Welcome to this guide on How To Make Laptop Faster and Smoother dedicated to enhancing the performance of your laptop, particularly for Windows 10 gaming.

Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or a regular user seeking a smoother experience, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll explore various methods, tools, and tricks to optimize your laptop’s speed and efficiency.

Assessing Current Performance

Before diving into optimizations, let’s evaluate your laptop’s current gaming performance.

We’ll use a gaming test, focusing on the frames per second (fps) rate. Our test game is the popular Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, played on a Dell Inspiron 5547 i7 laptop.

Gameplay Check

• Launch the game and observe the current fps.
• Note the graphical settings (e.g., high level, 1080p).
• Assess the hardware specifications (Dell Inspiron 5547 i7).
• Run a 5-minute gameplay test to analyze initial performance.

Optimization Steps

1. Power Options

Adjusting power settings can significantly impact performance.

• Navigate to the Start menu and search for ‘Power Options.’
• Access the Power Options window in the Control Panel.
• Choose the ‘High performance’ power plan for maximum efficiency.

2. Remove Unwanted Programs

Cleaning up unnecessary programs can free up resources.

• Go to the Start menu and access ‘Control Panel.’
• Navigate to ‘Programs’ and click ‘Uninstall a Program.’
• Identify and uninstall unwanted programs to declutter your system.

3. Task Manager

Manage startup programs efficiently.

• Right-click on the taskbar and select ‘Task Manager.’
• Visit the ‘Startup’ tab to disable unnecessary programs that launch at startup.

4. Disable Windows Services

Optimize system services for improved performance.

• Search for ‘Services’ in the Start menu.
• Disable unnecessary Windows services to enhance overall system speed.

5. Defragment and Optimize Drives

Optimize hard drive performance through defragmentation.

• Search for ‘Defragment’ in the Start menu and select ‘Defragment and Optimize Drives.’
• Optimize the system drive (usually C:) to improve read/write speeds.

6. Clean Up Memory

Free up memory space and improve system responsiveness.

• Right-click on your system drive (C:) in File Explorer.
• Choose ‘Properties’ and run the Disk Cleanup utility to remove unnecessary files.

7. Delete Unnecessary Temporary Files

Clear out temporary files to enhance system performance.

• Open the Run dialog (Windows key + R) and type ‘%temp%.’
• Delete all files in the Temp folder.
• Repeat the process for the ‘temp’ and ‘prefetch’ folders.

8. Reduce Runtime Services

Disable unwanted Microsoft services to optimize performance.

• Access ‘Run’ (Windows key + R) and type ‘msconfig.’
• In the ‘Services’ tab, hide Microsoft services and disable unwanted ones.

9. Game-Specific Optimization

• Explore forums and guides for game-specific optimization tips.
• Some games have unique settings or configurations that can significantly impact performance.

10. Graphics Driver Update

• Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.
• Visit the official website of your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download and install the latest drivers.

11. Overclocking (For Advanced Users)

• Overclock your CPU and GPU for a performance boost.
• However, proceed with caution as this may void warranties and potentially damage your hardware if not done properly.

12. Windows Game Mode

• Activate Windows Game Mode to prioritize system resources for gaming.
• Search for ‘Game Mode settings’ in the Start menu.

13. Registry Cleanup

• Use reputable registry cleaning tools to remove unnecessary entries.
• Exercise caution, and always back up your registry before making any changes.

14. Custom Launch Options

• For specific games, explore custom launch options.
• This may involve tweaking command-line parameters to optimize performance.

15. RAM Upgrade

• If possible, consider upgrading your RAM for improved multitasking and overall system responsiveness.

16. SSD Upgrade

• Upgrade to an SSD if you’re still using an HDD.
• This significantly improves loading times and overall system responsiveness.

17. BIOS/UEFI Update

• Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for BIOS/UEFI updates.
• Be cautious when updating, and follow the provided instructions carefully.

18. Network Optimization

• Optimize your network settings for online gaming.
• Ensure you have a stable and low-latency internet connection.

19. Temperature Monitoring

• Keep an eye on your system temperatures.
• High temperatures can lead to performance throttling.
• Use tools like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor.

20. VRAM Allocation Adjustment

• Adjust the VRAM allocation settings in your system BIOS/UEFI for integrated graphics.
• This is particularly relevant for laptops.

Advanced Settings for Power Users

For users seeking more advanced adjustments, we recommend the following:

1. System Performance Settings

Fine-tune Windows performance settings.

• Search for ‘System’ in the Start menu and access ‘Advanced system settings.’
• Click on ‘Settings’ under the ‘Performance’ section.
• Choose ‘Adjust for best performance’ for a minimalistic yet efficient visual experience.

2. Razer Cortex Game Booster

Unlock maximum gaming potential with the Razer Cortex Game Booster.

• Download and install Razer Cortex from the official website.
• Create a Razer account or log in.
• Add your games to the Game Booster for optimized performance.

Final Tips

By following these steps, you can significantly enhance your laptop’s speed and efficiency, ensuring a smoother gaming experience on Windows 10.

Whether you’re a casual user or a dedicated gamer, these optimizations cater to different needs and preferences. Experiment with these methods, and find the combination that works best for you, unlocking the full potential of your laptop’s hardware.