Navigating through college with a sluggish laptop can pose quite a challenge. At best the slow device can be a source of frustration, and at worst the slow downs and crashes can make the laptop unreliable when you’re trying to get work done. But fear not! There are easy ways to make an old laptop run smoother, you can keep working without needing to invest in a brand-new device.

1. Cleaning and Maintenance

Breathing new life into your laptop might be easier than you think, and sometimes, it all starts with a good clean-up. Fans, in particular, are the unsung heroes, quietly working to keep everything cool and functioning smoothly. Dust accumulation on fans and vents can often go unnoticed until your laptop begins to overheat, which causes performance issues. Taking a moment to gently clean these areas with compressed air can make an instant impact on your system’s performance and longevity.

If you’re not afraid to open your laptop, cleaning the inside and changing the CPU’s thermal pad can make a big difference. These types of regular maintenance items are key to ensuring the longevity of computers, which is one of the reasons why big businesses enlist the help of IT teams like HTL Support to help look after their office hardware.

2. Reinstall Windows

Even with regular maintenance, your operating system still accumulates lingering files and programs that bog down performance. In this situation, starting fresh with a new Windows install is often your best bet.

There are plenty of detailed tutorials out there to help you create a bootable Windows USB stick and reinstall your operating system. It is a process that seems intimidating but it’s quite easy.

If you rather not go that far, you can reduce the amount of bloat on an existing Windows install by using free tools to clean the registry, uninstall old programs, and delete leftover temporary files.

3. Use Lightweight Software

Selecting the right software can make a dramatic difference in how your laptop performs. Instead of using resource-intensive applications, opt for lighter, more streamlined alternatives.

For instance, consider using a cloud-based word processor instead of installing a hefty office suite, or switch to a lightweight browser that can run using less of your RAM and CPU. There are plenty of lightweight graphic editors, music players, PDF readers, and other essential tools that will run fast even on aging machines.

4. Keep Your Drivers Updated

Outdated drivers can be a silent killer when it comes to laptop performance. Ensure that you routinely check for and install any available updates for your system’s drivers. This not only guarantees optimal performance but also safeguards your system against potential vulnerabilities. Sometimes, the latest driver updates optimize your hardware to run more efficiently, allowing your laptop to work a bit smoother and potentially extending its life.

The easiest way to make sure your drivers are updated is by using third-party tools. There are plenty of free and open source tools that can help you identify and update all the missing drivers in your laptop.

5. Invest in RAM or an SSD

Your laptop’s hardware might require a little refresh. Investing in more RAM or switching to an SSD can provide a noticeable boost in speed and responsiveness. 

While this does involve a bit of spending, upgrading your laptop’s internal components is often considerably cheaper than purchasing a new device altogether. This step can give your old laptop a second life, providing it with the much-needed pep to handle multitasking and demanding applications more effectively.

Think your laptop can’t be upgraded? Don’t give up until you’ve confirmed it! While many modern laptops are glued shut to reduce thickness and improve water resistance, that doesn’t mean the device’s RAM or hard drive can’t be replaced. You can confirm whether or not your laptop’s hardware can be upgraded by looking at a teardown video of your device, checking the manufacturer’s website, or by asking your friendly local IT professional.