If your Windows laptop takes minutes to start, freezes when opening Chrome, or sounds like it is working overtime just to load email, you are not alone. We see this every day at our repair workshops in Auckland.
The good news is that a slow computer does not always mean you need to replace it. In many cases, performance issues are caused by settings, ageing hardware, storage limits, or software clutter. Below are practical steps you can try at home, followed by guidance on when it is time to get a professional check.
1. Check What Is Slowing It Down at Startup
One of the most common causes of a slow laptop is too many programs launching when Windows starts.
How to check startup programs:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
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Click Startup
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Sort by Startup impact
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Right click and Disable any non-essential programs
Be cautious not to disable security software or drivers.
In our Auckland workshop, we often see laptops with 10 to 20 startup programs running unnecessarily. Disabling these alone can reduce boot time significantly.
2. Free Up Storage Space
Windows needs free space to operate properly. If your drive is almost full, performance will drop.
Check your storage:
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Go to Settings > System > Storage
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Review what is taking up space
Turn on Storage Sense to automatically remove temporary files.
If your laptop has less than 20 percent free space, performance may suffer. We regularly see older devices with 95 percent full hard drives, which slows everything down.
3. Check If You Are Still Using a Mechanical Hard Drive
This is one of the biggest performance differences we see. Older laptops often use HDD drives. These are significantly slower than SSD drives. Upgrading from HDD to SSD can reduce boot time from several minutes to under 30 seconds. In our experience repairing computers across Auckland homes and small businesses, SSD upgrades are the single most noticeable improvement you can make to an older laptop.
How to check your drive type:
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Open Task Manager
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Go to Performance
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Click Disk
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It will show whether it is HDD or SSD
If it says HDD, an SSD upgrade is worth considering before buying a new laptop.
4. Scan for Malware or Unwanted Software
Viruses are not the only problem. Adware, browser extensions, and bundled software can quietly consume memory and processing power.
Run a full scan using:
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Windows Security (built-in Defender)
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A reputable anti-malware tool
If your browser homepage keeps changing, pop-ups appear, or your fan runs constantly even when idle, malware could be the cause. We frequently assist Auckland customers who thought their laptop was “old and tired” when in fact it was infected.
5. Adjust Power Settings
If your device is set to Power Saver mode, performance may be reduced.
Change your power plan:
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Go to Settings > System > Power & battery
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Select a balanced or higher performance option when plugged in
For desktop computers, Power Saver mode is usually unnecessary.
6. Update Windows and Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause slow performance, freezing, or compatibility issues.
Go to:
Settings > Windows Update
Install pending updates and restart your computer.
If you experience ongoing issues after an update, the problem may be driver related. This is something we diagnose frequently at our Rosedale and Penrose branches.
7. Check Your RAM (Memory)
If your laptop has 4GB of RAM or less, modern Windows 10 or 11 may struggle, especially with multiple browser tabs open.
Signs of low memory include:
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Freezing when switching between programs
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Constant disk activity
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Sluggish multitasking
Upgrading to 8GB or 16GB RAM can make a noticeable difference, particularly for students and small business users in Auckland who rely heavily on web-based tools.
8. Consider the Age of the Device
If your laptop is over 7 to 8 years old, components may simply be nearing the end of their lifespan. Batteries degrade. Cooling systems clog with dust. Thermal paste dries out. We regularly clean internal fans and replace thermal paste in our workshop. Overheating can slow your system down as the processor reduces speed to protect itself.
When DIY Fixes Are Not Enough
If you have tried the above and your laptop is still slow, the issue may be:
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Failing hard drive
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Corrupted Windows installation
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Background system errors
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Hardware degradation
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Advanced malware infection
At Advanced Computers, we perform full laptop repairs, including performance diagnostics, hardware testing, storage health checks, and operating system optimisation. Many customers are relieved to learn that a targeted upgrade or system refresh costs far less than replacing the entire machine.
Is It Worth Repairing or Replacing?
This depends on:
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Age of the laptop
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Current specifications
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Cost of upgrade
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Intended use
For example:
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An SSD and RAM upgrade on a 5 year old laptop is often worthwhile
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A heavily worn 10 year old entry-level device may not justify the investment
We provide practical advice based on real testing rather than guesswork.
Local Support in Auckland
If your Windows laptop is running slow and you would rather have it properly assessed, you can visit us at any of our branches. We service home users, students, and small businesses across Auckland. Whether it is a performance tune-up, SSD upgrade, virus removal, or full repair, we can advise you clearly on your options.
If you are unsure what is causing the slowdown, bring your laptop in for a diagnostic assessment. Sometimes the fix is simple. Sometimes it is an upgrade. Either way, it is better to know before spending money on a replacement.