDrive	Yes	Files will not sync automatically
Realtek Audio Manager	No	Sound or microphone functions may be lost
Adobe GCC Client	Yes	There will be no background updates for Adobe products
Steam Client Bootstrapper	Yes	Steam will take 5-10 seconds longer to launch

4. Update drivers and system

Outdated drivers are one of the main reasons for slowdowns, especially on laptops with discrete graphics (For example, NVIDIA or AMD Radeon). Manufacturers regularly release updates that fix bugs and improve performance.

How to update drivers on Windows:

• 🖥️ Automatically: Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → View additional updates. Optional driver updates often appear here.
• 🔧 Manually:
  1. Click Win+X → Device Manager.
  2. Look for a device with a yellow exclamation mark (this indicates a problem).
  3. Right click → "Update driver" → "Automatic search".

🌐 From the manufacturer's website: For video cards NVIDIA download the driver from official website, for Intel — with Intel Driver & Support Assistant.

On macOS, drivers are updated along with the system. To check relevance:

1. Open System settings → Software update.
2. If an update is available, install it (especially if you have MacBook Pro/Air on M1/M2 chip — Apple often optimizes the performance of new processors).

For Linux, use your distribution's package manager. For example, in Ubuntu:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall

What should I do if, after updating the drivers, my laptop starts to slow down even more?

Driver rollback: in Device Manager, right-click on the device → "Properties" → "Driver" → "Roll Back". If the option is inactive, remove the driver completely and reboot: Windows will install the basic version automatically.

5. Hardware solutions: when software optimization does not help

If all of the above methods fail, the problem may lie in "hardware". Here's what to check first:

• 💽 Hard disk (HDD): If you have HDD, not SSD - This is the main reason for the brakes. Replacing with an SSD will speed up your laptop 3–5 times. Suitable models: Samsung 870 EVO, Crucial MX500, WD Blue SN570 (for laptops with a connector M.2 NVMe).
• 🧹 Dust content: Disassemble the laptop (or take it to a service center) and clean the fans and radiators from dust. Use a can of compressed air (WD-40 Specialist) and a soft brush. Especially relevant for models ASUS ROG, MSI And Lenovo Legion — their cooling systems quickly become clogged.
• 🔋 Battery: If the laptop slows down only on the battery, check its health. On Windows, run Command Prompt as Administrator and type:

  powercfg /batteryreport

  Open the generated file battery-report.html and find the line "Design Capacity" vs "Full Charge Capacity". If the difference is more than 30%, it’s time to change the battery.

• 🔌 RAM: For modern tasks (browser with 20 tabs, Photoshop, games) minimum required 16 GB RAM. Check how many memory slots your laptop has (program CPU-Z, tab SPD). If one slot is empty, buy an additional bracket (for example, Corsair Vengeance or Kingston Fury).

For laptops Apple (MacBook Pro/Air) the upgrade is more complicated - the memory and SSD are soldered to the motherboard. The only solution is to sell the old one and buy a new one with the required characteristics. Exception: models before 2015 (for example, MacBook Pro Retina Mid 2012) - they can also be replaced with an SSD.

⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the laptop becomes switch off when under load (for example, in games or when rendering videos) is a sign CPU overheating due to dried thermal paste. It needs to be replaced (for example, by Arctic MX-6 or Noctua NT-H2). In the service, this service costs 1,500–3,000 rubles.

6. Radical methods: system reinstallation and alternative OS

If the laptop slows down even after all the manipulations, radical measures remain. They take time, but often give best result.

6.1. Reinstalling Windows/macOS

Over time, the system becomes littered at the level of the registry and configuration files. A clean installation solves 90% of software problems.

For Windows:

1. Download Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website and create a bootable USB flash drive (minimum 8 GB).
2. Save important files to an external drive or to the cloud.
3. Boot from the flash drive, select "Custom installation" and format the disk C:.
4. After installation, immediately update the drivers (see section 4).

For macOS:

1. Restart your Mac while holding Command+Rto enter Recovery Mode.
2. Select "Reinstall macOS" (the data will not be deleted, but it is better to make a backup copy).
3. After installation, update the system via System settings → Software update.

