Welcome
Sign In / Register
Returns
& Orders

TROUBLESHOOTING · STEP BY STEP · WINDOWS 10 & 11

Laptop running slow

A slow laptop is almost always caused by too many programs running, a full storage drive, malware, or hardware that needs upgrading. These steps will identify the cause and fix it — no specialist help needed.

Plain language8 steps12-month warranty
STEP-BY-STEP

Follow these steps in order.

Most problems are resolved within the first few steps. Work through them one at a time.

Step 1
Check Task Manager. Right-click taskbar → Task Manager → More details. Sort by CPU and Memory. Anything above 80–90% sustained = your bottleneck. End Task on programs you don’t need.
StepSTART HERE
STEP 1 of 8
Step 2
Close unnecessary programs & tabs. Each open program and browser tab uses RAM. Close what you’re not using. Restart your browser if it’s been open a long time.
Step
STEP 2 of 8
Step 3
Manage startup programs. Task Manager → Startup tab. Disable programs you don’t need at login (Spotify, Adobe updaters, etc). Safe and reversible.
Step
STEP 3 of 8
Step 4
Run Disk Cleanup. Search “Disk Cleanup” in Start menu. Select your C: drive. Check all boxes and clean. Frees space from temp files, update caches, recycle bin.
Step
STEP 4 of 8
Step 5
Check storage space. Settings → System → Storage. If your drive is above 90% full, performance drops. Delete large files or move them to external storage.
Step
STEP 5 of 8
Step 6
Scan for malware. Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Full scan. Let it complete. Remove anything found. See our virus removal guide for more.
Step
STEP 6 of 8
Step 7
Check for Windows updates. Settings → Update & Security → Check for updates. Install all pending updates and restart.
Step
STEP 7 of 8
Step 8
Consider a RAM or SSD upgrade. If your laptop has 8GB RAM or less, or still uses an HDD, upgrading makes the biggest difference. CLS devices come with 16GB RAM and SSD as standard.
StepHARDWARE
STEP 8 of 8
WHEN TO CONTACT CLS

Still not working?

Contact CLS Support

If your CLS laptop is still slow after all steps, it may need professional diagnosis. Phone 1300 724 968, email [email protected], or visit Unit 25, 16 Loyalty Road, North Rocks NSW 2151 (Mon–Sun 10am–6pm).

Under warranty?

If your device is under CLS warranty, do not attempt to open or repair it yourself. Contact us and we’ll guide you through the assessment process. CLS pays shipping both ways for warranty claims.

CLS SUPPORT

We stand behind every device.

Every refurbished laptop from CLS comes with a 12-month warranty and is backed by our North Rocks, Sydney support team. 210,000+ devices sold since 2011.

Contact support

CLS

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Why is my laptop so slow all of a sudden?
Usually a background process, Windows update, or malware. Check Task Manager first to identify the cause.
Will more RAM make my laptop faster?
Yes, if you’re currently at 8GB or less. 16GB is the sweet spot for modern use. CLS refurbished laptops include 16GB as standard.
Is an SSD faster than an HDD?
Yes, 5–10x faster. CLS replaces every HDD with an SSD during refurbishment. If your laptop still has an HDD, upgrading is the single biggest performance improvement.
How do I check if I have an SSD or HDD?
Task Manager → Performance tab → Disk. It will show the drive type. Or Settings → System → Storage → Advanced storage settings.
Can a virus make my laptop slow?
Yes. Malware runs in the background consuming resources. Run a full Windows Security scan. See our virus removal guide.
Should I factory reset my laptop?
Only as a last resort. It erases everything. Try the steps above first — most slowness is fixable without a reset.
What warranty does my CLS laptop have?
12-month hardware warranty. Full details.
How do I contact CLS support?
Phone 1300 724 968 or visit North Rocks showroom.

Related

Laptop Won’t Turn On — troubleshootingVirus Removal — step by stepHelp Centre — all guidesWarranty — 12 months

LAST UPDATED · MAY 2026 · CLS TEAM

★ Need help? Call us

· Verified purchase