Quick Fixes for a Slow Business Laptop
You don’t always need new hardware—just a few smart adjustments.
If your laptop feels like it’s always lagging, try these simple fixes before assuming it needs to be replaced.
7-Step Checklist
- Check startup programs
Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) > Startup tab. Disable anything that doesn’t need to launch automatically. - Uninstall unused software
Go to Settings > Apps. Remove programs you don’t use regularly—but only if you’re sure what they are. On shared devices, check with your team before removing anything that might be needed by others. - Clear out temporary files
Type “Disk Cleanup” into the Start menu and run it. Freeing up space can make a big difference. - Run system updates
Go to Settings > Windows Update. Install any available updates and restart your device. - Restart your device regularly
If you always use sleep mode, your laptop never gets a fresh start. Restart once a week. - Check your internet connection
Slow internet can affect overall performance, especially for web-based applications. Make sure you’re connected to a reliable network. - Close browser tabs and remove add-ons
Too many open tabs or unnecessary browser extensions can consume memory and slow things down. Close what you’re not using and disable add-ons you don’t need.
Bonus tip for business owners
If you manage multiple devices across your team, standardizing setup and maintenance can prevent slowdowns from creeping in. That said, sometimes the issue really is old hardware. If a device is more than 5 years old and still dragging after cleanup, it might be time for a replacement.
Don’t want to do it manually every time? We can help. Horizon’s TotalCare service includes unlimited support for a fixed monthly fee—so your team gets help when they need it, without surprise costs.
Horizon works with small teams across Western Canada to keep their devices fast, secure, and ready to work.
