Slow Laptop? 7 Free Fixes That Actually Work (Windows & Mac)

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 1 October 2026

Your laptop takes forever to start, programs freeze, and the fan never stops. Before you spend money on a new one, try these simple fixes. Most of them are free, and they work on Windows and Mac.

Step by step

1. 

   Restart it

   Many people only close the lid for weeks. Over time, apps and updates pile up in memory. A full restart clears them out. Try restarting at least once a week.

   Done

2. 

   Find out what's slowing it down

   On Windows, open Task Manager with Control, Shift and Escape. On a Mac, open Activity Monitor. Sort by CPU and memory. If one app is using a lot while you're not even using it, close it or check for an update.

   Done

3. 

   Stop programs starting automatically

   Many apps set themselves to start with your laptop and run in the background. On Windows, go to Task Manager, then Startup apps, and disable the ones you don't need. On a Mac, go to System Settings, General, Login Items. Your laptop will start faster.

   Done

4. 

   Free up storage space

   When your drive is almost full, everything slows down. Aim to keep at least ten to fifteen percent free. Empty the recycle bin or trash, delete old downloads, and move big photo and video folders to an external drive or cloud storage.

   Uninstall programs you don't use. Many laptops come with trial software and extras you never open. On Windows, go to Settings, Apps. On a Mac, drag unused apps to the trash.

   Done

5. 

   Check your browser

   Dozens of open tabs can use a lot of memory. Close the ones you don't need, or bookmark them. Remove browser extensions you don't recognise or don't use. Some slow everything down, and some are unsafe.

   Done

6. 

   Update everything

   Install system updates for Windows or macOS, and update your apps and drivers. Updates fix bugs and security problems, and often improve performance too.

   Done

Good to know

Scan for malware. On Windows, run a full scan with Windows Security. Be careful with pop ups promising to speed up your PC. Many of those cleaner tools are useless, and some are harmful.

Keep it cool. Dust in the vents makes your laptop overheat, and a hot laptop slows itself down. Use it on a hard, flat surface, not on a bed or sofa, and keep the vents clear.

Still slow? Hardware might be the limit. Upgrading an old hard drive to an SSD, or adding more memory, can make an older laptop feel new, if your model allows it. It's often much cheaper than a new laptop. Back up your files first.

In short: Restart regularly, check what's using resources, stop startup apps, free up space, clean up your browser, update, scan for malware and keep it cool.