Question How do I run old laptop faster?!

[Mason Howard]

Do SSDs and more RAM still help a lot these days? Any tips to keep it from overheating or lagging??

 

[Mason Howard]

you would need to upgrade your memory and storage space

Can't it be upgraded?

 

[COLGeek]

Can't it be upgraded?

You can add memory and swap your current storage device to a higher capacity one.

You really can't do anything else, nor make Windows 11 compatible (fully).

I recommend you save for a modern, more capable laptop. There are many affordable options available.

 

[USAFRet]

Can't it be upgraded?

You can change the existing HDD for a 2.5" SATA III SSD.
You can maybe upgrade the memory.

It will still be a slow laptop, and not Win 11 capable.

 

[pgscott]

I am a tech with a lot of clients in this same situation, older device can't upgrade. I've been using the FREE10 linux distro, it's easy to install and when it boots, it LOOKS like Windows10, icons and settings and menus. It can install firefox, chrome, brave, thunderbird and even zoom. It has Libre Office builtin and uses the Word and Excel icons that my clients are familiar with, and i can set the default file type to word, excel, and powerpoint. It can run various extensions like Bitwarden, Ublock, Adblockplus, can install VlC, Gimp, and more..... including express vpn and proton vpn. It is typically running very fast! I also have it running DropBox, Slack. The icon for Fileexplorer is the same, but calls Dolphin. (I tried linking to articles about it from windowsforum, zdnet and a security publication, but cannot post this. )