Surface Pro X Slow Performance Fix: Genius Solution

Surface Pro X Slow Performance Fix: Genius Solution

Facing a sluggish Surface Pro X? This guide offers clear, step-by-step solutions to boost your device’s speed. We’ll cover simple tweaks and essential updates, ensuring your Surface Pro X runs smoothly again. Get ready to enjoy a faster, more responsive tablet experience with our proven fixes!

Hello, tablet enthusiasts! It’s Walter Moore from Tabletzoo here. So, you’ve got a Surface Pro X, and lately, it’s been acting a bit… slow. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? That moment when you need to get something done, and your tablet seems to be moving at a snail’s pace. Don’t worry; you’re not alone, and most importantly, there’s a good chance we can fix this without needing a whole new device. Many users experience this, but the good news is that a “Surface Pro X slow performance fix” is often simpler than you might think. We’re going to walk through some easy-to-follow steps that can dramatically improve your Surface Pro X’s speed. Let’s dive in and get your tablet back to its best!

Understanding Surface Pro X Slow Performance

It can be really discouraging when your powerful Surface Pro X starts to feel sluggish. This device is designed for productivity and portability, so a slowdown can really disrupt your workflow. Before we jump into fixes, let’s quickly understand why this might be happening. Think of your tablet like a busy desk. If it’s cluttered with too many papers, running programs, and forgotten tasks, it’s bound to slow down, right?

The Surface Pro X, while capable, runs on ARM architecture, which means it uses different processors (like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon) compared to traditional Intel or AMD chips found in most laptops. This architecture is fantastic for battery life and slim designs, but it sometimes means apps need to be specifically optimized or emulated to run smoothly. When apps aren’t running as efficiently as they could be, or when the system itself has too much to handle, you notice the slowdown.

Common culprits for a slow Surface Pro X include:

Too Many Apps Running: Just like on a computer, having too many programs open at once can consume your device’s resources.
Startup Clutter: Programs launching automatically when you turn on your Surface Pro X can bog it down from the get-go.
Outdated Software: Drivers, Windows updates, and app updates are crucial for performance and security. Missing them can lead to inefficiencies.
Storage Space: When your storage gets full, Windows struggles to find space for temporary files it needs to operate smoothly.
Background Processes: Some apps run quietly in the background, eating up processing power and memory without you even realizing it.
App Compatibility: While Windows on ARM has improved significantly, some older or less optimized Windows applications might not perform as well as they would on an x86 processor.
Malware or Unwanted Software: Though less common on well-maintained devices, viruses or persistent adware can severely impact performance.

Click the Start button.
Click the Power icon.
Select Restart.

Do this regularly, especially if you tend to leave your device on for extended periods.

2. Close Unused Apps and Browser Tabs

The more apps and browser tabs you have open, the more your Surface Pro X has to manage. Each one uses a portion of your RAM and processing power.

Check open apps: Look at the taskbar at the bottom of your screen. If you see icons for apps you’re not actively using, right-click on them and select Close window or Close.
Manage browser tabs: Web browsers, especially with many tabs open, can be resource-intensive. Regularly close tabs you’re finished with. Consider using browser extensions that help manage tab resources if this is a frequent problem.

3. Manage Startup Programs

Many applications want to launch automatically when you start your Surface Pro X. This makes them quickly available, but it also slows down your boot time and uses resources from the moment you log in.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open Task Manager.
Click on the Startup tab.
You’ll see a list of applications and their startup impact.
Right-click on any application you don’t need to start automatically and select Disable.
Be cautious here: don’t disable antivirus software or critical system components. If you’re unsure about an app, a quick web search can tell you what it is.

Use Storage Sense: This built-in Windows tool can automatically free up space by deleting temporary files and emptying the Recycle Bin.
Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
Click on System.
Click on Storage.
Turn on Storage Sense and configure its settings to your preference.
Uninstall Unused Apps:
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Scroll through the list, click on an app you don’t use, and select Uninstall.
Manually Delete Files: Go through your Downloads, Documents, Pictures, and Videos folders and delete anything you no longer need. Consider moving large files to an external drive or a cloud storage service like OneDrive, which is integrated with Windows.
Empty the Recycle Bin: After deleting files, remember to go to your Recycle Bin on the desktop, right-click it, and select Empty Recycle Bin.

