How to Make Laptop Fast? Tips and Tricks

One of the most effective ways to boost your laptop’s performance is by upgrading its hardware components. Three key upgrades can significantly impact your laptop’s speed: RAM, SSD, and Graphics Card.

RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is your laptop’s short-term memory, storing data for quick access by the processor. If your laptop doesn’t have enough RAM, it will struggle to run multiple applications simultaneously, causing slowdowns and crashes. Upgrading your RAM is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to boost your laptop’s performance.

For most users, 8 GB of RAM is sufficient, but if you’re a heavy multitasker or run resource-intensive applications like video editing software or games, upgrading to 16 GB or more is highly recommended.

SSD

Replacing your laptop’s traditional hard disk drive (HDD) with a solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly improve its speed. SSDs have no moving parts, which means faster read and write speeds, quicker boot times, and reduced power consumption.

Most modern laptops come with an SSD, but if your laptop is still using an HDD, upgrading to an SSD is one of the best investments you can make. You can also opt for a hybrid setup, using an SSD for the operating system and frequently used programs while retaining the HDD for additional storage.

Graphics Card

If you use your laptop for gaming, video editing, or other graphics-intensive tasks, upgrading your graphics card can have a significant impact on performance. Dedicated graphics cards are usually more powerful than integrated ones and can handle more demanding tasks with ease. Keep in mind that not all laptops allow for graphics card upgrades, so it’s essential to check your laptop’s compatibility before investing in a new card.

Optimising your laptop’s software is another crucial step in making it faster. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Operating System Updates

Always ensure that your operating system is up-to-date. Updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and security patches that can enhance your laptop’s speed and overall functionality.

Uninstalling Unnecessary Applications

Over time, laptops can accumulate numerous unnecessary applications that consume valuable resources. Uninstall any programs you no longer need or use, freeing up storage space and improving overall performance.

Cleaning Temporary Files

Windows and other applications often create temporary files that can accumulate and slow down your laptop. Use a utility like CCleaner or Disk Cleanup to regularly delete these files and keep your laptop running smoothly.

Optimise Startup Programs

Some applications automatically start when your laptop boots up, consuming valuable system resources and increasing start up times. To optimise your start up programs, open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) in Windows, navigate to the ‘Startup‘ tab, and disable any unnecessary programs from starting automatically.

Adjusting Power Settings

Power settings can also impact your laptop’s performance. In Windows, go to ‘Power & sleep settings‘ and select ‘Additional power settings.’ Choose the ‘High performance‘ power plan to ensure that your laptop’s processor and other components are running at their full potential. Be aware that this may increase power consumption and decrease battery life, so it’s best to use this setting when your laptop is plugged in.

Maintaining your laptop’s security and performing regular maintenance is essential for keeping it fast and efficient.

Antivirus and Anti-Malware

Install a reliable antivirus and anti-malware program to protect your laptop from threats that can slow it down or compromise its performance. Run regular scans to detect and remove any malware, and keep your antivirus software up-to-date to ensure maximum protection.

Regular System Scans

In addition to antivirus scans, perform regular system scans using tools like Windows Defender or third-party utilities to check for and fix any issues with your laptop’s software and hardware.

Keep Drivers Up-to-Date

Drivers are software components that enable your laptop’s hardware to communicate with its operating system. Keeping drivers up-to-date ensures optimal performance and compatibility. You can update drivers manually using Device Manager in Windows or use dedicated driver update software.

Regular Disk Defragmentation and Optimization

Over time, your laptop’s storage can become fragmented, which can slow down its performance. Regularly defragment and optimise your laptop’s storage using built-in tools like Windows’ Disk Defragmenter or third-party utilities like Defraggler.

Here are some additional tips to help you make your laptop faster:

Browser Extensions

Web browsers can be resource hogs, especially when loaded with numerous extensions and add-ons. Review your browser extensions and remove any that are unnecessary or not frequently used.

Visual Effects

Disabling some visual effects can improve your laptop’s performance, particularly on older or lower-spec systems. In Windows, go to ‘System Properties,’ click on the ‘Advanced‘ tab, and select ‘Settings‘ under the ‘Performance‘ section. Choose ‘Adjust for best performance‘ or manually disable specific visual effects to optimise your laptop’s speed.

Cooling Solutions

Overheating can cause your laptop’s performance to suffer. Ensure that your laptop’s cooling system is clean and functioning correctly. Use a laptop cooling pad or an external fan to keep your laptop’s temperature in check.

By following these tips, tricks, and techniques, you can significantly improve your laptop’s speed and performance. Remember that regular maintenance and timely upgrades are essential to keeping your laptop running smoothly and efficiently. Don’t hesitate to invest in hardware upgrades, optimise your software, and maintain your laptop’s security to enjoy a faster, more responsive computing experience.