Everyday IT

Slow work laptop? 9 fixes — and when it's time to replace it

A slow laptop wastes minutes every hour, all year. Some fixes take seconds; some mean it's time for a replacement. Here's how to tell.

By Ryan RussellUpdated 14 October 20266 min read

9 fixes to try

  1. Restart properly — many people haven't for weeks.
  2. Install pending updates. Windows and app updates fix bugs as well as security holes.
  3. Trim startup apps (Task Manager → Startup apps).
  4. Free up storage; a nearly full drive slows everything. Move files to OneDrive with Files On-Demand.
  5. Close browser tabs — each one uses memory.
  6. Check for duplicate security tools. Two antivirus products fight each other.
  7. Check memory: 8 GB is the bare minimum today; 16 GB is the sensible standard for office work.
  8. Check the drive type: an old spinning hard disk makes any laptop feel slow. SSDs are now standard.
  9. Check battery and power settings: some laptops slow themselves to save battery.

When to replace instead

  • It's more than about five years old, or can't run a supported version of Windows. Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025, so unsupported devices are a security risk.
  • Repairs or upgrades would cost more than a third of a new device.
  • It's slowing down someone whose time is expensive. The maths usually favours replacement.

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