The laptop slows down and takes a long time to load: what to do to get the speed back

Has your laptop started to run like a snail, Windows takes 5-10 minutes to boot, and simple tasks like opening a browser turn into a challenge? This is a familiar story for millions of users. The reasons for the brakes can be very different: from a clogged system disk to hardware problems. In this article we will look at all possible reasons slow laptop and give concrete solutions - from basic to advanced.

Don’t rush to take your device to service: in 80% of cases the problem can be solved on your own in 10-30 minutes. We will explain in detail how diagnose malfunction, what tools to use and when it’s really worth contacting specialists. You will also learn what user mistakes most often lead to a “dying” laptop - and how to avoid them.

1. Check CPU and RAM load

The first thing to do is find out what exactly is slowing down your laptop. Most often, two components are to blame: the processor (CPU) or RAM (RAM). If they are loaded at 90-100%, the system will freeze even with minimal tasks.

Open Task Manager key combination Ctrl + Shift + Esc and go to the tab Performance. Here you will see loading graphs for all components. Please note:

• 🔴 CPU utilization is 100% - check the processes on the tab Details. Perhaps a virus or background program is “eating” resources.
• 🟡 RAM is 90%+ loaded - it's time to close unnecessary applications or add more memory.
• 🟢 Disk is 100% loaded - a classic sign of a “dying” HDD or an overloaded SSD.

If you see unknown names in the list of processes (for example, svchost.exe with an abnormal load) is a reason to check the system for viruses. Read about how to do this in the next section.

2. Viruses and malware: how to detect and remove

Malicious programs are one of the most common causes of slowdowns. They can run in the background, mine cryptocurrency on your processor, or simply clutter up the system with unnecessary processes. Signs of infection:

• 🛡️ The laptop slows down even after rebooting
• 🔌 The battery drains quickly (viruses actively use resources)
• 📥 Unknown programs appear in Startup
• 🌐 Advertising in the browser or redirection to strange sites

To check use several antiviruses — one may miss a threat that the other finds. We recommend:

Antivirus	Scan type	Benefits	Disadvantages
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool	Deep Scan	Free, no installation required	Scans for a long time (1-2 hours)
Dr.Web CureIt!	Express and full check	Detects Trojans and mining viruses well	Can remove legitimate programs
Malwarebytes	Spyware check	Lightweight, does not burden the system	Paid version for real protection
Windows Defender	Background protection	Built into Windows, no configuration required	Poor detection of new viruses

If your antivirus finds threats, but after removing the laptop still slows down, try restore the system to the previous point. To do this:

1. Click Win + R, enter rstrui and press Enter.
2. Select a restore point 2-3 days before problems occur.
3. Confirm the recovery and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Attention: Some viruses block system recovery. If the “Next” button is inactive, try running rstrui in safe mode (while loading, hold F8 or Shift + F8).

3. Cleaning the system disk of debris

If on disk C: With less than 10-15% of free space left, Windows starts to slow down. The system uses free space for swap file and cache, and when there is not enough of it, the speed drops significantly. Here's how to free up space:

Delete temporary files via Disk Cleanup

Clear browser cache (Chrome://settings/clearBrowserData)

Delete old restore points

Transfer files from desktop to another drive

Disable hibernation (if not used) -->

For deep cleaning, use the following utilities:

• 🧹 CCleaner — deletes cache, temporary files and cleans the registry.
• 🗑️ BleachBit — more aggressive cleaning (careful with the settings!).
• 🔍 WinDirStat — shows which files take up the most space.

Pay special attention to the folders:

• C:\Windows\Temp - temporary system files
• C:\Users\<Your_name>\AppData\Local\Temp - user temporary files
• C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download - Windows update cache

If after cleaning you still don't have enough free space, consider the following options:

• 🔄 Transfer folders Documents, Downloads And Desk to another disk.
• 💾 Replace the HDD with an SSD (if you still have hard drives).
• ☁️ Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex Disk) for rarely used files.

4. Optimization of startup and background processes

Every time you turn on your laptop, Windows launches dozens of programs—and many of them you don't need. To speed up loading:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Go to the tab Autoload.
3. Sort programs by column Impact on launch.
4. Disable everything except antivirus and critical utilities (for example, drivers for the keyboard or touchpad).

