Hp laptop going very slow

[LaurenKWebn]

Computer was going very fast.And then all of a sudden, it's moving so slow that I can't get any work done

[Sneha_01]

Hi @LaurenKWebn 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It can be frustrating when your HP laptop suddenly becomes very slow. There are several potential causes for performance issues, ranging from software problems to hardware limitations. Let’s go through some common troubleshooting steps to help get your laptop back to normal speed.

1. Restart Your Laptop

• The simplest first step is to restart your laptop. This can resolve temporary issues like memory leaks or stuck processes that may be consuming system resources.

2. Check for High CPU or Memory Usage

• Task Manager: Open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check the Processes tab for any programs that are consuming a large amount of CPU or memory (RAM).
• If you see a program using an excessive amount of resources, try ending that task by right-clicking and selecting End Task. If it’s a program you don’t need running, consider disabling it from startup or uninstalling it.

3. Check for Malware or Viruses

• Malware or viruses can significantly slow down your computer. Run a full scan with your antivirus software to check for malicious software.
• If you don't have antivirus software, consider installing a reputable program like Windows Defender (built into Windows) or Malwarebytes for an additional scan.

4. Free Up Space on Your Hard Drive

• Low Disk Space: If your laptop's hard drive (especially if it's an HDD) is almost full, it can cause slow performance. Check your available disk space by going to This PC and looking at the storage under Local Disk (C:).
• Disk Cleanup: Run Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary items:
  • Press Windows + S, type Disk Cleanup, and select it.
  • Choose your C: drive, and the cleanup tool will suggest files to delete. Select the types of files to remove and click OK.

5. Disable Startup Programs

• Many programs automatically start when your laptop boots, which can slow things down.
• In Task Manager, go to the Startup tab and disable programs that you don’t need running when your computer starts. Right-click and select Disable for unnecessary items.

6. Update Your System and Drivers

• Windows Update: Ensure that your laptop has the latest Windows updates. Sometimes updates contain performance improvements and bug fixes.
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
• Driver Updates: Outdated drivers, especially graphics or chipset drivers, can cause performance issues.
  • You can update drivers manually from the Device Manager or by visiting the manufacturer's website (for example, HP support site for HP laptops).
  • Alternatively, use Windows Update to check for driver updates under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options.

7. Check for Background Processes

• Background Apps: Many apps run in the background, consuming system resources. You can control which apps run in the background by going to:
  • Settings > Privacy > Background apps.
  • Turn off apps you don’t need running in the background.

I hope this helps.

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