Even the newest laptops can do with a bit of sprucing up. If you have an older laptop or a new one that is lagging, it can be frustrating, especially if you have a work deadline or other deadline looming and the machine keeps crashing! Luckily, there are some simple ways you can improve the performance of your laptop without needing a degree in computer science, and this article aims to explore some of the simplest options available.
Be aware, if these options don’t speed up your computer, you may need to seek the advice of a professional.
Delete Unused Programs and Software
When you have been searching online for things, you may have downloaded applications that you have forgotten about, or there may even be small downloads floating around that have been instantly added to your laptop as part of a program.
One way to speed up your laptop is to scan your computer programs and delete them. Some laptops have this function built in, like the Lenovo range. If you want to see how this laptop range performs this task, click here for more information. Otherwise, simply follow the instructions on your computer and delete, delete, delete! This will surely speed things up.
Remove Malware
Malware, much like unused programs, often goes unnoticed and can seriously slow down your computer or laptop. Much like the aforementioned programs, all it takes is clicking one email link, and your computer is full of malware, which slows it down.
It is a bit harder to remove than the downloaded programs, but there are many online resources that are free to use that can help you to spot malware on your computer and delete it. When you update your antivirus software, it can also be worth making sure that it prevents or limits the amount of malware that is kept on your laptop.
Defrag Your Hard Disk
Old hard drives can suffer from fragmentation, which happens when bits that make up a file are scattered throughout the computer. This can slow down multiple programs as the computer tries to read and run all of these extra bits of code along with the programs themselves.
Defragging your hard disk ensures that all of the scattered bits of code are placed in one location within the drive, so the hard drive will speed up, and your computer will stop stalling. If you have a computer or laptop that runs on a solid-state drive, this cannot be defragmented.
Disable Automatic Updates
It is not always wise to disable automatic updates, as they allow your computer to stay up to date and virus free. However, if you use your laptop for gaming or using a creative program that is prone to updates regularly, it can be worth simply shutting these off. That way, you can choose when the system updates, and this will help to keep your computer running smoothly.
Improve Cooling
Having an overheated laptop can slow it down dramatically, and this can cause it to shut down, potentially leading to lost work. Something as simple as an external cooling pad can help to keep your laptop running smoothly, or even a fan blowing at the device from the underside.
