The Lenovo laptop running slow issue may result from overloaded memory, insufficient disk space, outdated drivers or Windows, or malware. MiniTool offers some methods to fix it, including managing startup items, checking for malware, and upgrading hardware.
Why Is My Lenovo Laptop So Slow
A Lenovo laptop may run slowly for several common reasons, involving hardware limitations, software issues, or system settings. Below are the most typical causes:
- Too Many Background Processes: There are too many processes running in the background. This can consume CPU, memory, and disk resources.
- Malware or Unwanted Software: Malware or other third-party software may run hidden processes that slow down the laptop.
- Too Many Startup Programs: Too many startup applications drain your CPU and memory, which significantly slows down Windows performance.
- Insufficient RAM: If memory is full on your Lenovo laptop, Windows uses the slower disk drive for virtual memory, causing a significant performance drop.
- Slow Hard Drive: Your computer uses traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) instead of solid-state drives (SSDs). HDDs are much slower than SSDs for booting, opening files, and launching programs.
- Outdated Windows or Drivers: Outdated Windows or drivers may cause compatibility issues and slow down the laptop’s performance.
- Environmental Factors: If the laptop is overheating due to dust buildup, blocked vents, or aging thermal paste, the processor will automatically slow down its speed to prevent damage.
How to Make Lenovo Laptop Faster
To speed up a Lenovo laptop, begin with quick fixes such as closing unused applications and disabling unnecessary startup programs.
Next, perform routine maintenance and optimization, including running Disk Cleanup, scanning for malware, and adjusting power settings.
If performance is still poor, consider upgrading the RAM or replacing an HDD with an SSD if possible.
Here’s the detailed breakdown:
Immediate Fixes
Here are some immediate fixes that can help you solve the Lenovo laptop running slow issue in Windows 10/11, including restarting the laptop, closing browser tabs/apps, disabling startup items, and updating Windows.
# 1. Restart the Laptop
The easiest way to make a Lenovo laptop run faster is to restart it. It can instantly clear temporary files, free up RAM, and stop background processes causing slow performance. If this method doesn’t work, continue to try other methods.
# 2. Close Intensive Apps
If there are too many open programs on your Lenovo laptop, it may overload the memory and then slow down the running speed. Try to close unnecessary apps to fix the Lenovo laptop running slow issue.
Here’s how to use Task Manager to end the intensive apps:
Step 1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously to open Task Manager.
Step 2. In the Processes tab, see what is using high CPU or RAM.
Step 3. Right-click one program and select End task.
Step 4. Repeat the steps to end all the resource-hungry processes.
# 3. Manage Startup Items
Startup apps are programs that launch automatically during startup. Too many startup apps can slow down your PC, hog RAM, and increase boot times. Therefore, disabling unnecessary startup items can increase the running speed of a Lenovo laptop.
Here’s how to perform that:
Step 1. Open Task Manager.
Step 2. Go to the Startup apps tab and click Startup impact to order the startup items.
Step 3. Right-click the app that has a high startup impact and choose Disable.
Step 4. Repeat the steps to disable all the unnecessary startup items.
# 4. Check for Windows Updates
Running an older operating system can create compatibility issues with modern applications, resulting in Lenovo laptops running slowly. To solve the issue, check for updates in Windows Update and install the available updates.
Step 1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
Step 2. Select Windows Update.
Step 3. Click Check for updates. If there are available updates, update them.
Maintenance & Optimization
To fix the Lenovo laptop running slow issue, it is crucial to uninstall unnecessary apps, run Disk Cleanup, run a virus scan, update drivers, adjust power settings, and reconfigure visual effects.
# 1. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps
Uninstalling unneeded apps and removing pre-installed bloatware is a very effective method to speed up a slow Lenovo laptop. It helps free storage space and diminishes background processes.
Step 1. Press Win + S to open Search.
Step 2. Type control panel and press Enter.
Step 3. Set View by to Large icons and select Programs and Features.
Step 4. Choose the unnecessary app from the list, right-click it, and select Uninstall.
Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Then, repeat the above steps to uninstall all other unnecessary apps.
# 2. Run Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is a built-in tool on Windows that can remove temporary files, system caches, and other unnecessary data. Thus, run it to fix slowness caused by a full drive.
