Fix Slow Laptop When Lid Closed On Windows 11 Easily

gptAI

12 min read

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11-15- 2024

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When you close the lid of your laptop, it should ideally enter sleep mode or hibernate, preserving battery life and ensuring that your laptop is ready to use when you open it again. However, some users have experienced issues where their Windows 11 laptop runs slowly or exhibits erratic behavior even when the lid is closed. This can be incredibly frustrating, but fear not! In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to fix slow laptop performance when the lid is closed on Windows 11 easily. 🚀

Understanding the Issue

Before diving into the solutions, it's essential to understand why your laptop might be slowing down when the lid is closed. Several factors could contribute to this issue:

• Power Settings: Incorrect power settings may prevent your laptop from entering the proper power-saving mode.
• Background Processes: Certain applications might continue to run even when the laptop is closed, consuming resources.
• Driver Conflicts: Outdated or conflicting drivers could impact system performance.
• Hardware Issues: Overheating or hardware malfunctions may also result in sluggish performance.

Now that we have a clearer picture, let's proceed to the solutions! 🛠️

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Slow Laptop Performance

1. Adjust Power Settings

One of the first places to check when encountering performance issues is your power settings. Follow these steps:

Accessing Power Options

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
2. Navigate to System and then click on Power & battery.

Modifying Power Mode

In this section, you can choose the power mode that best suits your needs. Here’s a breakdown:

Note: Choose Better Performance to ensure your laptop doesn’t slow down when the lid is closed. ⚡

2. Modify What Happens When the Lid is Closed

Changing the actions associated with closing the laptop lid can significantly impact performance.

Setting Lid Closure Behavior

1. In the Power & battery section, click on Additional power settings.
2. Choose Choose what closing the lid does from the left-hand menu.
3. Under the When I close the lid option, select Sleep for both On battery and Plugged in.

This ensures that your laptop goes into sleep mode, preventing unnecessary resource usage. 💻

3. Manage Background Applications

Background applications can sometimes run when your laptop is closed, consuming resources and slowing down performance.

Check Background Apps

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Startup.
2. Here, you will see a list of applications that start with Windows. Disable any that are unnecessary.

Task Manager Review

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab and review any applications that might be consuming significant resources.
3. Right-click on high-usage processes and select End Task.

Regularly managing your background applications can help keep your laptop running smoothly even when closed. 🚦

4. Update Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can lead to various performance issues. It’s essential to keep your drivers up to date.

Updating Drivers

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the categories (like Display adapters or Network adapters) and right-click on each device to choose Update driver.
3. Follow the prompts to search automatically for updated driver software.

Keeping your drivers up to date ensures optimal performance and compatibility. 🔄

5. Optimize for Performance

Windows 11 includes features that can help optimize performance even further.

Adjusting Performance Options

1. Right-click on the Start button and select System.
2. Click on About, then select Advanced system settings on the right.
3. Under the Performance section, click Settings.
4. In the Performance Options window, select Adjust for best performance.

This option disables some visual effects, which can significantly boost performance. 🌟

6. Check for Windows Updates

Windows updates are crucial for system performance and security. Make sure your system is up to date.

Checking for Updates

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click on Check for updates and install any pending updates.

Regular updates help keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. 🔄

7. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes cause issues with performance, especially after closing the lid.

Disabling Fast Startup

1. Open the Control Panel and select Power Options.
2. Click on Choose what the power buttons do from the left-hand side.
3. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
4. Uncheck the box that says Turn on fast startup (recommended).

Disabling this feature can help prevent conflicts and enhance performance. ❌

8. Use Disk Cleanup

Cleaning up unnecessary files can also help boost performance.

Running Disk Cleanup

1. Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search bar and open it.
2. Choose the drive you want to clean (usually the C drive).
3. Select the file types you want to delete, like Temporary files or Recycle Bin.

This helps free up space and improve performance. 🗑️

9. Perform a System File Check

Corrupted system files can lead to performance issues. Running a system file check can help identify and repair these files.

Using the System File Checker

1. Type cmd in the Windows search bar and right-click on Command Prompt to select Run as administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete and follow any prompts.

Running this scan can help maintain system integrity and boost performance. ⚙️

10. Consider Hardware Upgrade

If you’ve tried all these solutions and your laptop still performs poorly when the lid is closed, it may be time to consider a hardware upgrade. This is especially true if your laptop is older or has limited RAM or storage.

Potential Upgrades

Note: Always consult with a professional or do thorough research before performing hardware upgrades. 🛠️

Conclusion

Fixing slow laptop performance when the lid is closed in Windows 11 doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. By following these steps, you can ensure your laptop remains efficient, conserving battery life and providing a smooth experience. Regularly maintaining your device and being aware of the settings can significantly improve your overall user experience.

By taking the time to adjust your power settings, manage background applications, and keep your system updated, you'll be well on your way to a faster, more responsive laptop. So, follow the steps outlined in this guide, and get back to enjoying your Windows 11 experience without the frustration of a sluggish performance. Happy computing! 🎉