A slow laptop is one of the most common problems we are asked about in Neasden, Willesden and Wembley, and in plenty of cases it does not need a repair at all. Work through these seven checks in order. They cost nothing, and they will either fix the problem or tell you what is really wrong.
1. Restart it properly
It sounds too simple, but many people only close the lid or shut down and start up again. On Windows, "Shut down" often does not fully reset things because of a feature called Fast Startup. Choose Restart instead, and do it at least once a week. Pending updates and stuck background programs often clear on a proper restart.
2. Check how full the drive is
A drive that is nearly full slows everything down. On Windows, open Settings, then System, then Storage. On a Mac, open the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, then Storage. Try to keep at least 15 to 20 per cent of the drive free. Delete things you no longer need, empty the Downloads folder and the recycle bin, and move old photos and videos to an external drive or cloud storage. Back them up first.
3. Stop programs starting automatically
Every program that launches when you switch on adds to the wait. On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then open the Startup apps tab and disable anything you do not need straight away, such as chat apps, game launchers and printer helpers. On a Mac, go to System Settings, General, Login Items. Do not disable anything you do not recognise without checking what it is first, and never disable your security software.
4. Install updates
Updates fix bugs that cause slowdowns, and a laptop that has been putting them off can become sluggish and, more importantly, insecure. Run Windows Update (or Software Update on a Mac), restart, and check again. If the laptop has been off for months, it may take a few rounds.
5. Tidy your browser
If it is the web that feels slow, the browser is often the culprit. Close tabs you are not using, since dozens of open tabs can use several gigabytes of memory. Go into your browser's extensions list and remove anything you do not remember installing. Unwanted toolbars and "coupon" or "PDF" add-ons are a common cause of slowness and pop-ups.
6. Run a security scan
Malware can quietly use up your processor and internet connection. On Windows, open Windows Security, choose Virus & threat protection and run a full scan. If you see constant pop-ups, a changed home page, or warnings telling you to phone a number, read our guide to scam pop-ups and fake Microsoft calls first, and do not call any number shown on screen. Our virus removal service can do a thorough clean at home.
7. Look at the hardware
If the first six checks barely help, the cause is often physical:
- An old spinning hard disk. If your laptop has one, a solid-state drive (SSD) is the single biggest upgrade you can make. Start-up and loading times can improve dramatically.
- Too little memory. 4GB is tight for modern Windows and browsers, and 8GB is a sensible minimum for most people. Not every laptop allows RAM upgrades, as some have it soldered to the board.
- Dust and heat. If the fan is loud, the base is very hot, or it slows down after a few minutes, the vents may be clogged. A clean-out and fresh thermal paste can help.
- A failing drive. Clicking noises, files that won't open or repeated freezes are warning signs. Back up your files immediately.
An SSD upgrade or RAM boost can breathe real life back into a laptop that is a few years old. If the machine is much older, read our guide on whether to repair or replace your laptop before spending money.
When to call someone
If you have been through all seven and it is still slow, or you are not comfortable opening the laptop up, that is the time to get help. We diagnose on site, tell you what we find, and quote the work and any parts before we start. If we cannot fix it, you do not pay for our time.
Our labour rate is normally £75 an hour, and during our Halloween sale it is £60 an hour until 31 December 2026. Most fixes complete in one to two hours. See our laptop repair page for more, or ask for a visit in Neasden, Willesden or Wembley.
We also visit Kilburn, Golders Green, Cricklewood and the rest of our London coverage area. To arrange a visit, send us a message or call 07766 760516.