Step 1. Open Search, type disk cleanup, and press Enter.
Step 2. Select the system drive and click OK.
Step 3. Choose the file types that you want to delete and click OK. Then, click Delete Files in the prompted window.
- Windows Update Cleanup
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus
- Downloaded Programs Files
- Temporary Internet Files
- Windows error reports and feedback diagnostics files
- DirectX Shader Cache
- Delivery Optimization Files
- Recycle Bin
- Temporary Files
- Thumbnails
Step 4. If you want to get a deep clean, click Clean up system files in the Disk Cleanup dialog.
Step 4. Select the system drive again and click OK.
Step 5. Choose the boxes for the file types you want to delete and click OK.
Step 6. Click Delete Files to confirm.
# 2. Check for Malware
Malicious programs often run in the background, leading to sluggish performance, freezing, and long boot times. Therefore, run a full virus scan to check for viruses and malware on your PC to fix the issue.
Step 1. Open Search, type windows security, and press Enter.
Step 2. Click Virus & threat protection in the prompted window.
Step 3. Click Scan options, choose a scan method as you prefer, and then click Scan now.
- Quick scan: Checks the system folders and registry locations where threats are usually found.
- Full scan: Scans all files and running programs on the hard drive, which may take much longer to finish.
- Custom scan: Lets you choose specific files, folders, or drives to scan.
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan): Restarts the device and scans for persistent malware before Windows loads. This helps to detect threats that hide while the system is running.
Step 4. Once the scanning is completed, enter the Protection history page.
Step 5. Locate the quarantined item and select Remove to permanently delete it.
# 3. Update Drivers
Outdated, corrupt, or missing drivers often cause system lag, stuttering, and poor performance. Device Manager is a built-in tool in Windows that is designed to manage installed hardware, update drivers, and troubleshoot device issues.
Follow the steps to update drivers in Device Manager to fix the Lenovo laptop running slow issue:
Step 1. Press Win + X to open Quick Link and select Device Manager from the menu.
Step 2. In Device Manager, expand the categories to find the device you want to update.
Step 3. Right-click the device name and select Update driver.
Step 4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Then, Windows will scan your computer for the latest driver and install it.
Repeat the above steps to update all outdated drivers. Once complete, restart your computer if required. Now, the laptop should run smoothly.
# 4. Adjust Power Settings
Best Performance maximizes speed by allowing for aggressive CPU boosting. This is ideal for gaming or heavy workloads while the power cable is plugged in. Thus, enable it on a Lenovo laptop to boost speed. Here’s how to adjust power settings:
Step 1. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery.
Step 2. Locate Power mode and select Best performance for higher speed.
Further reading: what are the differences among the three Power modes?
- Best Performance: Minimizes power-saving features and keeps the CPU running at high speed for maximum responsiveness. This is best used when the power cable is plugged in.
- Balanced: Automatically adjusts CPU performance based on your workload. This is the best option for most users.
- Best Power Efficiency: Lowers CPU speed, reduces brightness, and limits background tasks to extend battery life when away from a charger.
# 5. Adjust Visual Effects
Visual effects in Windows, such as animations, window shadows, and transparency, consume significant system resources, specifically targeting the GPU (graphics processing unit) and CPU (central processing unit).
Here’s how to adjust visual effects to improve laptop running speed:
Step 1. Press Win + R to open Run, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
Step 2. Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
Step 3. In the prompted window, you can choose from four options.
- Let Windows choose what’s best for my computer: Default setting.
- Adjust for best appearance: Enables all animations and shadows.
- Adjust for best performance: Disables all visual effects for faster responsiveness.
- Custom: Allows you to manually toggle specific effects.
Step 4. Select Adjust for best performance to proceed.
Step 5. Click Apply, then OK to save changes.
Hardware Upgrade
Additionally, consider upgrading hardware to fix the issue of Lenovo laptops running slowly.
# 1. Upgrade RAM
Laptops with only 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM often run slowly during multitasking. If the RAM is not soldered to the motherboard, consider installing more RAM or replacing the RAM.
To check the RAM specifications, do the following steps:
- Visit the Lenovo Product Specifications Reference (PSREF) website.
