My Lenovo laptop is consistently hot enough to hurt my hand, even when I only have Vivaldi and SimpleX open. Task Manager usually shows around 75% CPU, 94% memory, 12% disk, 1% network, and 36% GPU usage. The system is slow nearly all the time, not just after installing a particular program.
The laptop runs Windows 11 version 23H2 and has an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U with integrated Radeon graphics, 8 GB of RAM, and only 5.74 GB shown as usable. Windows updates have repeatedly failed, and the machine has been sluggish since I first got it. I have run both quick and full Microsoft Defender scans without finding malware.
Installed software includes Soulseek, Winamp, Mp3tag, Inkscape, Synfig, LibreOffice, Equalizer APO, PNGoo, IrfanView, and Firefox. I have also removed some preinstalled applications. What should I check first, and is this laptop capable of running Windows 11 comfortably?
3 Answers
Check the physical cooling system. Dust and lint can block the intake or exhaust, and using a laptop on a bed or couch can restrict airflow. Shut it down, inspect the vents, and clean them carefully with compressed air while preventing the fan from spinning freely. If it is still dangerously hot, the fan or thermal compound may need service. Avoid continuing to use it if the chassis or palm rest becomes painful to touch.
Since updates are failing and the system has been problematic from the beginning, back up your files and consider a clean Windows installation using official installation media. A fresh install can remove accumulated services and software, but it will not overcome the basic limits of 8 GB shared between system memory and integrated graphics. A lightweight Linux distribution could also be worth considering if all the applications you need have compatible versions, but first identify the high-usage process and rule out overheating.
The laptop only has 8 GB of RAM, and the integrated Radeon graphics reserves part of that memory. That explains why Windows reports only about 5.7 GB available, but it also leaves very little headroom for Windows, a browser, and other programs. Windows 11 can run in that configuration, but performance will be limited, especially if the machine is using the page file. Reducing graphics memory in the firmware may not be supported and is not the first thing to change; check the laptop documentation before touching BIOS settings.
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