There are many reasons your laptop might not be performing and identifying the cause of slowdowns will require investigating a bunch of different factors. Fortunately, we have put together a list of things for you to check to see what’s going on:
Check Task Manager/Activity Monitor
On Windows, use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see a list of running processes and their resource usage.
On macOS, use Activity Monitor (you can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder) to view CPU, memory, energy, disk, and network usage.
Sort processes in Task Manager or Activity Monitor by CPU, memory, or disk usage to identify applications or processes that are consuming a significant amount of resources. If anything is, this may be your culprit! End the task and see if performance gets better.
Scan for Malware
Malware or viruses can significantly impact system performance. Run a full system scan using your antivirus software to ensure your laptop is clean.
Update Software and Drivers
Ensure that your operating system, drivers, and software applications are up to date. Outdated software or drivers can lead to compatibility issues and decreased performance.
Manage Startup Programs
Some programs launch automatically at startup and can slow down your laptop. Disable unnecessary startup programs to improve boot times and overall performance.
Check for Storage Space
Low disk space can affect performance. Ensure you have enough free space on your hard drive or SSD. Remove unnecessary files or consider upgrading your storage.
Run System Diagnostics
Some operating systems provide built-in diagnostic tools. Use these tools to identify hardware or software issues that might be affecting performance.
Check for Overheating
Overheating can lead to thermal throttling, causing performance issues. Ensure your laptop is well-ventilated, clean from dust, and consider using cooling pads if necessary.