Prevent Tablet Is Slow On Windows Tablet: Genius Fixes

Is your Windows tablet sluggish? Don’t worry! This guide offers genius fixes to prevent your Windows tablet from being slow. We’ll cover simple steps like closing apps, managing startup programs, and disk cleanup to boost performance. Get your tablet running smoothly again with these easy, practical tips.

Ever feel like your trusty Windows tablet is moving at a snail’s pace? It’s a common frustration, isn’t it? That moment when you tap an icon and wait… and wait… can be incredibly annoying. Whether you’re trying to jot down notes, browse the web, or enjoy a quick game, a slow tablet just gets in the way. But don’t start thinking it’s time for a new device just yet! Many times, a laggy tablet is a fixable problem. We’ve put together some incredibly effective methods to help speed things up, and you don’t need to be a tech wizard to follow them. We’ll guide you step-by-step through everything you need to know to get your Windows tablet performing wonderfully again.

Why Is My Windows Tablet So Slow?

It’s a question many of us ask when our Windows tablets start to drag. Several factors can contribute to a decrease in performance. Think of your tablet like your own brain; if it’s overloaded with too many thoughts or tasks at once, it can get overwhelmed and slow down. The same applies to your Windows tablet. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

• Too Many Apps Running: Every app you open uses up some of your tablet’s processing power and memory. If you have many apps open simultaneously, especially resource-heavy ones, your tablet has to juggle them all, which can lead to sluggishness.
• Startup Programs: Many applications are set to launch automatically when you turn on your tablet. While convenient for some, too many can significantly increase boot time and consume resources in the background, even if you’re not actively using them.
• Low Storage Space: Just like people need space to think, your tablet needs free space on its storage drive to operate efficiently. When the drive is nearly full, Windows struggles to find room for temporary files and system operations, slowing everything down.
• Outdated Software: Keeping your Windows operating system and drivers up-to-date is crucial. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can resolve slowdowns.
• Malware or Viruses: Malicious software can run in the background, consuming valuable resources and compromising your tablet’s performance and security.
• Hardware Limitations: While we focus on software fixes, older or lower-spec tablets might naturally struggle with demanding tasks or newer software. However, optimization can still make a big difference.

Genius Fix #1: Tame Your Running Apps

The simplest solutions are often the most effective. One of the quickest ways to speed up a slow Windows tablet is to close down applications you’re not actively using. Think of each open app as a worker busy on a task; if you have too many workers, the overall productivity can decrease because they’re all vying for attention and resources.

How to Close Running Apps:

On a Windows tablet, managing open apps is straightforward. You can usually see which apps are running and close them with a few taps or clicks.

• Using the Taskbar (if available): If you’re using your tablet with a keyboard and mouse or have the taskbar visible, you can often right-click on an app icon and select “Close window” or “Close all windows.”
• Alt + F4 Shortcut: This classic Windows shortcut works on most applications. Pressing `Alt` and `F4` keys together will close the currently active window or application.
• Task View (Windows 10 & 11): Press `Windows key + Tab` to open Task View. You’ll see all your open apps displayed as thumbnails. Hover over an app you want to close, and click the ‘X’ in the top-right corner of its thumbnail.
• Using the Task Manager: For more stubborn apps or to see what’s truly consuming resources:
  1. Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on the “Processes” tab.
  3. Look for applications that are using a high percentage of CPU or Memory.
  4. Select the application you want to close and click the “End task” button at the bottom right.

  Be cautious when ending tasks in Task Manager; ensure you know what you’re ending, as some are essential system processes.

Pro Tip: Regularly check your running apps, especially after heavy usage or when you notice your tablet slowing down. Aim to keep only the apps you need open at any given time.

Genius Fix #2: Conquer Startup Programs

Many programs like to sneak their way into starting automatically when your Windows tablet boots up. While some are necessary (like antivirus software), too many will slow down your startup time and hog resources even when you’re not using them. Managing these can make a surprising difference.

How to Manage Startup Apps:

Windows makes it relatively easy to see and disable programs that launch at startup.

• Using Task Manager:
1. As mentioned above, open Task Manager by pressing `Ctrl + Shift + Esc`.
2. Click the “Startup” tab.
3. You’ll see a list of programs that run on startup, along with their “Startup impact” (High, Medium, Low).
4. To disable a program, right-click on it and select “Disable.”

Important Note: Don’t disable programs you don’t recognize if you’re unsure. Look for optional programs you’ve installed yourself (like music players, chat apps, or software updaters) that you don’t need running immediately upon startup.

• Using Settings (Windows 10 & 11):
1. Open the Settings app (press `Windows key + I`).
2. Go to “Apps,” then select “Startup” from the left-hand menu.
3. You’ll see a list of apps that can start with Windows.
4. Toggle the switch to “Off” for any apps you wish to disable from starting automatically.

Benefit: A cleaner startup means a faster boot-up and more resources available for the applications you actually want to use. This is a fundamental step in preventing your Windows tablet from being slow.

Genius Fix #3: Free Up Valuable Disk Space

A full hard drive is a major performance killer. Windows needs free space to create temporary files, perform system updates, and manage its operations smoothly. When your drive is close to capacity, these processes slow down dramatically.