Windows Updates:
Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
Click on Update & Security.
Click Check for updates.
Install any available updates and restart your Surface Pro X when prompted.
Driver Updates: While Windows Update often handles drivers, it’s sometimes beneficial to manually check for the latest drivers, especially for graphics and chipset.
A great place to get official, up-to-date drivers for your Surface Pro X is directly from Microsoft. You can find them on the Microsoft Surface Support website. Look for the specific model of your Surface Pro X and download the latest driver packs.
Alternatively, you can often find option updates within Windows Update itself: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click View optional updates and install any relevant driver updates.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click on the Processes tab.
Click on the CPU column header to sort by CPU usage.
Click on the Memory column header to sort by memory usage.
If you see an app consistently using a very high percentage of your CPU or Memory, and you don’t need it running, you can select it and click End task. Again, be cautious and don’t end processes you don’t recognize or that seem essential to Windows. If a specific app is always a problem, consider uninstalling it or finding an alternative.

7. Optimize Power Settings

While the Surface Pro X is designed to be power-efficient, sometimes aggressive power-saving settings can lead to reduced performance.

Click the Start button and type `Power Options`.
Select Power & sleep settings.
Under `Screen and sleep`, ensure your settings are reasonable.
Click on Additional power settings on the right side.
If you see options like `Balanced` or `Power saver`, try selecting `Balanced`. If performance is still an issue and you’re plugged in, you might temporarily switch to `High performance` (though this will use more battery). For the Surface Pro X, the default `Balanced` plan is usually optimal.

Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Troubleshoot in the left-hand menu.
Click on Additional troubleshooters.
Look for troubleshooters related to Power, Performance, or Windows Update and run them. Follow the on-screen prompts.

9. Disk Cleanup and Defragmentation (for older SSDs/HDDs, less critical for modern SSDs but still useful)

While modern Solid State Drives (SSDs) in devices like the Surface Pro X don’t strictly need defragmentation in the same way traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) do, Windows still runs optimization routines. Disk Cleanup is always useful.

Disk Cleanup:
Click the Start button and type `Disk Cleanup`.
Select your C: drive (or the drive where Windows is installed).
Let it scan.
Check the boxes for files you want to remove (e.g., Temporary Internet Files, Downloads, Recycle Bin, Temporary files).
Click Clean up system files for more options, and rescan.
Click OK to remove the files.
Optimize Drives:
Click the Start button and type `Defragment and Optimize Drives`.
Select your C: drive.
Click Analyze to see the fragmentation level.
Click Optimize. Windows will automatically determine if defragmentation or TRIM (for SSDs) is needed.

10. Check App Compatibility for Windows on ARM

As mentioned, the Surface Pro X runs on Windows on ARM. While Microsoft has made huge strides in app compatibility, certain older or specialized applications might not be optimized.

Emulation: Most non-ARM apps run via emulation. This means Windows translates the app’s instructions on the fly. This process uses extra resources and can lead to slower performance compared to native ARM apps.
Native Apps: Look for apps explicitly designed for Windows on ARM. You can often find this information on the app developer’s website or in the Microsoft Store listing.
Microsoft Store Apps: Apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store are generally better optimized for Windows on ARM.
Performance Differences: If you’re running classic desktop applications, especially older ones, expect some performance differences compared to running them on an x86 Windows device. If a particular application is a major bottleneck, you might need to look for an ARM-native alternative or accept the performance limitations.

For more on app compatibility for Windows on ARM, you can refer to Microsoft’s official documentation.

11. Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware can aggressively consume system resources, leading to a slow and unresponsive device.

Windows Security: Your Surface Pro X comes with Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) built-in.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Click Quick scan.
If a quick scan doesn’t find anything but you suspect an issue, click Scan options and choose Full scan. This will take longer but is more thorough.
Follow any on-screen prompts to remove detected threats.
Third-Party Antivirus: If you use a different antivirus program, ensure it’s up-to-date and run a full system scan.