6.2. Installing a light OS (Linux or Windows 10 LTSC)

If your laptop is older than 5-7 years (for example, Lenovo ThinkPad T440 or HP EliteBook 840 G3), even clean Windows 11 can be slow. Solutions:

• 🐧 Linux (Ubuntu MATE, Xubuntu, Linux Mint): These distributions consume 2–3 times less resources than Windows. Suitable for office tasks, programming and watching videos.
• 🪟 Windows 10 LTSC: A lightweight version of Windows without unnecessary services and updates. Suitable for weak PCs (can be downloaded from sites like itechtics.com).
• 🍎 macOS (for older Macs): On models 2012–2015 you can install macOS Monterey or Ventura using a patch OpenCore Legacy Patcher.

To test before installing Linux, use Live USB (bootable USB flash drive without installation to disk). This way you will understand whether the interface and drivers are suitable for you.

7. Prevention: how to prevent brakes in the future

To prevent your laptop from turning into a brick in six months, follow these rules:

• 📅 Regular cleaning: Run once every 3 months Disk Cleanup and check startup. Once a year, clean your laptop from dust.
• 🔄 Updates: Install Windows/macOS and driver updates immediately after release (especially for video cards).
• 🛡️ Antivirus: Use a light antivirus (Bitdefender, Kaspersky Security Cloud) and scan your system regularly.
• 💾 Backups: Once a month, save important files to an external drive or to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Disk). This will save data in case of system failure.
• 🔋 Battery: Don't keep your laptop on charge all the time. Once a week, discharge the battery to 20% and charge it to 80% - this will extend its life.

For gamers and designers:

• 🎮 Game optimization: In graphics settings, lower "Shadows", "Particle Effects" And "Texture resolution". Use DLSS (on video cards NVIDIA RTX) or FSR (on AMD) to increase FPS.
• 🖌️ For Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator: In the program settings (Edit → Preferences → Performance) reduce the amount "History States" (action history) to 20–30 and turn off "Graphics Processor", if brakes occur when working with brushes.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about laptop brakes

❓ The laptop slows down only in games. What's the problem?

Most likely the video card is to blame. Check:

1. GPU temperature (should be up to 85°C under load).
2. Drivers (update via GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin).
3. Game graphics settings (reduce resolution to 1600×900 and turn off anti-aliasing).

If FPS drops after 10–15 minutes of play, this is throttling (overheat protection). You need to clean your laptop and change the thermal paste.

❓ Is it possible to speed up a laptop with 4 GB of RAM?

4 GB in 2026 is critically low. Options:

• Buy an additional memory stick (if there is a free slot).
• Install Linux Xubuntu or Windows 10 LTSC - they consume less resources.
• Use a browser Firefox with extension uBlock Origin (it's lighter Chrome).
• Disable all background programs (see section 3).

But keep in mind: even after optimization, the laptop will slow down when opening 5+ tabs in the browser or launching modern programs.

❓ Why does my laptop slow down after updating Windows?

A common problem after major updates (for example, moving from Windows 10 to 11). Reasons:

• Incompatible drivers (update them manually).
• Background search indexing (disable it in Services → Windows Search).
• Conflict with antivirus (temporarily disable it and check performance).

If the brakes appeared immediately after the update, roll back: Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Revert to previous version.

❓ How to check if your hard drive is dying?

Use diagnostic programs:

• CrystalDiskInfo (Windows) - will show the disk status ("Okay", "Alarm" or "Bad").
• SMART Utility (macOS) - analyzes the SMART parameters of the disk.
• GSmartControl (Linux) - a universal utility for checking HDD/SSD.

If the program shows reallocated sectors or reading errors — urgently copy the data and get ready to replace the disk.

❓ The laptop is slow on macOS after the update. What to do?

In the latest versions of macOS (Ventura, Sonoma), brakes are often associated with:

• Incompatibility with older Macs (such as MacBook Pro 2015 may not pull Sonoma). Solution: roll back to Monterey.
• Background processes Spotlight (indexing). Disable it for an hour: sudo mdutil -a -i off (turn back on: sudo mdutil -a -i on).
• Transparency effects. Disable them in System Preferences → Accessibility → Display → Reduce Transparency.