Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If a new laptop feels slow, first identify when it happens: during startup, in one app, when many apps or browser tabs are open, or all the time. Then check the matching cause using built-in tools before changing settings or seeking support. A slow laptop can have several contributing factors, so no single fix applies to every device.
Why is my new laptop so slow?
Common causes include limited free storage, too many apps running at startup or in the background, outdated software, an app that needs more resources than the laptop can provide, or a device problem. Microsoft notes that several factors can contribute at once. Its Windows performance guidance covers Windows 11 and Windows 10; Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so Windows 10 users should also consider their support status.
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Start by narrowing down the pattern. Is the delay limited to startup, one application, a workload with many open apps or browser tabs, or everyday use? Did it begin during initial setup, after an update, or after installing an app? These observations help you choose the relevant checks.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Try these low-risk checks first
- Restart the laptop. Save your work, restart, then retry the same task that felt slow.
- Close apps you are not using. If performance improves, reopen them selectively to see whether a particular app or combination is involved.
- Install available operating-system updates. On Windows, check Windows Update and optional driver updates. On a Mac, check for available macOS updates in System Settings.
- Check free storage. Low disk space can affect performance. Use your platform’s built-in storage view before deleting files or moving them.
- Inspect resource use and startup apps. Use the Windows Task Manager or macOS Activity Monitor instructions below, and change only settings you understand.
- On Windows, run a Windows Security quick scan. This helps check for malware as one possible cause.
Microsoft’s Windows performance guidance recommends updates, a malware scan, freeing storage, reviewing running and startup apps, closing unused apps, and restarting as appropriate. Menu labels can vary by Windows release.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-Portable: Slim, portable, and light weight allowing you to protect your investment wherever you go
- Ergonomic Comfort: Doubles as an ergonomic stand with two adjustable height settings
- Optimized for Laptop Carrying: The metal mesh provides your laptop with a stable laptop carrying surface
- Ultra-Quiet Fans: Three ultra-quiet fans create a noise-free environment for you
- Extra Usb Ports: Extra USB port and power switch design allows for connecting more USB devices. Warm Tips: The packaged cable is USB to USB connection. Type C connection devices need to prepare an Type C to USB adapter
If you have a Windows laptop
Check what is using resources
Open Task Manager and review Processes to see which apps are active, then check Performance for current resource use. If one app consistently accounts for unusually heavy use while the laptop is slow, close it if safe to do so and retry the task. Avoid ending processes you do not recognize, especially security or device-related software.
Review startup apps if startup is the problem
In Windows 11, go to Settings > Apps > Startup and turn off only apps you do not need to launch automatically. You can also review startup apps in Task Manager. Reducing unnecessary startup apps may help a slow boot; it is not a general fix for an app that runs slowly later. Keep apps you rely on, and do not disable security tools or essential device software just to reduce the list.
Rank #2
- Dual USB Hub: With a built-in dual USB hub, the laptop fan enables you to connect additional USB devices to your laptop, providing extra connectivity options for your peripherals. Warm tips: The packaged cable is a USB-to-USB connection. Type C connection devices require a Type C to USB adapter. Please plug the cooling pad's USB cable into a 5V 1A adapter for best performance; otherwise, the fans may fail to spin or run at very low speed.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Enjoy a noise-free and interference-free environment with super quiet fans, allowing you to focus on your work or entertainment without distractions.
- Enhanced Cooling Performance: The laptop cooling pad features 5 built-in fans (big fan: 4.72-inch, small fans: 2.76-inch), all with blue LEDs. 2 On/Off switches enable simultaneous control of all 5 fans and LEDs. Simply press the switch to select 1 fan working, 4 fans working, or all 5 working together.
- Ergonomic Design: The laptop cooling stand also serves as an ergonomic stand, offering 6 adjustable height settings that enable you to customize the angle for optimal comfort during gaming, movie watching, or working for extended periods. Ideal gift for both the back-to-school season and Father's Day.
- Secure and Universal Compatibility: Designed with 2 stoppers on the front surface, this laptop cooler prevents laptops from slipping and keeps 12-17 inch laptops—including Apple Macbook Pro Air, HP, Alienware, Dell, ASUS, and more—cool and secure during use.
Microsoft’s Windows startup guide defines high startup impact as more than 1 second of CPU time or more than 3 MB of disk use at startup; medium as 300 milliseconds to 1,000 milliseconds of CPU time or up to 3 MB of disk use; and low as less than 300 milliseconds of CPU time and less than 300 KB of disk use. These are Microsoft’s 2023 classifications, not a diagnosis: use the impact label as a clue about startup, not as a reason to disable an app blindly.
Free space carefully
Check available storage in Windows Settings and use built-in storage tools such as Storage Sense or cleanup options to remove files you no longer need. Confirm what will be removed before approving a cleanup. If the drive is genuinely short on space and you want to keep large files, moving them to another disk or external storage may help free room; an external SSD is a storage option, not a general-purpose speed upgrade.
