HP laptops is running very slowly: a slow Spectre x360 14 is rarely a failing laptop. Open Task Manager and sort by CPU, memory and disk to find the app responsible, and look at free space in Settings, System, Storage. Startup apps from HP and from other vendors add to the load, so disable the ones you do not use in Task Manager's Startup apps tab. Choose Best performance or Balanced in the power mode on the charger, because the Spectre slows itself on battery to save energy. A 2-in-1 that is folded into tent or tablet mode may run warmer, which can cause throttling. Update Windows, then run HP Support Assistant for BIOS and drivers.
Differential
Likely causes of “HP laptops is running very slowly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A busy app or startup load
What separates it The laptop is slow for the first minutes after sign-in
How to confirm Disable startup apps you do not use
- 2
A nearly full drive
What separates it Windows stutters and updates fail
How to confirm Free space until a fifth of the drive is free
- 3
Power mode on battery
What separates it It is fast on the charger and slow on battery
How to confirm Use Balanced or Best performance when it matters
- 4
Heat
What separates it Slows during long tasks or in tablet mode
How to confirm Use it on a hard flat surface and clear the vents
- 5
Pending updates
What separates it Slow right after a restart
How to confirm Install Windows and HP updates
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The top processes in Task Manager
- Free storage
- Power mode and whether it is on battery
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedRestart and update
ReversibleRestart, then install Windows updates.
Check Task Manager
ReversibleSort by CPU, memory and disk and end the heavy tasks.
Trim startup apps
ReversibleOpen the Startup apps tab and disable what you do not need.
Free storage
ReversibleRun Storage Sense and clear large files.
Check the power mode
ReversiblePick Balanced or Best performance while plugged in.
Run HP diagnostics
ReversibleTap F2 at startup and run the memory and drive tests.
Check for malware
ReversibleRun Windows Security's full scan if the slowdown has no clear cause.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Storage
- Check how much of the drive is free; a fifth free keeps Windows responsive.
- Backups
- Back up before any reset.
- Memory
- Check Task Manager's Performance tab for memory use; running out of memory slows everything.
- Updates
- Windows and HP updates arrive separately; install both.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models Envy x360 14-fa, Pavilion Plus 14-ey, OmniBook Ultra 14, G11, Victus 16-r.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If it stays slow after updates and a clean start, run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
- !If the drive reports errors, back up and contact HP
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
HP's device-agnostic slow-PC article, cited by title.
Startup apps, free space, updates and restarts.
Storage settings, Storage Sense and removing apps.
The HP Spectre premium line.
The HP Envy line.
The HP Pavilion line.
The HP EliteBook business line.
The HP OMEN gaming line.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my Spectre slow on battery?+
Windows reduces performance on battery to save power. Choose a higher power mode or plug in when you need speed.
Does tent or tablet mode make the Spectre hotter?+
It can reduce airflow around the vents. Use laptop mode on a hard surface for heavy work.
Which HP apps start with Windows?+
HP Support Assistant and other HP utilities may start at sign-in. You can disable the ones you do not need in Task Manager.
Should I reset Windows if the Spectre is slow?+
Only after the simple steps, and after a backup. HP's recovery tools can reinstall Windows.
How do I see what is slowing my Spectre?+
Open Task Manager and sort by CPU, Memory and Disk to see which app is using the most resources.
Does the OLED display affect performance?+
The display itself does not slow the laptop, but high resolution and 120 Hz use more graphics power and battery.
Should I use the Best performance mode?+
Use it on the charger for demanding work; it uses more power and runs warmer.
Why is the Spectre slow after Windows updates?+
Updates and indexing run in the background for a while. Leave it plugged in until they finish.
Can I upgrade the Spectre's memory?+
Memory is usually soldered on this class of laptop, so check your model's specifications.
Does leaving many browser tabs open slow the Spectre?+
Yes, tabs use memory and processor time. Close unused tabs or use the browser's memory saver.
Can a startup repair help with a slow Spectre?+
Not usually; use Task Manager, free storage and updates first. Startup repair is for a laptop that will not start properly.