A laptop you own might start to underperform all of a sudden and leave you with a device that takes longer to load applications, starts to make loud noises, overheat, or even crash randomly.
Thankfully, you have a few ways to improve its performance. This article will provide you with methods that should solve issues with your laptop. Let’s see what these methods are.
Check for Viruses Thoroughly
In their article about spring cleaning tips, https://setapp.com/ talks about how important it is to regularly check your computer for malware and other cybersecurity threats. Overall, if you have reliable antivirus software that scans the system constantly, it should catch and eliminate corrupted files before they do any harm to the system.
Having said that, it is possible that an anti-malware tool missed some viruses and they infected the system. Just to be safe, run a custom disk scan on antivirus software and check all the laptop files. If the scan is clean, you are good. And if there are any signs of malware, do not hesitate and get rid of them from the computer.
Consider What Files You Can Remove
Speaking of getting rid of files on a computer, you should also have a proper storage management strategy for your laptop’s files.
For one, it is recommended to get a cleanup utility tool that can take care of temporary system junk, including extensions, caches, and redundant backups. Using such a tool also lets you delete localization files automatically rather than manually.
Next, you could consider how many and which files to transfer to external storage. It would be a waste not to take advantage of cloud services, especially when they offer a few gigabytes of storage for free. If you want, you can also buy an external HDD or a flash stick, particularly if there are many problems with the laptop’s storage.
The last bit of advice to consider is this—if you find yourself storing media files on the computer, consider switching to streaming platforms. Spotify is great for music, while Netflix, Disney+, and others offer plenty of TV shows and movies.
Clear Up Startup Item List
Your laptop will take longer to load if it is cluttered with too many startup items. Applications that launch after a computer loads should not be in the startup item list if you have no use for them right after booting the computer.
It is more efficient to open applications when you actually need to use them. Many people forget about startup items and have them running in the background, which puts a toll on the laptop’s resources.
In addition to trimming up the startup item list, you should also keep an eye on background processes. Like already mentioned, redundant software consumes memory, CPU, and other resources, causing problems to the device’s performance.
Declutter the Desktop
For some, keeping documents, shortcuts, and other files on a laptop’s desktop helps with efficiency. Accessing files without navigating through different folders and directories or using the search bar can save time.
However, a cluttered desktop with too many icons on it is a hindrance to the computer’s performance. Switching tabs and returning to the desktop requires the system to render each desktop icon, and the process can take a while to complete.
It may be a bit unusual not to keep files on a computer’s desktop, but you should get in the habit of having a clutter-free desktop to improve the laptop’s performance.
Run the Latest OS Version
As a rule of thumb, it is necessary to keep the system updated. And it is not just the OS. You are more likely to notice better performance by running the latest version of the software you use as well.
Sure, one could argue that updates take a while to download and install, particularly if it is a major version switch. On the other hand, the fact that you are missing these updates could be one of the primary reasons why the laptop has been so slow recently.
Get a Cooling Pad
If overheating and loud fan noises are something you notice in addition to other performance issues, you should look for a way to provide the laptop with some cool air.
A cooling pad is a neat accessory that should not cost too much and should be the go-to option to counter the overheating problem.
At the same time, you want to clear the dust inside. The filth that accumulates after a while will also cause problems to the internal hardware, including the fans.
Tinker With Internet Browser
In case the most problems with the laptop’s performance show themselves while you are surfing the net, keep in mind that the fault could lie in the internet browser rather than the computer.
Clear cache, remove redundant extensions, check if the browser is updated, and limit the number of active tabs while using the app and you should see improvements to it.
And if your efforts bring no results, you still have the option to switch to a different internet browser and use an alternative instead of what you have been sticking to until now.
Invest in Hardware Upgrades
Unfortunately, laptops are not as flexible as desktop computers when it comes to hardware upgrades. In fact, some laptop models have integrated hardware, and you cannot modify it.
On the other hand, if your model allows for some hardware upgrades, and you have money to invest, then why not put that money to good use and purchase extra RAM? Or maybe an external GPU would make a significant difference?
Replacing hard drives with solid-state drives is worth a shout as well because the former are behind in terms of performance.
Even if you have no plans to play video games on your new and improved laptop, hardware upgrades are still worth your while because they will improve the overall speed and let you enjoy the device more.
