To make a new Windows laptop feel faster and less cluttered, start with Windows Update, trim only startup apps you recognize, uninstall programs you know you do not use, and review storage cleanup suggestions before deleting anything. Then check Task Manager and Windows Security if performance still feels poor. These built-in steps are safer than registry edits or unofficial debloat tools, and they help you find the actual cause rather than removing software at random.
Start with Windows Update
Install available updates before changing settings. Updates can include fixes and performance improvements, and optional driver updates may help in some cases. To check, open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install available updates and restart if prompted. See Microsoft’s Windows performance guidance.
Reduce what launches at sign-in
Apps that start with Windows can lengthen startup and continue using resources in the background. Review them before disabling anything:
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
- Select Startup apps.
- Disable only entries you recognize and do not need immediately when you sign in.
Keep unfamiliar security, device, and accessibility software enabled until you know what it does. You can still open a disabled app manually when needed. Microsoft’s performance tips explain how startup apps can affect the PC.
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#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Uninstall only apps you know you do not need
There is no universal list of preinstalled apps that every laptop owner should remove: bundles differ by manufacturer, and a program that is unnecessary to one person may support another person’s work or hardware. Remove only software you recognize and have decided not to use.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find the app, open its menu, and choose Uninstall if that option is available.
Some programs can also be removed from Start or Control Panel. Some built-in Windows apps cannot be uninstalled. For Microsoft’s supported options, see Uninstall or remove apps and programs in Windows.
Rank #2
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- 4GB DDR4 System Memory; 128GB Solid State Drive
- 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) Multi-Touch Display
- Combo headphone/microphone jack - Noble Wedge Lock slot - HDMI; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Windows 11 Pro
Inspect storage before freeing space
A crowded drive can make it harder to manage files and updates, but cleanup is not a reason to delete personal files blindly. First inspect what is using space at Settings > System > Storage.
- Storage Sense can remove selected temporary files and Recycle Bin contents. Review its choices and settings before relying on automatic cleanup.
- Cleanup recommendations can show categories such as temporary files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files, and unused apps. Review what Windows proposes before selecting anything for removal.
If you want to keep large files but rarely need them on the laptop, moving them to an external USB drive or portable external SSD can free internal space. Check that the drive’s capacity and connector suit your files and laptop; files stored externally are available only while the drive is connected. This can ease storage pressure, but it is not a CPU or memory upgrade. Microsoft’s instructions are in Free up drive space in Windows.
Rank #3
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Find out what is using resources
If the laptop still feels sluggish, check whether a particular app or resource is responsible instead of installing a random optimizer.
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
- Use Processes to inspect CPU, memory, and disk activity. Select a column heading to sort by that resource.
- Use Performance to see broader CPU, memory, and disk activity.
- Close only apps you recognize and are not using. Do not end unfamiliar processes just because they appear busy.
- Open Windows Security and run a virus scan if malware is a concern.
High activity that remains after you close apps may point to a specific process, a device constraint, or another cause that needs diagnosis. Microsoft’s performance guidance and signs that it may be time for a new PC provide further context.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Choose power and visual settings for the situation
Power mode is a trade-off, not a cleanup step. Balanced is a sensible everyday starting point for many users. Best performance may provide more headroom for demanding work, but can use more power, drain the battery faster, and make the laptop warmer. Use it selectively, especially when plugged in.
To change the mode, open Settings > System > Power & battery and choose a mode under Power mode. Available labels can vary by device. See Microsoft’s power mode instructions.
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Best Value
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Windows also offers visual-effects settings that can prioritize performance over some animations and appearance effects. Treat this as an optional usability trade-off: it will not fix a laptop whose actual bottleneck is storage, a busy process, or constrained hardware. Microsoft’s performance tips describe the setting.
Restart and reassess before taking bigger steps
Close apps and browser tabs you do not need, restart the laptop, and see whether the problem remains during your normal workload. If CPU, memory, or disk activity is persistently high, identify the process or device constraint before making more changes. No measured before-and-after speed gain is established by Microsoft’s guidance, and settings changes may not produce a substantial improvement on older or constrained hardware.
A Windows reset is a last-resort troubleshooting option, not routine decluttering. Microsoft’s Reset your PC guidance explains that Keep my files preserves personal files but removes apps and settings. Back up important data first, and have your BitLocker recovery key available if device encryption is enabled.
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