Your laptop can do more: 10 ways to speed it up

When to consider improving your laptop's performance

First, let's look at the signs that indicate it's time to optimise your laptop's performance:

• When you launch a browser or program, you have to wait a few seconds — the device used to start up faster.
• You have several tabs/programs open at the same time and your laptop freezes — the fan is humming, the RAM or hard drive is under load.
• Your laptop is running an OS update or autoload, and it's slowing down the entire system.
• You are working on heavy tasks (editing photos, videos, running several programs at once) — and the result is no longer as fast or smooth as before.

If you notice at least one of these situations, it would be a good idea to take preventive measures. And if you use your device for work or study, then the following methods of optimising your laptop can really save you time and nerves.

Method 1. Clear the autorun programs and unnecessary software.

Imagine that there are a dozen light bulbs in your flat, and they are all turned on at the same time — even when the whole family is in one room. There is a lot of light, but the focus is scattered and electricity is wasted. The same thing happens with a laptop — when many programs start up with the system, they consume resources and distract it. This causes the laptop to take a long time to start up, or to noticeably «freeze» after starting up.

• In Windows, go to «Task Manager» → «Startup» and disable programs that you don't need immediately after turning on the computer.
• Remove or disable programs that you don't use — this will reduce the load on the hard drive and memory.

  

• Use the Advanced SystemCare or Ashampoo WinOptimizer software packages. They allow you to optimize startup, clear the cache, program residues and temporary files with a single click — without risk to the system.

The result: faster start-up, more «free» resources for the programs you need.

Method 2. Check the condition of the solid-state drive (SSD).

Most modern laptops (approximately 90-95%), even budget models, are equipped with SSDs (solid-state drives). They contain no moving parts, operate almost silently, and provide several times faster read and write speeds compared to older hard disk drives (HDDs). If the system is slow to open files, «freezes» during operation, or the drive shows a decrease in performance, the problem may be with the SSD drive.

• Check the condition of your SSD using the built-in Disk Check tool or diagnostic software (e.g. CrystalDiskInfo, Samsung Magician, Kingston SSD Manager).
• Make sure there is enough free space on the storage device (preferably at least 10-15%) and delete unnecessary files or programs.
• If your laptop still has an old HDD, consider replacing it with an SSD — this is one of the most effective ways to «rejuvenate» even a 5-7-year-old device.

The result: faster system and program loading, fewer delays, and more stable laptop performance.

Method 3. Add RAM or optimize its use.

RAM is like a table on which you lay out documents. The larger the table, the more documents you can lay out in front of you without creating chaos. If the table is small (i.e. the memory is almost full), you have to constantly remove something or put it in a «stack», and your work slows down.

• Check in «Task Manager» → «Performance» tab — is most of the RAM being used?

  

• If your laptop allows it, install an additional memory module.
• Close unnecessary tabs/programs when working with heavy tasks (graphics, video, virtual machines).
• Use Advanced SystemCare: this suite of utilities for optimising laptop performance includes a RAM Optimisation feature that frees up memory in real time without closing active programs.

The result: more stable multitasking and fewer delays.

Method 4. Take care of cooling and cleaning.

If your laptop overheats (this may be indicated by a fan that constantly hums), it will slow down because the system throttles (automatically reduces performance) to avoid damage. You can draw an analogy with a car: when the engine overheats, you don't continue to drive at 100% — in this case, the engine automatically limits its power.

• Check the ventilation holes — are they clogged with dust?
• Use a ventilated stand if you often work on soft surfaces (e.g., on a sofa or in bed).
• Clean the inside of your laptop once a month (or once every six months) — you can contact a service centre for this.

The result: more stable operation, less heating — greater durability.

Method 5. Disable Windows visual effects.

If your system runs slowly even without any programs open, the cause may be enabled visual effects. Beautiful animations, transparency, shadows — all of this puts a strain on the system, especially if your graphics card or processor is not the newest.

