Laptop running slow
Minutes to start, a spinning circle every time you open something, and typing that lags behind your fingers. A slow laptop is rarely just old; something specific is holding it back.
What makes a laptop slow
The most common cause in older laptops is a mechanical hard drive. Windows 10 and 11 expect a solid-state drive, and on a hard drive they spend most of their time waiting. Moving the same system to an SSD is often the single biggest improvement a laptop can have.
The second is memory. With 4GB of RAM a modern browser alone can fill it, and everything else queues behind. Beyond those two, a drive that is starting to fail, a laptop that is overheating, or unwanted software running in the background all produce the same sluggish feel.
Checks worth trying first
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). If "Disk" sits at 100 per cent, the drive is the bottleneck. If "Memory" is above 85 per cent, more RAM will help.
- In Task Manager, open Startup apps and disable anything you do not need at start-up.
- Check free space. Windows needs room to work; aim to keep at least 15 per cent of the drive free.
- Back up your files now if the slowness arrived suddenly or comes with clicking sounds. That pattern suggests a failing drive.
How we fix it
SSD upgrade
We fit a solid-state drive and copy Windows, programs and files across, so the laptop comes back as you left it, only faster.
Memory upgrade
Where the memory is not soldered, we fit matched RAM and test it.
Drive health check
Every drive is tested. A failing one is replaced before it takes your files with it.
Software clean-up
Unwanted start-up programs and malware are removed, or Windows is installed fresh if you prefer.
Some thin laptops have memory and storage soldered to the board and cannot be upgraded. We check your model before you send it and tell you what is possible.
Common questions
Is it worth upgrading an older laptop?
Often, yes. A sound laptop with a hard drive and 4GB of memory can feel like a different machine with an SSD and 8GB or more. If the processor is too old for the upgrade to be worthwhile, we tell you before you spend anything.
Will I lose my programs and files?
Not with a drive clone. Everything is copied to the new SSD. If a fresh install is the better route, we agree with you first what needs backing up.
Related pages
Won't Turn OnNo lights, no fan, no response to the power button.
Not ChargingPlugged in but the battery percentage will not rise.
Cracked or Broken ScreenCracks, lines, black blotches or a touchscreen that ignores you.
Black Screen, No DisplayLights and fan come on, but there is no picture.
Overheating and Fan NoiseHot to the touch, noisy fan, or sudden shutdowns.
Liquid SpillWater, tea, coffee or wine in the keyboard. Act quickly.
Keyboard or Trackpad FaultDead keys, repeating letters or a trackpad that will not click.
Won't Boot into WindowsStuck on the logo, repair loops, or "no bootable device".
Blue Screen and CrashesBlue screens, random restarts and freezes.
Battery Drains FastAn hour or less on battery, or a case that has started to bulge.
No Wi-Fi or BluetoothNo networks found, weak signal or constant drop-outs.
Broken Hinge or CasingA stiff or snapped hinge, or a lid that is splitting open.
Viruses and Pop-upsFake warnings, hijacked browsers and scam callers.
Get a price from a technician
Tell us the make, the model and what has gone wrong. A technician replies with a price and the quickest way to get your laptop to us – normally the same working day.
020 7237 6805 Creative IT workshopUnit 1, 80 Willow Walk, London SE1 5SY
Monday to Saturday, 9am–6pm