Windows laptop: 10 easy software tweaks to make an old device feel like new

This article lists ten mostly free software tweaks—such as malware scans and disabling unneeded startup apps—that can improve performance on older Windows laptops.

Older Windows laptops can feel slow after years of use. The article presents ten simple, mostly free software adjustments intended to restore responsiveness. It covers checks like malware scans, removing unnecessary programs, changing startup behavior, and adjusting power and visual settings. Many suggestions rely on built-in tools or free utilities rather than new hardware. Key points: - Malware and unwanted software can consume resources; Microsoft Defender helps but may not catch every threat. - The piece mentions free or freemium scan tools such as Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, and AVG for fuller checks. - Uninstalling preinstalled bloatware and disabling nonessential startup apps via Task Manager can free RAM and speed boot times. - Pausing OneDrive syncing, choosing an appropriate power plan (including High Performance or manufacturer options), and leaving 15–20% of a drive free are cited as ways to reduce slowdowns. - Keeping Windows and device drivers updated, disabling transparency and animation effects, and closing unused apps and browser tabs can lower system load. - The article notes that regular shutdowns (rather than always using sleep) can clear memory, and that a fresh Windows install or switching to Linux are options if software tweaks do not restore performance. Summary: The article groups practical software changes that can make an older Windows laptop feel more responsive without hardware upgrades. It emphasizes scans for malware, removing or disabling unnecessary software, adjusting power and visual settings, and keeping the system and drivers updated. If performance remains limited after these steps, the piece mentions reinstalling Windows or trying Linux as additional options.