A slow Windows laptop often needs smarter settings, not new hardware. With a few targeted tweaks, I can usually reclaim enough speed for everyday work, streaming and light gaming in minutes. Here are three focused Windows changes that deliver quick, noticeable performance gains without installing extra software.
Disable unnecessary startup apps
Disabling unnecessary startup apps is one of the fastest ways to cut boot times and free memory. Official performance tips highlight trimming background programs so Windows loads fewer services at sign in. In practice, that means stopping tools like Spotify, Teams or Adobe Creative Cloud from launching every time, which can dramatically reduce disk and CPU spikes on older SSDs and hard drives.
Creators such as Trooper Cover Tutorials host Larry walk through using Task Manager’s Startup tab to toggle apps to “Disabled,” while a popular WindowsHelp thread describes the “startup app circus” that makes booting feel chaotic. I focus on disabling anything I do not need immediately, such as game launchers or cloud drives, while leaving security tools active so performance improves without sacrificing protection.
Switch your power mode to performance
Switching the power profile from balanced to performance can instantly make a sluggish laptop feel more responsive. Microsoft’s Change the settings explain how a Windows PC can “Choose the” power mode that fits what you want to do, letting Windows prioritize either battery life or speed. On many Windows 11 systems, moving the slider to “Best performance” raises CPU limits and keeps the processor at higher clock speeds for longer.
Walkthroughs such as this Windows tutorial show how to open Settings, then System, then Power to adjust the mode in a few clicks. I typically recommend using a performance profile when plugged in, especially for video editing, large Excel models or gaming, then dropping back to balanced on battery. The trade off is higher fan noise and power draw, but for many users the extra responsiveness is worth the shorter unplugged runtime.
Clean up storage and temporary files
Cleaning up storage and temporary files removes a quiet drag on performance that builds over months of use. Microsoft’s guidance on PC performance stresses deleting temporary files, caches and other junk so Windows has enough free space to work efficiently. When a drive is nearly full, Windows struggles with paging and updates, which can make even simple tasks like opening File Explorer feel slow.
I start with built in tools such as Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup to remove temporary internet files, old Windows update data and thumbnails, then manually uninstall large games or applications I no longer use. Guides on uninstalling software and clearing junk show that reclaiming tens of gigabytes is common on long lived laptops. The payoff is faster updates, fewer random slowdowns and more headroom for future apps and files.
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