Reset This PC: This option allows you to reinstall Windows while keeping your files or removing everything.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Under “Reset this PC,” click Get started.
Choose “Keep my files” (which reinstalls Windows but keeps your personal files) or “Remove everything” (which wipes the drive clean and reinstalls Windows – recommended for the best chance of fixing deep-seated issues).
Create Installation Media: For a completely clean slate, you can download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website to create a bootable USB drive and perform a fresh installation. Download Windows 11 (or Windows 10, depending on your version) and follow the instructions to create media and install.

Important Note: Both a reset and reinstallation will remove installed applications. You will need to reinstall them afterward. Always back up your data before proceeding!

Maintaining Optimal Surface Pro X Performance

Once you’ve fixed your Surface Pro X’s performance issues, it’s important to keep it running smoothly. Here are some tips for ongoing maintenance:

Regular Restarts: Make it a habit to restart your Surface Pro X at least once a week.
Keep Software Updated: Regularly check for Windows Updates and update your apps.
Monitor Storage: Keep an eye on your free disk space and perform cleanups as needed.
Be Mindful of Open Apps: Close apps and browser tabs when you’re not using them.
Install Apps Wisely: Prioritize apps from the Microsoft Store or those known to be optimized for Windows on ARM.
Avoid Overloading: Try not to run too many demanding applications simultaneously, especially if you’re not plugged into power.

Troubleshooting Specific Scenarios

Here are some common situations that might lead to slow performance:

Surface Pro X Slow on Battery vs. Plugged In

This is often related to power settings. When on battery, Windows prioritizes power saving, which can limit CPU performance.

Check Power Mode: Ensure your power mode isn’t set to `Power saver`. Click the battery icon in the taskbar and adjust the slider if available. For more control, go to `Settings > System > Power & battery`.
Battery Health: A degrading battery can sometimes affect performance. While less common, it’s worth considering if your device is several years old directly from Microsoft support.

Surface Pro X Slow After a Windows Update

Sometimes, a Windows update can cause temporary performance issues.

Allow Time: After a major update, give your Surface Pro X some time to finish background tasks. It might feel slow for an hour or two.
Check for Follow-up Updates: Microsoft often releases small patches to address issues found in larger updates. Check for new updates in Settings.
Uninstall Recent Update (if necessary): If performance is severely degraded and the issue started immediately after an update, you can try uninstalling the latest update. Go to `Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates`.

App Updates: Ensure the app itself is updated to its latest version.
Compatibility: As discussed, check if the app is optimized for Windows on ARM. If not, expect some slowdown.
Reinstall the App: Sometimes, a corrupted installation can cause issues. Try uninstalling and then reinstalling the application.

Performance Comparison: Surface Pro X vs. Other Devices

It’s helpful to manage expectations. The Surface Pro X uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which is designed for efficiency and long battery life. This means it offers a different performance profile compared to devices with traditional Intel or AMD processors.

| Feature | Surface Pro X (ARM) | Typical Intel/AMD Laptop |
| :————— | :————————————————- | :—————————————————– |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon | Intel Core i-series, AMD Ryzen |
| App Support | Native ARM apps, Emulated x86 apps | Wide compatibility with x86 apps |
| Performance | Excellent for web browsing, Office, OneNote. Can be slower for demanding x86 apps. | Generally stronger for demanding desktop applications. |
| Battery Life | Often superior | Varies, but can be less than ARM devices. |
| Form Factor | Thin, light, fanless | Varies, may be thicker/heavier with fans. |

For everyday tasks like email, web browsing, document editing, and using Microsoft 365 apps, the Surface Pro X is typically very fast and responsive, especially with native ARM applications. For highly specialized or older x86-based professional software, you might notice a performance difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: My Surface Pro X is slow only when I’m using a specific app. What should I do?
A1: First,

Walter Moore

Your tech guru in Sand City, CA, bringing you the latest insights and tips exclusively on mobile tablets. Dive into the world of sleek devices and stay ahead in the tablet game with my expert guidance. Your go-to source for all things tablet-related – let’s elevate your tech experience!