- Search for your model.
- Go to its Specifications tab.
- Review the Memory section to check for memory information, including the memory size, slots, and type.
Here’s how to upgrade RAM on a laptop:
Step 1. Turn off the laptop completely and drain its residual power.
- Shut down the laptop.
- Unplug the power adapter.
- Remove the battery if possible.
- Hold the power button for 5 seconds to drain residual power.
Step 2. Remove the bottom panel of the laptop using a small-headed screwdriver.
Step 3. Locate the RAM slots, pull back the metal clips on both sides, and the RAM stick should pop up at an angle.
Step 4. Align the notch on the new RAM module with the notch in the slot.
Step 5. Insert the RAM at a 30 to 45-degree angle, then press down firmly until the side clips click into place.
Step 6. Reassemble the back panel, reinsert the battery, and power on the laptop.
The system should automatically recognize the new RAM; check this in your operating system’s System Information or Task Manager.
# 2. Upgrade an HDD to an SSD
Upgrading a Lenovo laptop’s HDD to an SSD significantly reduces boot times, speeds up app loading, and boosts overall performance.
If none of the above ways can help you fix the Lenovo laptop running slow issue, upgrade the HDD to SSD with the following steps:
Phase 1: Preparation and Cloning
Purchase a 2.5-inch SATA SSD or M.2 SSD, depending on your laptop’s compatibility. Then, you should buy a USB-to-SATA adapter or enclosure to connect the new SSD to your laptop externally.
Now, use software to copy your entire HDD to the new SSD. To do that, it is highly recommended to use MiniTool ShadowMaker. This all-in-one PC backup software not only can help you perform computer backup, but also is good at cloning HDD to SSD.
Here’s how to use it to clone system from HDD to SSD:
Step 1. Download and install MiniTool ShadowMaker on your computer. Then, launch this software to its main interface.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 2. Select Tools and click Clone Disk.
Step 3. Choose your HDD, and click Next.
Step 4. Select the new SSD and click Start. In the prompted Warning window, click OK to proceed.
Step 5. Now, the cloning process will start. Once the process is complete, click Finish to confirm.
Phase 2: Physical Installation
Once you have cloned all your data from the HDD to the new SSD, replace the old HDD with the new SSD. Here are the steps:
Step 1. Turn off your laptop and unplug it.
Step 2. Remove the bottom casing with a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws.
Step 3. Unplug the internal battery connector.
Step 4. Unscrew and gently remove the old HDD from its bay, noting its orientation.
Step 5. Slide the SSD into the bay and ensure it connects firmly to the SATA connector.
Step 6. Reconnect the battery, close the case, and secure it with screws.
Phase 3: Post-Installation
After installing the new SSD in your Lenovo laptop, do the following tips to check and complete the upgrade process.
- Verify Speed and Data: If cloning was successful, your laptop should boot faster. Additionally, all of your data should be available.
- Use Old HDD: Place the old HDD into an external enclosure to use as external storage.
Conclusion
Overloaded memory, insufficient disk space, and many other reasons can lead to the Lenovo laptop running slow issue. This post has listed several methods, from immediate fixes, maintenance & optimization, and hardware upgrade, to troubleshoot the issue.
Furthermore, if you encounter issues while using this MiniTool ShadowMaker to clone your disk, feel free to contact us via [email protected].
Lenovo Laptop Running Slow FAQ
The business-grade models often exceed this range due to their higher quality and durability, while consumer-oriented models may have a slightly shorter lifespan.
Quality control issues: Budget Lenovo models often have an inconsistent build quality issue.
Design & aesthetics: The higher-end and durable Lenovo laptop (like ThinkPad) doesn't have a good look.
Thermal management: Models like Legion have been reported to experience overheating issues.
Software bloatware: Some models come with excessive preinstalled software, which can affect performance.
Additionally, many users report on different forums that the ThinkPad line from Lenovo is often rated slightly higher for physical durability.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Charlotte is a columnist who loves to help others solve errors in computer use. She is good at data recovery and disk & partition management, which includes copying partitions, formatting partitions, etc. Her articles are simple and easy to understand, so even people who know little about computers can understand. In her spare time, she likes reading books, listening to music, playing badminton, etc.
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