I'm an IT major but haven't been in the field for a while. My laptop is getting quite old and is slowing down, especially when I have multiple browser tabs open. I can't afford to buy a new one right now, but it's essential for my online research, shopping, and browsing. I've already uninstalled unnecessary programs and cleared out large files. My desktop is tidy with just one folder and a recycling bin. What quick and easy steps can I take on Windows 11 to improve its performance? Any specific tools or settings you recommend?
2 Answers
Browsers can consume a lot of memory with multiple tabs. You might want to close the ones you're not actively using and check your RAM usage. If you’re hitting 100% RAM usage, that could be why your laptop is freezing. Also, an ad blocker could help reduce the load on your browser. If all else fails, consider trying a lighter operating system like Linux—it can really breathe new life into older hardware!
Try disabling SysMain in the Services settings. It’s basically a prefetch service that can slow down your laptop by trying to load programs you might use. Also, check the Task Manager and see what's using up your CPU—sometimes it could be background processes hogging resources. A quick reboot after these changes can help.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely look into Linux if I can’t boost my laptop's speed.