Key takeaways
- Start with free fixes: restart, remove startup apps, free up storage, update software and scan for malware.
- Upgrade to an SSD or add RAM if your laptop allows it; these are the biggest speed boosts.
- If the laptop has 4GB of RAM or an old processor, replacing it may be smarter.
In this article
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Learning how to make a slow laptop faster can save you from buying a new one. Many slowdowns come from software clutter, full storage and overheating, all of which you can fix for free. Hardware upgrades like an SSD or more RAM can then give older laptops a new lease of life. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each product opens the current price on Amazon.
Free fixes to try first
1. Restart your laptop
Restarting clears memory leaks and completes pending updates. Many laptops are left in sleep for weeks.
2. Disable startup apps
- Windows: Task Manager > Startup apps; disable anything you do not need at startup.
- macOS: System Settings > General > Login Items.
3. Free up storage
Laptops slow down when storage is almost full. Aim for at least 15% to 20% free space. Uninstall unused apps, empty downloads, use Storage Sense (Windows) or Storage settings (Mac), and move large files to cloud storage or an external SSD.
4. Update everything
Install operating system, driver and app updates. They often include performance fixes and security patches.
5. Scan for malware
Use Windows Security or a reputable antivirus to scan for malware, which can slow systems dramatically. Remove unwanted browser extensions.
6. Tame your browser
Close unused tabs, enable memory saver modes and remove heavy extensions.
7. Check for overheating
Dust-clogged vents cause thermal throttling. Clean vents with an air duster and use your laptop on a hard surface. See why is my laptop overheating.
8. Adjust power settings
On Windows, choose Balanced or Best performance when plugged in. Battery saver modes reduce speed.
Hardware upgrades
Upgrade to an SSD
If your laptop has a hard drive, replacing it with an SSD is the biggest speed boost possible. Clone your drive and swap it in. Read SSD vs HDD.
Add more RAM
If your laptop has upgradeable SODIMM slots and less than 16GB, adding memory helps with multitasking. Check compatibility first. See how much RAM do you need.
Upgrades and tools that help
Upgrades and tools that help
Samsung 990 EVO Plus NVMe SSD
Best SSD upgrade · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $90 – $180
Key specs: PCIe 4.0 x4 / 5.0 x2 M.2 2280, 1TB–4TB, up to 7,250MB/s
Why we picked it: Replace an old drive with a fast NVMe SSD for dramatic speed gains.
Pros: Fast and efficient · Good value · Reliable · Large capacities
Cons: Needs an M.2 2280 slot · Prices higher in 2026 · Cloning tool is Samsung-only
Buy it if you want a fast internal storage upgrade.
Skip it if your laptop uses soldered storage or a 2230 slot.
Crucial 32GB DDR5 SODIMM Laptop RAM Kit
Best RAM upgrade · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $120 – $220
Key specs: 2 x 16GB DDR5-5600 SODIMM
Why we picked it: Upgrade compatible laptops to 32GB for smoother multitasking.
Pros: Simple upgrade for supported laptops · Trusted brand · Big multitasking boost · Lifetime warranty
Cons: Prices rose sharply in 2026 · Only for laptops with removable memory · Check speed compatibility
Buy it if your laptop has SODIMM slots and you need more memory.
Skip it if your memory is soldered.
Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD
Best external SSD for offloading files · Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $80 – $150
Key specs: Up to 1,050MB/s, 1TB–4TB, IP65 dust and water resistance
Why we picked it: Free up internal space by moving large files to a fast external drive.
Pros: Rugged and drop resistant · Fast on most laptops · Compact · Great value
Cons: Not the fastest available · Rubber attracts dust · Pricier than plain T7
Buy it if you want a tough, reliable SSD for backups and travel.
Skip it if you need maximum speed.
Electric Air Duster for Keyboards
Best cleaning tool for vents · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.2/10 · Typical price: $30 – $50
Key specs: Rechargeable cordless blower, multiple speeds, nozzles
Why we picked it: Clear dust that causes overheating and slowdowns.
Pros: Replaces canned air · Reusable · Strong airflow · Good for vents and keyboards
Cons: Loud · Needs charging · Can spin fans too fast if misused
Buy it if you want to clear dust from vents and keyboards regularly.
Skip it if you prefer compressed air cans.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Snapdragon X)
Best affordable replacement · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $449 – $739
Key specs: Qualcomm Snapdragon X, 16GB memory, 256GB–1TB SSD, 15.3-inch Full HD+ touchscreen, 16-plus hours tested battery
Why we picked it: If it is time to replace, this budget laptop is fast and long-lasting.
Pros: Huge battery life for the price · 16GB memory standard · Touchscreen · Frequently on sale under $500
Cons: Arm emulation for some apps · Plain design · Not for games
Buy it if you want the best budget laptop for students and home use.
Skip it if you need specialist Windows software or games.
WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD
Best gaming laptop storage upgrade · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $90 – $190
Key specs: PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, 1TB–4TB, up to 7,300MB/s
Why we picked it: Add a second fast SSD to gaming laptops with a spare slot.
Pros: Excellent gaming load speeds · Reliable · Large capacities · Good heat handling
Cons: Pricier than budget drives · No heatsink for laptops · Needs 2280 slot
Buy it if you want to upgrade a gaming laptop’s storage.
Skip it if your laptop takes 2230 drives.
Crucial X9 Pro Portable SSD
Best small external SSD · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $80 – $150
Key specs: Up to 1,050MB/s, 1TB–4TB, IP55, works with Mac and Windows
Why we picked it: Offload photos and videos to free up internal storage.
Pros: Small and light · Fast · Good value · Water and dust resistant
Cons: Not the fastest · Lanyard loop is small · No cable for USB-A
Buy it if you want a small, fast SSD for everyday transfers.
Skip it if you need 2,000MB/s speeds.
When to replace instead
Replace your laptop if it has soldered 4GB memory, an old dual-core processor, no longer receives OS updates or the cost of upgrades approaches a new budget laptop. Read when should you replace your laptop.
Prevent future slowdowns
Keep at least 20% of storage free, review startup apps every few months, keep software updated and clean dust from vents once or twice a year.
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Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Why is my laptop so slow?
Common causes are too many startup apps, low storage, too little RAM, an old hard drive, malware, overheating or outdated software.
Will more RAM make my laptop faster?
If you run out of memory with many apps or tabs open, yes. If you already have enough, more RAM will not help.
Is upgrading to an SSD worth it?
If your laptop has a hard drive, absolutely. It is the single biggest speed upgrade for older laptops.
When should I replace a slow laptop?
If it has 4GB of RAM that cannot be upgraded, an old processor or no longer receives updates, replacing it is often better value.