Tech Fix Daily

HP Laptop Running Slow? Speed It Up Like a Pro

 

Is your HP laptop crawling through tasks like it’s stuck in molasses? Whether it’s lagging during boot, freezing mid-project, or just feeling sluggish, this guide walks you through every fix—from quick cleanups to hardware upgrades.

🧠 Step 1: Restart and Observe

• Restart your laptop to clear temporary files and refresh system resources
• Note how long it takes to boot and whether performance improves briefly

🔄 Sometimes a simple reboot is the best first step

🧼 Step 2: Clean Up Disk Space

• Open File Explorer → Right-click C: → Properties → Disk Cleanup
• Remove temporary files, system cache, and recycle bin contents
• Uninstall unused apps via Settings → Apps → Installed Apps

💡 Keep at least 20% of your drive free for optimal performance

🧰 Step 3: Disable Startup Programs

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Startup tab
• Disable unnecessary apps like cloud sync tools, updaters, and media players
• Restart to apply changes

⚙️ Fewer startup apps = faster boot times

🧪 Step 4: Run HP Diagnostics

• Restart and press F2 to enter HP Diagnostics
• Run System Tests → Performance Test
• Check for CPU, RAM, or disk bottlenecks

🧠 Great for spotting hardware issues before upgrading

🛡️ Step 5: Scan for Malware

• Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Full scan
• Remove any detected threats
• Consider using Malwarebytes for a second opinion

🧯 Malware can silently hog resources and slow everything down

⚙️ Step 6: Update Drivers and BIOS

• Visit HP Support
• Download latest BIOS, chipset, graphics, and storage drivers
• Install and restart

🔧 Outdated drivers can cause lag and compatibility issues

🔋 Step 7: Adjust Power Settings

• Go to Control Panel → Power Options
• Select Balanced or High Performance
• Avoid Power Saver, which throttles CPU speed

🧬 Step 8: Upgrade RAM

• Check current RAM via Task Manager → Performance → Memory
• If under 8GB, consider upgrading to 16GB or more
• Use compatible modules based on your HP model

🧠 More RAM = smoother multitasking and faster app launches

💾 Step 9: Switch to SSD

• If still using an HDD, upgrade to an SSD for:

• Faster boot times
• Quicker file access
• Better responsiveness

⚡ SSD upgrades are one of the most impactful performance boosts

🔄 Step 10: Reset Windows (Last Resort)

• Go to Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC
• Choose Keep My Files or Remove Everything
• Reinstall Windows to eliminate deep-rooted issues