Pay attention to programs with high impact:

• 🎮 Steam, Origin, Epic Games - launch automatically, although they are needed only for games.
• 📱 iTunes, Samsung Smart Switch — often hang in the background unnecessarily.
• ☕ Java, Adobe Acrobat — are updated and check themselves every time you start them.

Also check task scheduler:

1. Click Win + R, enter taskschd.msc.
2. View the tasks in the section Task Scheduler Library.
3. Remove or disable unnecessary ones (for example, automatic updates NVIDIA GeForce Experience).

⚠️ Attention: Don't disconnect tasks from Microsoft with titles Windows Defender, UpdateOrchestrator or SiHClient These are critical system processes.

5. Checking the status of the hard drive and SSD

If your laptop slows down during simple operations (opening folders, copying files), the problem may be disk. HDD over time they “wear out”, and SSD lose speed when filled.

For diagnostics use:

• 💾 CrystalDiskInfo - shows health status disk (parameter Health Status).
• 📊 HD Tune — tests read/write speed.
• 🔧 Built-in Windows utility: wmic diskdrive get status (type in Command line).

Signs of a “dying” disk:

• 🔊 Extraneous sounds (grinding, clicking) - for HDD.
• 🐢 Read speed below 50 MB/s (for HDD) or 200 MB/s (for SSD).
• 🚨 Condition Bad or Caution in CrystalDiskInfo.
• 🔄 Frequent freezes when working with files.

If the disk is truly bad:

• 💽 Urgently copy all important data to another medium.
• 🔧 For HDD - try it defragmentation (enter dfrgui in Windows search).
• 🛠️ For SSD - check the setting TRIM (enter at the command line fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify. If the result 0 — TRIM is enabled).
• 🆕 If the disk “died”, replace it. Best choice for laptops SSD NVMe (For example, Samsung 980 Pro or WD Black SN850X).

What to do if the disk shows errors, but the data needs to be saved?

If CrystalDiskInfo shows errors (eg Reallocated Sectors Count or Pending Sectors), but the disk is still working:

1. Connect it to another PC via USB adapter (For example, ORICO 2599).

2. Use DMDE or R-Studio to copy data (they work even with damaged disks).

3. Do not write anything to the problem disk - this may worsen the damage.

4. If the disk is not detected, try cooling it (sometimes it helps when the controller overheats).

6. Update drivers and system

Outdated drivers are a common cause of slowdowns, especially after updating Windows. For example, if the video card driver is not compatible with the new version of the system, the laptop may freeze when watching videos or playing games.

How to update drivers:

1. Click Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Check sections with exclamation marks (usually Video adapters, Network adapters, Sound devices).
3. Right click on the device → Update driver → Automatic search.

For automatic updates, use the following programs:

• 🔄 Driver Booster - simple interface, large driver database.
• 🖥️ Snappy Driver Installer — works without the Internet (downloads drivers in advance).
• 🎮 NVIDIA GeForce Experience/AMD Adrenalin — to update video card drivers.

Also check Windows updates:

1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
2. Click Checking for updates.
3. If there are optional updates (for example, for .NET Framework) - install them.

⚠️ Attention: If after updating the drivers the laptop began to slow down even more - roll back the driver. For this purpose in Device Manager click on the device → Properties → Driver → Roll Back.

7. Overheating: how to check and fix

Laptops often slow down due to overheating. When the processor temperature exceeds 90°C, it triggers throttling - artificial reduction in performance to protect against damage. Signs of overheating:

• 🔥 The laptop body is hot (especially in the area of the ventilation grilles).
• 💨 The cooler operates at maximum speed all the time.
• ⚡ The laptop suddenly turns off or reboots.
• 🐢 Productivity drops after 10-15 minutes of work.

Check the temperature with:

• 🌡️ HWMonitor — shows the temperature of all components.
• 📈 Core Temp — specializes in processor.
• 🎮 MSI Afterburner — convenient for gaming laptops.

Normal temperatures under load:

Component	Normal (under load)	Critical temperature
Processor (CPU)	70-85°C	95°C+ (throttling begins)
Video card (GPU)	75-85°C	100°C+ (risk of damage)
Hard drive (HDD/SSD)	up to 50°C	60°C+ (accelerated wear)

How to lower your temperature:

• 🧹 Dust removal - use a compressed air cylinder (for example, Kontakt Chemistry) and a soft brush.
• 🔧 Replacing thermal paste - if the laptop is more than 3 years old, the paste may have dried out. Best options: Arctic MX-6, Noctua NT-H2.
• 🖥️ Using a Cooling Pad (For example, Cooler Master NotePal X3).
• ⚙️ Fan settings via BIOS or programs like SpeedFan.