Rank #3
- 👍【Triple Efficient Fans】TECKNET laptop cooling pad with 3 powerful fans works at 1200 RPM to pull in cool air from the bottom to prevent your laptop, notebook, netbook, Ultrabook, Apple MacBook Pro cool from overheating during extended use or intense gaming.
- ✌️【Easy to Use】Powered directly by your laptop's USB port, the 110mm fans operate quietly and feature a dedicated on/off switch. No external power adapter is needed.
- 👑【Double USB Ports】One USB port can power the laptop cooler, the other one can be connected to external devices, such as keyboard, mouse, audio, etc. Blue LED indicators confirm the fans are running. Note: The included cable is USB-A to USB-A.
- 👍【Ergonomic Comfort】Choose between two adjustable height settings to achieve a more comfortable viewing angle. Integrated rubber pads on the surface and base keep your laptop securely in place.
- 👌【Wide Compatibility】Compatible with various laptop sizes from 12 up to 17 inches, such as Apple MacBook Pro Air, HP, Alienware, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, etc (USB cable included). The laptop fan can also accurately dissipate heat for your tablet, router, game console.
If you have a Mac
Check startup-disk space
Open System Settings > General > Storage to review available space on the startup disk. Remove files you no longer need or move files to another disk or external storage, checking carefully before deleting anything.
Inspect memory use and app requirements
Open Activity Monitor and review memory use while the Mac is slow. Apple notes that “An app you’re using may require more memory than your Mac has easily available.” Check the app maker’s documentation for its system requirements and compatibility with your macOS version. Quit unused apps and investigate an app that is incompatible or consistently uses substantial resources.
Rank #4
- 【High-Speed Cooling Performance】 Equipped with two powerful fans and a precision metal mesh design, KYOLLY’s laptop cooling pad delivers optimal airflow to quickly dissipate heat, preventing overheating—even during extended use. Perfect for gaming, multitasking, or long work sessions.
- 【Slim, Lightweight & Highly Portable】 With its ultra-slim profile and lightweight build, this laptop cooler is easy to carry anywhere. A soft blue LED indicator lets you know when the fans are active, combining style with functionality.
- 【5-Level Height Adjustment & Anti-Slip Design】 Customize your typing and viewing angle with five ergonomic height settings. The built-in anti-slip baffles securely hold your laptop in place, making it both a efficient cooler and a reliable stand.
- 【Quiet Operation with Smooth Speed Control】 Enjoy focused work or gameplay thanks to virtually silent fan operation. Adjust wind speed smoothly with the rolling wheel controller to balance cooling power and noise level—ideal for office or shared environments.
- 【Universal Compatibility & Practical USB Ports】 Designed for laptops up to 15.6 inches, this cooler is perfect for home, office, or on-the-go use. Two additional USB ports offer convenient connectivity for peripherals like mice, keyboards, or phones.
Check for disk problems if there are signs of one
If you suspect a disk issue, use Disk Utility to verify the disk and try to repair problems it detects. Follow Apple’s instructions rather than experimenting with disk changes. Apple’s Mac Help guide covers storage, Activity Monitor, app requirements, quitting apps, and Disk Utility.
When to contact the seller or manufacturer
If the laptop has been slow since its first setup, keeps freezing, or remains slow after the relevant basic checks, contact the seller or the manufacturer’s support team with the exact model and a description of what happens. A new device’s persistent problems should not be dismissed as ordinary aging. Ask about the technical-support, repair, exchange, return, or warranty options that apply to your purchase; terms and deadlines vary by seller and location.
Best Value
- 9 Super Cooling Fans: The 9-core laptop cooling pad can efficiently cool your laptop down, this laptop cooler has the air vent in the top and bottom of the case, you can set different modes for the cooling fans.
- Ergonomic comfort: The gaming laptop cooling pad provides 8 heights adjustment to choose.You can adjust the suitable angle by your needs to relieve the fatigue of the back and neck effectively.
- LCD Display: The LCD of cooler pad readout shows your current fan speed.simple and intuitive.you can easily control the RGB lights and fan speed by touching the buttons.
- 10 RGB Light Modes: The RGB lights of the cooling laptop pad are pretty and it has many lighting options which can get you cool game atmosphere.you can press the botton 2-3 seconds to turn on/off the light.
- Whisper Quiet: The 9 fans of the laptop cooling stand are all added with capacitor components to reduce working noise. the gaming laptop cooler is almost quiet enough not to notice even on max setting.
For Microsoft Surface devices, Microsoft’s Surface troubleshooting guide covers updates, startup apps, free space, and built-in memory and drive checks. It also describes restore or reset as a later troubleshooting path and notes that service options may be available if the issue remains. These instructions are Surface-specific; other laptop brands may use different diagnostics.
Before a reset, repair, or other process that could affect files, back up important data. After each change, retry the same task and note whether the slowdown changes. That record can help support distinguish a startup, app, resource, storage, or recurring device problem.
Quick Recap
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