Steps to Free Up Space:

• Disk Cleanup Utility: This built-in Windows tool is excellent for removing temporary files, system error memory dump files, Recycle Bin contents, and more.
1. In the Windows search bar, type “Disk Cleanup” and select the app.
2. Choose the drive you want to clean (usually the C: drive).
3. Disk Cleanup will scan for files you can remove.
4. Select the types of files you want to delete (e.g., Temporary Internet Files, Downloads, Recycle Bin).
5. For a deeper clean, click “Clean up system files.” This will rescan and offer options like removing old Windows Update files or previous Windows installations.
6. Click “OK” and then “Delete Files” to proceed.
• Uninstall Unused Applications: Programs you no longer use take up space.
1. Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Click “Apps” and then “Apps & features.”
3. Scroll through the list, click on an app you don’t need, and select “Uninstall.”
• Manage Storage Sense (Windows 10 & 11): This feature can automatically free up space by deleting unnecessary files, like temporary files and items in your Recycle Bin.
1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Turn on Storage Sense.
3. Click “Configure Storage Sense or run it now” to customize its settings (e.g., how often it runs, what it deletes).
• Move Large Files to External Storage: If you have many large files like videos, photos, or documents, consider transferring them to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Empty the Recycle Bin: Don’t forget to empty your Recycle Bin regularly to truly free up the space occupied by deleted files.

Impact: By ensuring you have at least 15-20% free space on your primary drive, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your tablet’s responsiveness.

Genius Fix #4: Keep Your Windows Up-to-Date

Microsoft regularly releases updates for Windows. These aren’t just about adding new features; they often contain vital performance enhancements, security patches, and bug fixes that can directly address slowdowns and improve overall stability. Ignoring these updates can leave your tablet vulnerable and performing poorly.

How to Check for and Install Updates:

• Windows Update in Settings:
1. Open the Settings app (Windows key + I).
2. Click on “Update & Security” (Windows 10) or “Windows Update” (Windows 11).
3. Click “Check for updates.”
4. If updates are found, they will download and install automatically. You may need to restart your tablet to complete the installation.

Why it matters: Updates ensure your operating system is running with the latest optimizations and security measures. For more information on Windows Update, you can visit the official Microsoft support page: Microsoft Support on Updates.

Genius Fix #5: Refresh or Reset Your Tablet

Sometimes, the issues with a slow Windows tablet are deep-seated, and a more drastic software solution is needed. Windows offers options to refresh or reset your tablet, which can resolve complex software conflicts or corruption that are causing performance problems. These options vary in how much they affect your data.

Understanding Refresh vs. Reset:

It’s important to know the difference:

Feature	Refresh Your PC	Reset Your PC
Keeps Files	Yes, your personal files are kept.	Optional: You can choose to keep files or remove everything.
Keeps Apps & Settings	Reinstalls desktop apps but removes settings.	Removes all apps and settings.
When to Use	When your PC is slow but you want to keep your files and most importantly, you want to fix general sluggishness without losing data.	When you want a completely fresh start, are selling your tablet, or if Refresh doesn’t fix the problem.

How to Refresh or Reset:

1. Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Click on “Update & Security” (Windows 10) or “Update & Security” > “Recovery” (Windows 11).
3. Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started.”
4. Choose either “Keep my files” (similar to Refresh) or “Remove everything” (Reset).
5. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may need your Windows installation media or recovery drive for some options.

Important: Always back up your important data before performing a Reset, especially if you choose the “Remove everything” option. This is a more advanced step, but it can be incredibly effective for a tablet that is persistently slow.

Genius Fix #6: Optimize Visual Effects

Windows offers a lot of visual flair, like animations, shadows, and fading effects. While these make the interface look polished, they can consume system resources, especially on older or less powerful tablets. Turning off some of these effects can free up processing power.

How to Adjust Visual Effects:

1. In the Windows search bar, type “performance” and select “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.”
2. This will open the “Performance Options” window.
3. On the “Visual Effects” tab, you have a few options:
   • “Let Windows choose what’s best for my computer”: This is the default setting.
   • “Adjust for best appearance”: This enables all visual effects.
   • “Adjust for best performance”: This turns off most visual effects.
4. For best performance, select “Adjust for best performance.”
5. Alternatively, you can choose “Custom” and uncheck specific effects you don’t want (e.g., “Animate controls and elements inside windows,” “Fade or slide menus into view,” “Show shadows under windows”).
6. Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

Result: Your tablet’s interface might look a little simpler, but you’ll likely notice a snappier response time when navigating menus and opening apps.

Genius Fix #7: Scan for Malware

Malicious software can lurk on your tablet, consuming resources, stealing data, and causing all sorts of performance issues, including making your Windows tablet slow. Regularly scanning for and removing malware is crucial for both speed and security.