8. When is it time to take your laptop to a service center?

If you have tried all the methods, but the laptop still slows down, the problem may be hardware. Contact a specialist if:

• 💥Laptop turns off for no reason (possibly a problem with the power supply or motherboard).
• 🔌 Doesn't work one of the USB ports or power connector.
• 🖥️ Appear on the screen artifacts (stripes, flickering) - this is a sign of problems with the video card.
• 🔊Audible extraneous sounds from the case (grinding, squeaking) - the cooler or hard drive may have failed.
• 🔋 Battery doesn't hold a charge (discharges in 10-20 minutes) - the battery needs to be replaced.

Average repair prices (for laptops Lenovo, HP, Asus, Acer):

Problem	Repair cost (₽)	Deadlines
Replacing thermal paste	1 500 — 3 000	1 day
Cleaning dust + replacing paste	2 500 — 4 500	1-2 days
Replacing HDD with SSD (with data transfer)	4 000 — 8 000	1 day
Video card repair/replacement	5 000 — 15 000	3-7 days
Replacing the motherboard	10 000 — 30 000	5-10 days

Before visiting the service:

1. Do backup of important data (even if the disk “dies”, specialists can try to restore them).
2. Write it down laptop model (located on the sticker below or in System Properties).
3. If the laptop is under warranty - don't open it, otherwise the warranty will expire.

If your laptop is over 5 years old and repairs will cost more than 50% of its value, it makes sense to consider buying a new device. Modern models (for example, Lenovo IdeaPad 5 or HP Pavilion 15) offer 2-3 times more performance at the same price.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about laptop brakes

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

Most likely to blame video card or overheating. Check:

1. GPU temperature (should be no higher than 85°C under load).
2. Video card drivers (update via GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin).
3. In-game graphics settings (lower resolution or disable resource-intensive effects).

If the laptop is older than 3 years, it may be The thermal paste has dried out on the GPU.

❓ After updating Windows, the laptop began to slow down. What to do?

Updates sometimes conflict with drivers. Try:

1. Roll back update: Settings → Update and security → Update history → Uninstall updates.
2. Update drivers manually (especially for the video card and chipset).
3. Reset Windows to factory settings (if the brakes are critical).

If the problem appeared after a major update (for example, Windows 11 23H2), wait 1-2 weeks - Microsoft usually releases fixes.

❓ The laptop slows down on the battery, but works fine from the network. Why?

This is normal behavior for most laptops. In Windows battery mode automatically:

• Reduces processor frequency (technology Intel SpeedStep or AMD Cool'n'Quiet).
• Limits the performance of the video card.
• Reduces screen brightness.

To disable restrictions:

1. Go to Control Panel → Power Options.
2. Select a scheme High performance.
3. Click Set up power plan → Change advanced settings.
4. Install Minimum processor state 100%

⚠️ This will reduce battery life!

❓ How to speed up Windows boot if it takes 5+ minutes?

Long loading times are usually associated with:

1. HDD instead of SSD — replacing the disk will speed up loading by 3-5 times.
2. Too many programs in startup — disable unnecessary ones (see section 4).
3. Fragmented disk - perform defragmentation (dfrgui).
4. Damaged system files - run sfc /scannow on the command line as administrator.

Also check BIOS performance:

1. When loading, click F2, Del or Esc (depending on the model).
2. Find the option Fast Boot and turn it on.
3. Disable verification Legacy USB And Network Boot.

❓ Is it possible to use programs to “overclock” a laptop?

Programs like ThrottleStop or Intel XTU allow you to increase productivity, but have risks:

• 🔥 Overheating - if the cooling system fails.
• ⚡ Reduced service life processor (due to increased voltage).
• 💥 Unstable work (crashes, blue screens).

If you still want to try:

1. Install ThrottleStop and enable the option Speed Shift (for processors Intel 6th generation and newer).
2. Do not increase the voltage (Core Voltage) more than +50 mV.
3. Monitor temperatures - if the CPU gets hotter than 90°C, reset the settings.

For laptops with AMD Ryzen will do Ryzen Master, but overclocking on laptops is highly not recommended.