Is your Windows laptop feeling a bit sluggish after using it for a while?
Don't worry, you're not alone.
Over time, laptops can accumulate unnecessary files, outdated software, and other clutter that can slow them down. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to ensure your laptop is running smoothly, up to date, and free of unnecessary files.
1. Update Windows
Keeping your system up to date is crucial for optimal performance and security.
- Windows Update: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any available updates.
- It's also a good idea to full restart your laptop/PC at least once a week, rather than just closing the lid so that it only sleeps and does not fully restart.
2. Remove unnecessary files
Free up space by removing unnecessary files.
- Disk Cleanup: Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. Press Windows key + S, type Disk Cleanup, and select it. Choose the drive you want to clean up (probably already chosen), select the file types to delete, and click OK. Also Click on the “Cleanup system files” and make sure ‘Windows update cache’ and ‘Old Windows installations’ are ticked.
- Storage Sense: Enable Storage Sense to automatically free up space. Go to Settings > System > Storage and turn on Storage Sense.
3. Uninstall old programs
Remove programs you no longer use.
- Settings: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find the app you want to remove, click on it, and select Uninstall. If you are unsure if you need a program, best to leave it installed, until you check with technical support.
- Control Panel: For some programs, you might need to use the Control Panel. Search for Control Panel in the taskbar, go to Programs > Programs and Features, select the program, and click Uninstall.
4. Clear cache
Clearing cache can help improve performance.
- Temporary Files: Clear temporary files by going to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files. Select the files you want to delete and click Remove files. Make sure that your Downloads folder is not ticked as you will probably want to keep some of these files.
- Browser Cache: Clear your browser cache through your browser's settings. For example, in Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
5. Check for malware
Ensure your system is free of malware.
- Windows Security: Run a full scan using Windows Security. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and click Quick scan. It is also a good idea to run regular full scans.
- If you are using a third party virus solution regularly run both quick and full scans.
6. Optimize startup programs
Disable unnecessary startup programs to speed up boot time.
- Task Manager: Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to the Startup tab, and disable any unnecessary startup programs. If unsure about a program being needed at start up, check with your technical support.
7. Use third-party cleanup tools
Consider using third-party tools for additional cleanup and optimization.
- CCleaner: Cleans temporary files, browser history, and registry entries. Find at https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
Look for options for Microsoft products in the windows tab and other applications (Chrome, Firefox) in the Applications tab
8. Find large and duplicate files
Free up space by identifying and removing large and duplicate files.
- Finding Large Files:
- File Explorer: Open File Explorer and select This PC. In the search bar, type size:>1GB to find files larger than 1GB. Sort the results by size to easily identify the largest files.
- TreeSize Free: Provides a detailed view of your disk usage, showing you the largest files and folders.
- File Explorer: Open File Explorer and select This PC. In the search bar, type size:>1GB to find files larger than 1GB. Sort the results by size to easily identify the largest files.
Available at https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free/
A useful tool that shows you how your disk space is used. You can use it to identify large files and then choose to delete ones you no longer need to free up more space.
- Finding Duplicate Files:
- File Explorer: Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to search. In the search bar, type kind:=picture (or kind:=document, etc.) to find files of the same type. Sort the results by name or date to identify duplicates.
- CCleaner: Besides cleaning junk files, CCleaner has a duplicate file finder feature.
- File Explorer: Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to search. In the search bar, type kind:=picture (or kind:=document, etc.) to find files of the same type. Sort the results by name or date to identify duplicates.
9. Upgrade your hardware
If your laptop is still slow, consider upgrading your hardware.
- Upgrade Memory: Increasing your RAM can significantly improve performance. Aim for at least 16GB of RAM.
Use the scanner at Crucial to see what options are available for your laptop/PC. - Replace HDD with SSD: Replacing your hard disk with a solid-state drive (SSD) can greatly enhance speed and efficiency. Most laptop under 5 years old will be using a SSD.
Safety precautions
- Backup: Always backup important files before deleting anything.
- Use Trusted Tools: Use trusted cleanup tools to avoid accidentally deleting critical files.
By following these steps and being cautious, you can keep your Windows laptop running smoothly and efficiently.
Happy cleaning!
