Troubleshooting Slow or Freezing Laptop Issues

Experiencing a slow or freezing laptop can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to try to resolve the issue on your own. Follow the steps below to improve your laptop's performance.

1. Run a Full System Scan

Start by checking for malware or harmful programs that could be affecting your laptop's performance.

• Antivirus Software: Launch your installed antivirus program and initiate a complete system scan. This will help identify and remove any malicious software.

2. Use Disk Cleanup

Freeing up disk space can often enhance performance by removing unnecessary files.

• Remove Unnecessary Files:
  • Open the Start menu and type "Disk Cleanup" to access the tool.
  • Select the drive you wish to clean, usually the C: drive.
  • Check the boxes next to the types of files you want to delete, such as temporary files and items in the recycle bin, then click OK to proceed.

3. Check RAM Usage

High RAM usage can lead to slowdowns and freezing.

• Task Manager:
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Navigate to the "Performance" tab to evaluate RAM usage.
  • If you notice that your RAM usage is consistently high, consider closing any applications or tabs that you are not actively using.

4. Contact IT Department

If your laptop continues to operate slowly or freeze after performing the above steps, there may be a hardware issue at play. In this case, it is best to reach out to your IT department for a more thorough evaluation and assistance.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve performance issues on your laptop before needing to seek further support.