A slow laptop can be very frustrating, but fortunately, it doesn’t have to be complicated to regain space and speed. Cleaning up your laptop without effort may sound too good to be true, but with the right tips and tools, it’s easier than you think. In this blog, we explain how to save time with digital cleaning of your beloved laptop.

• Why cleaning up your laptop is important
• The best tools for a quick cleanup
• Helpful tips to keep your laptop clean and fast

Why cleaning up your laptop is important

A laptop cleanup is essential to your computer’s long-term survival. It’s the way to make room again for what’s really important (like your favorite series) and to get your laptop running smoothly again. In fact, Windows laptops can become quite slow due to a collection of digital clutter: old updates, unused programs and temporary files that have long since ceased to be “temporary.” And let’s face it, a full hard drive during an important presentation or deadline is something you want to avoid at all costs. So do your laptop a favor, give it a refresh, and it will thank you with faster boot times and smoothly running apps!

The best tools for a quick cleanup

If you’ve ever cleaned up your laptop without external tools before, you know this can be a lot of work. Fortunately, we live in 2024! There are countless ways to clean up your storage again these days. Before you get started on your big cleanup, though, it’s important to take note of what you really don’t want to lose, think about specific photos, software & files.

Tools that will save you a lot of time for your cleaning:

• Disk Cleanup: Windows’ own cleanup hero that temporarily wipes away files and other unnecessary ballast like it’s nothing. Just look for “Disk Cleanup” in the start menu and let it do its magic.
• Storage Management: Windows 10 and 11 have built-in Storage Management-feature that lets you see what the biggest space eaters are. That way you can finally tackle that one folder full of old memes.
• CCleaner: A popular cleaning tool that not only scrubs up your laptop, but also tidies your registry and cookies. An all-in-one solution for a fresh start.
• External hard drive: Sometimes there are files or groups of files that are very large, but you really don’t want to lose them. Then put them on an external hard drive! Think of it as a digital safe where you store all your valuable data safely. The nice thing is that this gives your laptop some nice breathing room, while your important files are still at your fingertips

Helpful tips for keeping your laptop clean

A cleaned-up laptop is nice, but of course, prevention is better than cure. Here are a few simple tips to keep your laptop clean and blazing fast, without having to embark on a major cleanup every month:

• Empty your trash regularly: That digital trash can get just as full as the real one. Set up an auto-empty function, and you’ll never have to deal with it again.
• Use cloud storage: Store large files in the cloud (such as Google Drive or OneDrive) and let your laptop breathe. Bonus: you can access your files anywhere.
• Uninstall unused programs: That app you opened once in 2019? Time to say goodbye! Less clutter means more speed.
• Disable startup programs: Through Task Manager, you can disable programs that start at laptop startup. This will prevent a slow start.
• Schedule monthly cleaning sessions: Give yourself a reminder to clear some space each month. Small effort, big result!

Is your laptop still slow after following all the steps? Then something else could be going on! Then read the following blog to find out what you can do; ‘Is your laptop slow?

Are you at your wit’s end? No worries, you can always drop by one of our stores for free advice and prompt service. Prefer to make an appointment? You can easily do so here on our website, so you can be helped immediately without waiting. At ThePhoneLab you are assured of the best service and we will make sure your laptop functions optimally again.