A slow laptop can be more than just a minor inconvenience. When running a business, it can be a significant impediment to productivity and efficiency. Studies show for an average small business, a relatively slow laptop might lose 5 minutes every hour, which means 3 hours a week, adding up to 145 hours per year lost per slow computer. Which, really, just isn’t good enough.

We understand that your laptop is a crucial tool in your daily operations and when it starts to lag, so does your work. Let’s delve into the most common reasons why your laptop might be extremely slow and explore practical solutions to restore its speed and performance.

Common Reasons for a Slow Laptop

Background Programs

There are many applications that run in the background without your knowledge, consuming valuable system resources and memory. These can include software updates, cloud syncing services, and unnecessary startup programs.

To Fix

Review and disable unnecessary startup programs. You can do this by accessing the Task Manager on Windows or System Preferences on macOS. This will free up resources and speed up boot times. It can be confusing to figure out which ones are unnecessary. So, if you’re not certain, get in touch with a professional and we can help you figure it out.

Insufficient RAM

If your laptop is running on minimal RAM, it might struggle to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, leading to slower performance. This includes having a multitude of tabs open in your browser – we’re guilty of it too.

To Fix

Increasing your RAM can provide a significant boost to your laptop’s performance, especially if you’re running memory-intensive applications. – You can also try closing some of those browser tabs!

Fragmented or Full Hard Drive

A hard drive that is nearly full or fragmented can significantly slow down your system, as it struggles to find and store data efficiently. A fragmented hard drive means that your files are scattered across the disk and not in just one location. It can happen naturally over time whilst you use your laptop and leads to poor disk performance.  

To Fix

Regularly delete unnecessary files and uninstall programs you no longer use. Consider using disk cleanup tools to remove temporary files and empty the recycle bin. It can sometimes be hard to make sure that a program has been completely removed from your device. Having a professional go in and have a look can sometimes be the best option.

Overheating

Dust buildup and poor ventilation can cause your laptop to overheat, leading to lowered laptop performance to prevent damage.  

To Fix

Keep your laptop’s vents clear and consider using a cooling pad. Regularly clean out dust from the vents to prevent overheating. You can get a laptop health check with us, where we clean out your laptop inside and out. Also, check over your laptop for other issues that could be preventing it from performing.

When to Seek Professional Help

While these tips can help resolve many common issues, there are times when professional help is necessary. If you’ve tried these solutions and your laptop is still slow, it may be time to consult with an IT professional. Hardware issues, such as failing components, or more complex software problems may require expert diagnosis and repair.

At Novo IT, we specialise in diagnosing and resolving technical issues efficiently. We even offer a FREE diagnosis service. Providing tailored solutions to enhance your laptop’s performance and allowing you to focus on what matters most – running your business. Get in touch today to see how we can help.