Why My HP Laptop Shows Performance Issues Even With Low Workload?

[FinnWeston]

My main profession is real estate this is a very simple job. To be truthful, my day-to-day activities are not overly burdensome. Generally, I am checking plans, confirming takeoff files, or preparing estimates. Nothing that I am doing normally overwhelms a typical laptop. Yet the needle has not quite made it to the pole even with this light use.
What is strange is that when the system lags, lights up, or isn't responsive, and I am just opening little project files or running basic applications. Following some digging, I realized the issue isn't with my workload at all, but the default processes HP laptops come with.
They have HP support services, automatic updates, system diagnostics, and other programs that are built in and are just running silent and in the background. These debates are taking up RAM and CPU space repeatedly even not running heavy workloads.
It doesn't stop there, I have Windows optimization tasks and driver services that are using resources. All of these background processes can leave the computer feeling slow at uncertain times of use.
So, even though enough work in construction estimating is not complex nor labor intensive, the computer is still slow arriving so I can run in the background to do work at the same time to take up system memory.
If anyone else has had a problem like or even fixed it and had a solution, I would appreciate any feats.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @FinnWeston,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

We understand how frustrating it can be when your HP laptop feels slow even during light tasks. This can happen because HP systems often include helpful background services such as HP Support Assistant, update managers, and diagnostics that ensure your device stays secure and up to date. However, these processes can sometimes use system resources unexpectedly.

Here are steps to improve performance while keeping your device healthy:

1. Update BIOS and Drivers

Outdated drivers or BIOS can cause performance issues.

• Visit the official HP support page for your model: Official HP® Support
• Use HP Image Assistant or HP Support Assistant | HP® Support to install the latest updates.

2. Optimize Startup Programs

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Startup tab.
• Disable non-essential apps from starting automatically. Keep HP Support Assistant enabled for updates, but you can disable other third-party apps.

3. Adjust HP Support Assistant Settings

• Open HP Support Assistant → Settings.
• Reduce the frequency of automatic scans and updates to minimize background load.

4. Run HP Diagnostics

• Restart your PC → Press F2 → Run System Tests (Memory & Storage).
• Or download HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows: HP PC Hardware Diagnostics | HP® Support

5. Windows Performance Settings

• Go to Settings → System → Power & Battery → Power Mode → Select Best Performance.
• Disable unnecessary background apps:
  Settings → Apps → Installed Apps → Background permissions → Never for apps you don’t need running.

6. Consider a Clean Install

If the system came with preinstalled software you don’t use, a clean Windows installation with only HP essentials can significantly improve responsiveness.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat