A laptop update is supposed to make things better. Faster performance, better security, smoother experience. But sometimes, right after an update, your laptop feels slower than ever. Apps take longer to open, the fan runs louder, and even simple tasks lag.
Before assuming something is broken or heading straight to a repair shop, try these simple fixes. Most of them take just a few minutes and actually work. Most take just a few minutes and actually work, but if issues persist, professional laptop repair services in Las Vegas can help get your device back to peak performance.
1. Check Startup Apps First
After updates, Windows often re-enables apps that start automatically. These run in the background and slow everything down.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, open Startup, and disable apps you don’t need immediately, like chat tools, game launchers, or cloud sync apps. Restart your laptop and see the difference.
2. Close Heavy Background Apps
Some apps quietly use your system resources without you noticing. Open Task Manager and check which apps are using high CPU, memory, or disk.
If something looks unnecessary, close it. Browsers with too many tabs, background update tools, or unused software can slow your laptop significantly. For critical files at risk during cleanup or crashes, professional data recovery services can help ensure nothing is lost.
3. Free Up Storage Space
Updates need space. If your storage is almost full, performance drops.
Go to Settings > System > Storage and run Storage Sense. Delete temporary files, old downloads, and unused apps. Try to keep at least 15 to 20 percent free space on your main drive.
4. Restart More Than Once
It sounds basic, but many updates need more than one restart to fully apply background changes. Restart your laptop after the update settles. This alone fixes lag for many users.
5. Roll Back a Problematic Update
Sometimes the update itself causes the slowdown.
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall updates. Remove the most recent update and restart. If performance improves, pause updates temporarily until a stable version is released.
6. Update Drivers
Updates can clash with old drivers, especially graphics and chipset drivers. Visit your laptop manufacturer’s website and install the latest drivers. This often restores normal speed.
When Simple Fixes Aren’t Enough
If your laptop is still slow after trying these steps, the issue may be deeper. Failing hardware, overheating, or corrupted system files can cause ongoing performance problems.
| Still struggling with a slow laptop? Our technicians can diagnose update-related issues fast and restore smooth performance. Visit us today for expert help and honest advice you can trust. Book an Appointment with us |
