Laptop Running Slow? 5 Common Reasons and How to Fix Them

Today’s digital world requires us all to be expert multi-taskers. Over the course of an average business day, we might bounce between different operating systems, software applications, and workflows, all of which require a standard of expertise and a powerful memory (both inside our computers and inside our brains).

Even though we train ourselves to plow through our to-do list, that doesn’t always mean our devices can keep up. One of the complaints heard most often in modern office environments is, “Why is my laptop running slow?” or “My computer can’t keep up with me!” While a computer running slow might sound like a minor inconvenience, it can have a real impact on productivity and efficiency, costing businesses valuable time and money.

Say your employees earn on average $40,000 per year. Full-time workers generally log about 2,000 hours per year, which comes out to $20 per hour in compensation ($40K / 2,000 hours). If you have 10 staff members in your office and they each average just one hour of hampered productivity each workday, you could be wasting $200 a day due to a slow computer or laptop. The more employees you have, the more you could be wasting.

So what can you do to avoid such a pitfall and increase the performance of your company’s devices?

First things first, don’t panic. A slow laptop or slow-moving desktop is more common than you might think—unless you’ve set up a new computer at some point in the past few months, chances are you’re actually using one right now. But that sluggishness can be caused by normal activity as well, such as running multiple programs, browsing the Internet, and slowly accumulating data on your hard drive.

Below, we’ve included five of the most common problems that can cause your computer to lag, followed by five practical strategies that explain how to speed up a slow laptop or computer so that your preferred device can keep pace with your work ethic.

1. Problem: Too many applications running or browser tabs open.

Yes, you can do a million things at once these days, especially since most employees average 2–3 devices per person. But at some point, that level of extreme multi-tasking will take its toll on your computer’s memory and processing speed, preventing the seamless switching from one open program to another that everyone desires. If you have multiple applications running or keep numerous browser tabs open, this could be one of the reasons your laptop is running slow. Tabs such as news feeds or live streams that auto-refresh or continuously load content can cause a serious drain on performance. In addition, popular Internet-connected music apps like Spotify can store a large cache of data that may similarly slow you down.

Solution:

Shut down or quit any programs you aren’t actively using, and stick with just one browser window if you can. Instead of leaving 50 tabs open, use the handy Bookmark option in Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari, or Chrome to save pages and links for future reference.

2. Problem: Your hard drive or memory could be near or at capacity.

The biggest surprise here? Performance will start suffering long before a hard drive or memory is 100% maxed out. IT experts estimate that even at 85% capacity, your computer’s efficiency and productivity can be reduced to a crawl. If your storage or memory is nearly full, it could be one of the reasons your computer is running slow. Programs, application updates, Internet downloads, and temporary files are the main culprits for taking up hard drive and memory space, along with large industry-specific files for those working in industries like graphic design, architecture, and engineering. In other words, don’t try to run the latest version of Creative Cloud on an entry-level or old computer.

Solution:

First things first, empty your computer’s trash. Then consider moving those aforementioned large files to a remote hard drive or cloud storage, or delete large files that aren’t being used. Teaming up with a trusted IT provider can help you navigate these changes safely and securely — and if an upgrade to increased RAM or a larger hard drive is necessary, that same technology expert can install and implement it so that you can enjoy uninterrupted success.

3. Problem: Unnecessary software updates could be overloading your machine.

This ties in to the previous point, but it bears repeating and extra exploration. Many programs and applications come pre-installed with automatic updates activated, but these can take up valuable hard drive space and interfere with normal functions when auto-installers turn on. Background updates can also consume system resources and may be one of the reasons your laptop is running slow. They can confuse computer users, as well, and put your company’s security at risk.

Solution:

Consider a proactive monitoring and maintenance solution like Chipin’s proactive IT monitoring and maintenance services, which keeps your computers running 24×7, handles all updates and patches remotely and regularly, and deploys software upgrades during off-hours so that computer users are not adversely affected.

4. Problem: Too many applications automatically open when your computer boots up.

Similar to how some applications come preset with automatic updates, many (including popular ones like Spotify and Google Chrome) may be programmed to automatically load upon startup. If you are not aware that these programs are running, they could be a massive drag on your computer’s processing speed, both when you first fire it up in the morning and throughout the day. Too many startup applications can also contribute to a slow laptop and affect overall system performance.

Solution:

Altering a computer’s startup settings should be done carefully, especially in a business environment. Working with a trusted IT partner, you can disable programs that aren’t necessary while devoting precious operating speed to those that are critical to day-to-day business functions.

5. Problem: Your computer could be infected with a virus (or saddled with an ineffective anti-virus solution).

Usually, the presence of a computer virus may become noticeable through unusual pop-ups, encrypted files, unexpected system behavior, or a sudden drop in performance. However, some malware can run quietly in the background, consuming system resources and potentially putting sensitive information at risk. If you’re wondering, “Why is my laptop slow?”, malware or other unwanted software could be one possible reason. This is why businesses should use reliable, up-to-date security solutions and follow a layered approach to cybersecurity.

Solution:

Protect your business-critical data and computers with trusted antivirus, anti-malware, and security solutions. Don’t rely on just one layer of protection to defend your business against data breaches, ransomware, malware, phishing, and other forms of cybercrime. Digital security is constantly evolving, and businesses should regularly review and update their security measures to address emerging threats.

That’s why having a trusted IT partner can help you keep a close watch over your entire IT infrastructure. Is your computer running slow? Are you dealing with a laptop running slow or programs that are affecting your employees’ productivity? Would you like to improve your cybersecurity while keeping your business technology running efficiently?

Contact Chipin to discuss your IT support and cybersecurity needs. Our team helps businesses in Dubai and across the UAE keep their IT systems secure, reliable, and running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is my laptop running so slow?
Your laptop may be running slow because too many applications are open, storage or memory is running low, unnecessary programs are starting automatically, software updates are running in the background, or malware is affecting performance.

Q. How can I make my slow laptop run faster?
Close applications and browser tabs you are not using, remove unnecessary files, disable unneeded startup programs, keep your software updated, and regularly scan your device for malware. If performance issues continue, professional IT support can help identify the underlying problem.

Q. Does low storage make a laptop slow?
Yes. When your laptop has very little free storage space, it may struggle to manage temporary files and everyday processes efficiently. Removing unnecessary files or moving large files to external or cloud storage may help improve performance.

Q. Can a virus or malware make my computer run slow?
Yes. Some viruses and malware can run in the background and consume system resources, which may slow down your computer. Keeping your security software updated and regularly scanning your system can help identify potential threats.

Q. When should I contact IT support for a slow computer?
If your computer remains slow after basic troubleshooting, frequently freezes or crashes, takes unusually long to start, or shows other unexpected behavior, it may be time to contact an IT professional to identify and resolve the issue.