• Open «Control Panel» → «System Properties» → «Advanced» → «Visual Effects» — and select «Adjust for best performance».
• Use Ashampoo WinOptimizer: this laptop program can automatically disable unnecessary Windows effects while maintaining a comfortable system appearance.

The result: the system responds faster, and there is no more «lag» when opening windows.

Method 6. Disable unnecessary background processes and services.

Even when you are not running any programs, your laptop may run slower due to a large number of background processes. Many programs add their own services after installation — they start automatically with the system, update, collect data, or simply «hang» in memory. Over time, dozens of such background tasks accumulate, and they imperceptibly consume resources — processor power, RAM, and battery charge.

• Open «Task Manager» → «Processes» tab — see what is consuming resources.
• Carefully turn off unnecessary items via services.msc or msconfig (don’t touch system services).

  

• Use Advanced SystemCare or Ashampoo WinOptimizer: these programs help to automatically identify unnecessary services and safely disable them without affecting important system processes.

The result: reduced CPU load, less noise and fewer freezes.

Method 7. Adjust the power settings.

As you know, a laptop can run not only on battery power, but also on mains power. But not everyone knows that the Windows power mode directly affects the performance of a laptop. In an attempt to save battery power, the system may reduce the processor frequency, limit the graphics card performance, or delay certain tasks. As a result, the laptop runs quieter but also slower.

• Open «Control Panel» → «Power Options».
• Select «High performance» or «Best performance» (on laptops running Windows 11).

The result: the processor runs at full power, and the system responds faster.

Method 8. Check the speed and stability of your internet connection.

Although this does not specifically apply to laptops, the feeling of «slowness» is often associated with the fact that when a program or browser is running, it is waiting for data from the network — and it seems that the laptop is «slowing down». If your Internet connection is unstable or slow, this can cause delays during video calls, streaming videos, and large downloads.

• Measure your Internet speed (e.g. using Speedtest) and compare it with the speed specified in your tariff plan.
• Make sure that your Wi-Fi signal is strong and that your router is optimally positioned.
• If you need a stable connection, contact your provider to get a better tariff or technology. For example, Maxnet offers modern services and support, which can be useful when your laptop becomes the centre of your home or office workspace.

The result: less downtime due to slow Internet speed, smoother operation of programs.

Method 9. Update your system and drivers, remove viruses.

Sometimes a laptop runs slowly simply because it hasn't been updated for a long time, or strange processes/pop-ups appear after it is turned on. The reason may also be an outdated system or unoptimised drivers, or a virus infection.

• Check for Microsoft Windows/macOS updates and install them.
• Download the latest video, sound, and network drivers (from the laptop or component manufacturer's website).
• Scan your system with antivirus software and remove unwanted software.
• Use Advanced SystemCare or Ashampoo WinOptimizer: the first software package has a Security Reinforce module, the second has AntiSpy and Privacy Manager, which help to close system vulnerabilities and disable unwanted tracking.

The result: less likelihood of crashes, less background system slowdown.

Method 10. Upgrade or replace a very old laptop.

If your laptop is a «veteran» (5-10 years old or more) and you have already completed all the previous steps but the effect is minimal, it may be time to consider purchasing a new device or a more radical upgrade. An upgrade may include actions such as replacing the hard drive with an SSD, adding memory, etc. But sometimes budget constraints make replacement more cost-effective.

The result: significant performance improvement, ability to work with new tasks and programmes.

How Maxnet can help

Maxnet is not just an internet provider. If your laptop is an important work tool, then stable Internet, fast connection speeds, and technical support are the things that allow you to get the most out of your device:

• If you have a Maxnet tariff with sufficient speed and bandwidth, your Internet connection will not «freeze» during online meetings or downloads.
• If you notice weak Wi-Fi, Maxnet's support service will help you optimize energy consumption or connect the best technology for your power supply.
• If you have several devices (laptop, phone, tablet), a stable Internet connection allows them to work without «suppressing» each other.

As a result, your laptop works better not only locally, but also in your home/office ecosystem.