Laptop Running Slow in Windows 11? Here Is What to Do
Windows 11 is the latest version of the Windows OS that is pre-installed now on all the latest Windows laptops. This version has been receiving great reviews and is very user-friendly for the most part. However, that does not mean it is perfect by any stretch of the imagination. Like its previous versions, it can show some issues creeping up if used for long enough. One such issue is the issue of the laptop running slow in Windows 11.
On this page, we will share with you some of the causes behind this and some basic steps to try and fix it.
Reasons Behind the Laptop Running Slow Issue in Windows 11
The next time you ask yourself why is my laptop running slow, one of these points below can be the reason behind it.
Inadequate RAM
Malware of Virus
Outdated Hardware
Background Processes
Power Settings
Inadequate RAM
If your laptop has less RAM installed than what is normally required to run the kind of applications and OS you are using, then such an issue can occur. The more softwares and programs run on it, the more they eat up your RAM. When the RAM is nearly full, it leads to the laptop running slow.
Malware of Virus
If your Windows 11 laptop has been infected by malware or a virus, it can also be why your laptop is running slower than usual. It is because many such viruses consume the system’s resources a lot and even compromise its security.
Outdated Hardware
This may not be the case for newer devices, but in older laptops, various hardware components like the hard drive or processor can be outdated. They may be unable to handle the demands of some of the new applications or software you use. This can lead to your laptop running slowly after updating to Windows 11.
Background Processes
If your laptop has too many processes running in the background, it can affect its overall speed and performance. These programs may be consuming valuable resources of the laptop without you even knowing about it.
Power Settings
In case you have not configured the power settings of your laptop in the right manner, it may slow down your system by not letting the appropriate amount of power reach the necessary resources.
Fragmented Hard Disk
When your Windows 11 laptop’s hard disk is fragmented, it can lead to the laptop running slow by causing too long a delay in accessing some of the files stored in different vacant blocks of the hard disk.
Device Overheating
If your laptop is overheating, it can significantly slow its processing and hamper its overall performance. Overheating causes the processor to throttle and limit the amount of power it can utilize.
These are just a few reasons your Windows 11 laptop is running slow. In the next section, we will share with you a few ways you can try to fix it.
How to Fix the Laptop Running Slow Issue in Windows 11?
Remove Unnecessary Software/Programs
Many programs can be installed on your computer that you may not use too often. But, these programs can slow down your laptop significantly. That is the reason why we recommend uninstalling these programs. Go to Settings>Apps & Features, and you will see a list of all the installed programs. Select the ones you wish to remove and click on uninstall.
Check Storage Space
To speed up your laptop, check your RAM and hard disk space. If it is almost full, you need to clear it out by deleting files that are not required or transferring them to an external drive. You can also enhance your system’s memory if your laptop’s motherboard supports it.
Disable All Startup Programs
Startup programs are ones that boot start automatically in the background the moment you power on your laptop. They play a big role in your laptop running slow. So, it is suggested that they should be disabled. Here is how to do it:
- Press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to open the Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup Tab.
- Choose the programs you do not want to start automatically and disable them.
Update Drivers
If the drivers installed on your laptop are outdated, they can cause a lag when communicating with external devices like printers and routers. Updating all these drivers to their latest version will ensure the smooth functioning of your laptop. In order to update these drivers, open the Device Manager on your laptop, and from there, you will see the option to update all the drivers.
Scan for Viruses
As mentioned in the previous section, malware and viruses can play a significant role in your laptop running slowly. Hence, if your laptop shows such symptoms, it is best to scan it for malware and viruses. If the scan detects any malicious software or file in the system, remove it using the antivirus software you use.
Upgrade the Hardware
If your laptop continues running slowly after trying most of the above steps, you may need to upgrade the hardware. Changing the hard drive to a solid-state hard disk can be a good idea. If your laptop’s motherboard has slots for additional RAM, you can add more RAM to increase its processing.
Adjust Visual Effects
Many visual effects are present in Windows 11 that can slow down your laptop. You can use the below steps to adjust these visual effects:
- Go to Settings
- Then, choose the System option and then select Display
- Next, select the Advanced Display Settings and click on Display Adapter Properties
- Click on the Advanced Tab and adjust the visual effects to Best Performance
Conclusion
So, after reading the above details, you know why your laptop is running slow and what steps you can take to fix it on your own. If your laptop is still slow after these steps, it is best to call the professionals to help you.