How to Increase Laptop Speed on Windows 10
Speeding up your Windows 10 laptop can be a game-changer. To get started, you should clean up unnecessary files, manage startup programs, and tweak some settings. This will significantly improve performance and reduce lag. Follow these steps for a smoother, faster experience.
How to Increase Laptop Speed on Windows 10
By following these steps, you’ll free up system resources, enhance processing power, and give your laptop a new lease on life.
Step 1: Clean Up Disk Space
Open Disk Cleanup and delete temporary files.
Disk Cleanup is an easy-to-use tool that helps you get rid of junk files cluttering up your hard drive. Over time, these files can bog down your system, making it sluggish and unresponsive.
Step 2: Manage Startup Programs
Open Task Manager and disable unnecessary startup programs.
Many programs automatically start when you turn on your laptop, slowing down the boot process. Disabling unneeded startup programs can significantly speed up your laptop’s startup time.
Step 3: Update Windows and Drivers
Check for updates and install them.
Keeping your Windows OS and drivers up to date ensures that your system is running efficiently. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can help your laptop run faster.
Step 4: Adjust Power Settings
Switch to the High-Performance power plan.
Power settings can influence how your laptop uses its resources. Switching to the High-Performance power plan ensures that your laptop is using its full potential, rather than conserving energy.
Step 5: Uninstall Unnecessary Programs
Go to Control Panel and uninstall programs you don’t use.
Unused programs take up valuable space on your hard drive and can slow down performance. Removing these can free up resources and improve your laptop’s speed.
Step 6: Optimize Your Hard Drive
Defragment your hard drive using the built-in tool.
Defragmenting your hard drive reorganizes fragmented data, making it easier for your system to access files more quickly. This can result in faster load times and overall better performance.
Step 7: Use ReadyBoost
Insert a USB flash drive and set it up with ReadyBoost.
ReadyBoost can use a USB flash drive to improve system performance by providing additional memory. This is especially useful for laptops with limited RAM.
Step 8: Disable Visual Effects
Adjust for best performance under Advanced System Settings.
Windows 10’s visual effects can consume significant resources. Disabling these effects can free up those resources, making your laptop run faster and more efficiently.
Step 9: Scan for Malware
Use Windows Defender or another antivirus program to scan your laptop.
Malware can severely affect your system’s speed and performance. Regular scans can help detect and remove these malicious programs, keeping your laptop running smoothly.
Step 10: Upgrade Hardware
Consider adding more RAM or switching to an SSD.
Upgrading your hardware can provide a significant performance boost. Adding more RAM or switching to a solid-state drive (SSD) can make your laptop much faster and more responsive.
Once you complete these steps, you should notice a significant improvement in your laptop’s speed. Your system will run smoother, boot up faster, and handle tasks more efficiently.
Tips on How to Increase Laptop Speed on Windows 10
- Regularly clear out temporary files and system cache.
- Limit the number of browser tabs you keep open simultaneously.
- Avoid installing unnecessary browser extensions and plugins.
- Regularly restart your laptop to clear out memory.
- Check for any firmware updates from your laptop’s manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I defragment my hard drive?
You should defragment your hard drive at least once a month to maintain optimal performance.
Can I disable all startup programs?
It’s not advisable to disable all startup programs. Essential security and system programs should remain enabled.
Is ReadyBoost effective for all laptops?
ReadyBoost is most effective for laptops with limited RAM. If you have a lot of RAM, you might not see a significant improvement.
How can I tell if a program is unnecessary?
If you haven’t used a program in the last 6 months, it’s probably safe to uninstall it.
Will upgrading to an SSD make a big difference?
Yes, upgrading to an SSD can significantly improve boot times and overall system performance.
Summary
- Clean Up Disk Space
- Manage Startup Programs
- Update Windows and Drivers
- Adjust Power Settings
- Uninstall Unnecessary Programs
- Optimize Your Hard Drive
- Use ReadyBoost
- Disable Visual Effects
- Scan for Malware
- Upgrade Hardware
Conclusion
Boosting your laptop speed on Windows 10 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these simple steps, you can significantly improve your laptop’s performance. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning up disk space and managing startup programs, can go a long way. Updating your system and drivers, along with adjusting power settings, further ensures that your laptop runs smoothly.
Uninstalling unnecessary programs and optimizing your hard drive removes clutter and speeds up data access. For those looking for an extra boost, using ReadyBoost and disabling visual effects can help. Regular malware scans keep your system clean and efficient. Finally, upgrading hardware, such as adding RAM or switching to an SSD, can make a noticeable difference.
Whether you’re working, gaming, or just browsing the web, a faster laptop means a better experience. Follow these tips and steps to get the most out of your Windows 10 laptop. For further reading, consider diving into specific areas like hardware upgrades or advanced system settings. Now, it’s time to take action and revitalize your laptop’s performance!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.