How to Increase Laptop Speed: Top 7 Proven Methods to Make Your Windows Laptop Faster

If your Windows laptop has become slow, laggy, or unresponsive, you are not alone. Over time, laptops start losing performance due to background apps, unnecessary files, outdated drivers, lack of optimization, and more. In this guide, you will learn how to increase laptop speed using simple and effective methods that anyone can apply.

This article covers how to improve laptop performance on Windows 10 and Windows 11, including optimization tips, power mode adjustments, and system cleanup techniques.

1. Disable Startup Programs

Startup programs automatically launch when you turn on your laptop and significantly slow down the boot time. Disabling them is one of the fastest ways to increase Windows laptop speed.

How to disable startup apps:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
• Go to the Startup Apps tab

• Disable apps with high impact (Spotify, Telegram, Chrome, etc.)

2. Uninstall Unwanted or Heavy Applications

Unwanted software, trial apps, system bloatware, and heavy programs can consume RAM and affect performance. Removing them can help boost laptop speed without software.

Steps:

• Open Settings
• Go to Apps → Installed Apps
• Uninstall any apps you no longer use

3. Clean Temporary Files and Junk Data

Windows stores temporary files, cache, and leftover data that fill storage and slow down your laptop. Cleaning these files regularly helps increase laptop speed quickly.

How to clean junk files:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
• Type %temp% and click OK
• A folder will open containing temporary files
• Select all files and delete them
• Skip files that cannot be deleted (they are in use)

This method instantly removes unnecessary temporary files and frees up storage, helping your laptop run faster.

4. Adjust Visual Effects for Best Performance

Windows uses animations and transparency effects that consume processing power. Switching to the best performance mode is an effective way to make Windows laptop faster.

Steps:

• Press Windows + S
• Search for Advanced System Settings and open View Advanced System Settings

• Under Performance, click Settings

• Select Adjust for best performance

• Click Apply → OK

This reduces graphic load and significantly increases laptop speed.

5. Change Power Mode to Best Performance

Windows uses different power modes that affect CPU usage. Switching to performance mode helps speed up Windows 11 laptop or Windows 10 instantly.

Steps:

• Open Settings
• Go to System → Power & Battery
• Under Power Mode, select Best Performance

6. Increase Virtual Memory (Paging File)

Virtual Memory works like extra RAM. If your laptop has only 4GB or 8GB RAM, increasing virtual memory can reduce lag and improve performance. Below are the updated steps based on the latest Windows interface.

How to increase virtual RAM:

• Press Windows + S and search for Advanced System SettingsPlease check the 4th section images for reference
• Open View Advanced System Settings
• Under Performance, click Settings
• Go to the Advanced tab

• Under Virtual Memory, click Change (Shown on above image)
• Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives
• Select Drive C:
• Choose Custom Size
• Enter the following values:
  Initial Size (MB): 4096
  Maximum Size (MB): 8000

• Click Set, then OK
• Restart your laptop

This allows Windows to use more virtual RAM, improving multitasking and reducing system lag.

7. Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated drivers cause lag, stuttering, and freezing. Updating them improves stability and laptop performance.

What to update:

• Windows Update
• Graphics Driver
• WiFi Driver
• Chipset Driver

Final Words

Now you know exactly how to increase laptop speed using simple and effective methods. These techniques work for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops and can significantly improve system performance without installing any third-party software.

Optimize your system regularly to keep your laptop running fast, smooth, and responsive.

FAQs on How to Increase Laptop Speed

1. Why is my Windows laptop running slow?

Common reasons include low RAM, too many startup apps, outdated drivers, junk files, and heavy background tasks.

2. How can I make my laptop faster without software?

Disable startup apps, adjust visual effects, clean temp files, and switch to performance mode.

3. Does increasing RAM improve laptop speed?

Yes, upgrading RAM significantly improves multitasking and system performance.

4. Which is better for speed: SSD or HDD?

An SSD is much faster and reduces boot time by up to 80%.