Upgrades and performance

Adding RAM or an SSD, which laptops can still be upgraded, and how to make a slow machine faster with settings and cleanups before spending money.

Threads in Upgrades and performance

1. •

   Can I add more RAM to a laptop with soldered memory?

   I refurbish used laptops, and buyers keep asking me whether soldered RAM can be upgraded. The unit on my bench is a thin 14-inch business laptop with 8 GB on...

   Upgrades and performanceOwen P.2d ago

   9replies
2. ✓

   My laptop takes about five minutes to boot, what can I check before giving up on it?

   Thank you to everyone who helped me last week with the other problem on this forum. Here is another from the same household: my husband's laptop, which I use...

   Upgrades and performanceBeth A.12d agoAnswered

   7replies
3. ✓

   How do I replace my laptop SSD and move Windows and my games over?

   My gaming laptop's SSD is nearly full. Windows 11, a 512 GB drive, and I have maybe 20 GB free. The laptop has a second M.2 slot, but it is hidden under the...

   Upgrades and performanceTyler B.15d agoAnswered

   7replies
4. ✓

   Is 8GB of RAM still enough for Windows 11?

   I am looking at a second hand Windows laptop for my older kid, who is starting secondary school. It has 8GB of RAM and a solid state drive, and the seller says...

   Upgrades and performanceLuis C.24d agoAnswered

   7replies
5. ✓

   Why is my laptop suddenly so slow?

   A sudden slowdown is usually something specific: a nearly full drive, too many programs starting with Windows, a heavy background task like an update or sync...

   Upgrades and performanceMarcus HaleOct 1, 2026Staff answer

   1reply
6. ✓

   Can I upgrade the RAM or SSD in my laptop?

   Sometimes. Many Windows laptops let you swap the SSD and often the RAM, but plenty of thin models solder the memory or the drive to the board, and recent Macs...

   Upgrades and performanceInes CalderSep 30, 2026Staff answer

   1reply