How to Scan for Malware:

• Windows Security (Built-in): Windows has a robust built-in antivirus and antimalware tool called Windows Security.
1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Go to “Update & Security” (Windows 10) or “Privacy & security” (Windows 11).
3. Click on “Windows Security.”
4. Select “Virus & threat protection.”
5. Click “Scan options.”
6. Choose “Full scan” (this checks all files and running programs and can take longer) and click “Scan now.”
7. Follow any prompts to remove detected threats.
• Third-Party Antivirus: If you prefer or have a different antivirus program installed, ensure it’s up-to-date and run a full system scan through that software.

Best Practice: Schedule regular full scans, and always download software only from trusted sources to minimize the risk of infection. You can find more information on threats from organizations like the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Genius Fix #8: Optimize Power Settings

Power settings on your Windows tablet often balance performance with battery life. Sometimes, the “Power saver” mode can throttle your processor, making your tablet feel sluggish even during normal use. Adjusting this can significantly improve responsiveness.

How to Adjust Power Options:

1. In the Windows search bar, type “power options” and select “Edit power plan.”
2. This will open the Power Options control panel.
3. You’ll typically see options like “Balanced,” “Power saver,” and “High performance.”
4. If you’re plugged in, select the “High performance” plan. If you’re on battery, “Balanced” is usually a good compromise. “Power saver” should ideally be used when you need to maximize battery life at the expense of speed.
5. Click “Change plan settings” next to your chosen plan to tweak advanced settings if needed, such as processor power management.

Note: Using “High performance” mode will consume more battery than other modes. Adjust based on whether you’re prioritizing speed or battery life.

Genius Fix #9: Update Device Drivers

Device drivers are small pieces of software that allow Windows to communicate with your hardware (like your graphics card, Wi-Fi adapter, or touch screen). Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause performance issues and instability.

How to Update Drivers:

1. Device Manager:
1. In the Windows search bar, type “Device Manager” and select it.
2. Expand categories (e.g., “Display adapters,” “Network adapters”).
3. Right-click on a device and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
2. Manufacturer Websites: For the most reliable and up-to-date drivers, it’s often best to visit the support section of your tablet manufacturer’s website (e.g., Microsoft Surface, HP, Dell, Lenovo) and download drivers specific to your tablet model.

Caution: While Device Manager is convenient, visiting the manufacturer’s site guarantees you’re getting the correct drivers. Be wary of third-party driver update software, which can sometimes install incorrect or even malicious drivers.

Genius Fix #10: Defragment Your Hard Drive (HDDs Only)

This fix primarily applies to tablets with traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Modern tablets often use Solid State Drives (SSDs), which don’t benefit from defragmentation and can even be negatively impacted. If you have an SSD, skip this step!

What is Defragmentation?

Over time, files on an HDD can become fragmented, meaning parts of a single file are scattered across different physical locations on the disk. This makes the drive work harder and slower to access those files.

How to Defragment (for HDDs):

1. In the Windows search bar, type “Defragment and Optimize Drives” and select it.
2. In the “Optimize Drives” window, you’ll see a list of your drives and their media type (HDD or SSD).
3. Select your HDD (usually labelled C:).
4. Click “Optimize.” Windows will analyze and then defragment the drive if necessary.
5. You can set up a schedule for automatic optimization.

Note: If your tablet has an SSD, the “Optimize” button will likely run TRIM, which is beneficial. So, it’s generally safe to run this tool on any drive, but understand its primary function is for HDDs.

FAQ: Your Windows Tablet Performance Questions Answered

Q1: My tablet is brand new, why is it already slow?

Even new tablets can feel slow if they have too many pre-installed applications (bloatware) running in the background or if Windows is performing initial updates. Try closing unnecessary apps, checking startup programs, and ensuring all Windows updates are installed.

Q2: Will a virus scan really help a slow tablet?

Yes, absolutely! Malware can consume significant system resources without you realizing it, leading to a noticeable slowdown. A thorough scan and removal of any threats can often restore performance.

Q3: Is it safe to disable startup programs?

Yes, as long as you’re careful. Disable programs you recognize and don’t need running immediately when you turn on your tablet. Avoid disabling essential system programs or your antivirus software. If in doubt, research the program name online before disabling it.

Q4: I have an SSD. Do I need to do anything special?

For SSDs, you don’t need to defragment. The “Optimize Drives” tool in Windows will run TRIM, which is a maintenance command for SSDs and helps them maintain performance. Just ensure your SSD is properly recognized and that Windows Update is running for it.

Q5: How often should I clean up my disk space?

It’s a good habit to perform a disk cleanup at least once a month, or whenever you notice your storage space running low. Regularly uninstalling unused apps also helps keep things tidy.

Q6: What if none of these fixes work?

If you’ve tried all these software optimizations and your tablet is still frustratingly slow, it might be an indication of a hardware limitation or a failing component. At this point, you might consider contacting the manufacturer for support or looking into professional repair services.

Conclusion

Dealing with a slow Windows tablet can be a real hurdle, but as you’ve seen, it’s often a problem with straightforward, accessible solutions. By systematically working through these genius fixes – from taming your apps and startup programs to freeing up disk space and keeping your system updated – you can breathe new life into your device. Remember, regular maintenance is key! Incorporate these steps into your routine, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a faster, more responsive Windows tablet experience. Happy computing!