Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15IML05 Running Slowly

If your Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15IML05 is running slowly, this troubleshooting guide will walk you through common causes and solutions to help you fix your problem.

Running too many applications, especially browser tabs, can use up memory and processing power, slowing down your laptop.

• Close Browser Windows: Close any unnecessary browser windows or tabs. Each open tab consumes resources that can slow your laptop down.
• Check the Taskbar: The taskbar shows all running apps in the background. Right-click on any apps you don’t need and select Close to free up resources.
• Use Task Manager:
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then select Task Manager.
  • In the Processes tab, identify any apps or processes using too much CPU or memory.
  • Right-click and select End Task for apps that are unnecessary but consuming resources.

Having too many apps set to launch at startup can slow down your laptop’s boot time and affect overall performance.

• Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps:
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Go to the Startup tab and disable apps you don’t need to start automatically.
  • Right-click on unnecessary apps and select Disable.
  • Close Task Manager when you’re done.

Background processes, including unnecessary system tasks, can consume valuable resources and slow down your device.

• Check for Background Processes:
  • In Task Manager, the Processes tab shows all running applications and background processes.
  • End unnecessary processes that might be eating up resources.

Outdated drivers or system updates may affect system performance, causing your laptop to run slowly.

• Update Drivers and Windows: Keeping your system up to date can resolve performance issues.
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and ensure all updates are installed.

A nearly full solid-state drive can cause your laptop to slow down, as it struggles to find space for temporary files and system operations.

• Clean Up Disk Space:
  • Open File Explorer, right-click on the C: drive, and select Properties.
  • Under the General tab, click Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files and free up space.

Accumulation of temporary files, system cache, and other unnecessary data can cause your laptop to slow down.

• Perform a Cold Reboot:
  • Save all open work to avoid data loss.
  • Hold the Power button for 10 seconds to fully shut down the laptop.
  • Wait about 5 seconds, then press the Power button again to restart the laptop, which helps clear temporary files and resets system processes.

Malware or unwanted software can use up your system’s resources and cause performance issues.

• Run a Malware Scan: Use Windows Defender or any trusted third-party antivirus software to run a full system scan and ensure your laptop is free from malware.

If the solid-state drive or SSD is beginning to fail and you've already tried to clear space, it may be time to replace or upgrade the SSD card in your Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15IML05 laptop.