Introduction
Speed Up a Slow Laptop: If your device feels like it’s stuck in slow motion — opening apps late, freezing during video calls, or taking forever to boot — you’re not alone.
But the good news? You don’t need to buy a new device. In this detailed Tecmintly performance guide, you’ll learn 10 proven fixes to make your laptop run like new again — whether you’re on Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma (2025).
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1. Disable Startup Programs
Best For: Faster boot time
Many apps automatically launch when your system starts — slowing down your laptop.
For Windows:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open Task Manager
Go to Startup apps
Right-click unnecessary apps → Disable
For Mac:
Go to System Settings → General → Login Items
Remove unwanted apps
Pro Tip: Keep antivirus or cloud apps enabled, but disable auto-launch for Spotify, Zoom, etc.
2. Clean Up Storage Space
Best For: Overall speed improvement
Low disk space drastically affects performance.
Use built-in tools to remove junk, cache, and temporary files.
Windows:
Open Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup Recommendations
Delete temporary files and unused downloads
macOS:
Apple Menu → About This Mac → Storage → Manage
Use “Optimize Storage” & “Empty Trash Automatically”
Bonus Tool: Try CCleaner or CleanMyMac X for deep cleaning.
3. Update System Software
Best For: Fixing bugs & optimizing performance
Outdated OS versions slow down systems and cause driver issues.
Windows:
Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
Mac:
System Settings → General → Software Update
Pro Tip: Enable auto-updates to stay optimized.
4. Uninstall Unused Apps
Best For: Freeing memory and CPU usage
Unused programs run background processes and occupy disk space.
Windows:
Settings → Apps → Installed Apps → Uninstall unnecessary ones
Mac:
Open Finder → Applications → Drag unused apps to Trash
Use Revo Uninstaller or AppCleaner to remove leftover files.
5. Manage Background Processes
Best For: Reducing CPU and RAM load
Check what’s running in the background and shut down resource-hungry tasks.
Windows:
Task Manager → Processes → End tasks you don’t need
Mac:
Activity Monitor → Select process → Click “X” to stop it
Tip: Disable background updates for apps like OneDrive or Google Drive.
6. Upgrade to SSD (if using HDD)
Best For: Dramatic performance boost
If your laptop still runs on an HDD, upgrading to an SSD (Solid State Drive) is the best performance investment you can make.
Boot time improvement: From 90 seconds → 15 seconds
App launch speed: Up to 3x faster
Bonus Tip: Clone your old drive using Macrium Reflect or Carbon Copy Cloner.
7. Add More RAM
Best For: Heavy multitasking
If your laptop has 4GB or less RAM, it will struggle with modern apps.
Recommended for Windows 11: Minimum 8GB
Recommended for macOS Sonoma: 8–16GB
Tip: Check RAM usage via Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac).
8. Adjust Visual Effects
Best For: Low-end laptops
Windows and macOS use animations and transparency effects that can slow older systems.
Windows:
Search “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows”
Select “Adjust for best performance”
Mac:
System Settings → Accessibility → Display → Reduce Transparency
This can instantly make your system feel smoother.
9. Scan for Malware & Viruses
Best For: Security & speed
Malware can consume CPU, RAM, and internet bandwidth secretly.
Use trusted tools like:
Windows Defender (built-in)
Malwarebytes
Bitdefender Free Edition
Schedule weekly scans for better protection.
10. Reinstall or Reset Your System
Best For: Last-resort fix
If nothing works, a clean reinstall can refresh your OS and remove all performance-draining junk.
Windows:
Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC
Mac:
Use macOS Recovery (Cmd + R) → Reinstall macOS
Always back up your files before performing a reset.
Bonus Tips for Laptop Performance Maintenance
Restart your laptop regularly.
Keep your desktop clutter-free.
Avoid using multiple antivirus programs.
Use a cooling pad if your laptop overheats.
Keep browser tabs under control (use extensions like The Great Suspender).
Quick Summary Table
| Fix | Platform | Speed Impact |
| Disable Startup Apps | Win/Mac | |
| Clean Storage | Win/Mac | |
| Upgrade to SSD | Win/Mac | |
| Add RAM | Win/Mac | |
| Adjust Visual Effects | Win/Mac |
Conclusion
A slow laptop doesn’t always mean it’s outdated — it just needs some smart optimization.
By following these 10 proven fixes, you can speed up your Windows or Mac laptop dramatically, extend its lifespan, and boost your productivity in 2025.
By following these 10 proven tips, you can speed up a slow laptop, boost performance, and enjoy smoother computing on both Windows and Mac in 2025.
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