Maximize Your Surface Book 2’s Performance: Proven Strategies to Make It Faster!

The Surface Book 2 is a powerful machine, but like any computer, it can slow down over time. If you’re experiencing lag, sluggish performance, or app crashes, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through a series of steps to help you how to make surface book 2 faster and reclaim the smooth, responsive experience you deserve.

1. Clean Up Your Disk Space

One of the most common reasons for a slow Surface Book 2 is a cluttered hard drive. Over time, temporary files, downloads, and unused applications can accumulate, taking up valuable space and slowing down your system.

• Delete Unnecessary Files: Regularly delete temporary files, downloads, and unused applications. You can find temporary files in the “Temp” folder, which is usually located in the “C:UsersYourUserNameAppDataLocalTemp” directory.
• Empty the Recycle Bin: Don’t forget to empty your Recycle Bin to permanently delete files you no longer need.
• Uninstall Unused Programs: Review your list of installed programs and uninstall anything you haven’t used in a while. You can access this list by searching for “Add or remove programs” in the Windows search bar.
• Use Storage Sense: Windows 10 has a built-in feature called Storage Sense that automatically deletes temporary files and other unnecessary data to free up space. You can access Storage Sense by searching for it in the Windows search bar.

2. Manage Startup Programs

When your Surface Book 2 boots up, several programs might automatically launch in the background. These programs can consume resources and slow down your system.

• Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs: You can manage startup programs by opening the Task Manager (press Ctrl+Shift+Esc). Go to the “Startup” tab and disable any programs you don’t need to run automatically.
• Use the “msconfig” Tool: For more control, you can use the “msconfig” tool. Search for “msconfig” in the Windows search bar and go to the “Startup” tab. Here, you can disable or enable startup programs and services.

3. Update Your Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause performance issues and instability. Ensure your Surface Book 2’s drivers are up to date for optimal performance.

• Check for Updates in Windows Update: Windows Update automatically checks for and installs driver updates. You can access Windows Update by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
• Visit the Microsoft Surface Website: For the latest drivers, visit the Microsoft Surface website and download the updates for your specific Surface Book 2 model.
• Use Device Manager: You can also check for driver updates using Device Manager. Open Device Manager by searching for it in the Windows search bar. Expand each category and right-click on a device to check for updates.

4. Optimize Your Power Settings

Power settings can impact your Surface Book 2’s performance. If your device is set to conserve power, it might not be running at its full potential.

• Choose the “High Performance” Power Plan: Go to “Control Panel” and select “Power Options.” Choose the “High Performance” power plan for maximum performance.
• Adjust Power Plan Settings: Within the power plan settings, you can customize various options, such as screen brightness, sleep settings, and the performance of your CPU and graphics card.

5. Run a Disk Cleanup

Over time, your Surface Book 2’s hard drive can become fragmented, meaning files are scattered across the disk instead of being stored contiguously. This fragmentation can slow down access times and overall performance.

• Run Disk Cleanup: Windows has a built-in tool called Disk Cleanup. You can access it by searching for “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search bar. Select the drive you want to clean and choose the file types you want to delete.
• Use a Disk Defragmenter: For more thorough fragmentation cleanup, you can use a disk defragmenter. Windows 10 includes a built-in defragmenter. You can access it by searching for “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the Windows search bar.

6. Check for Malware

Malware, such as viruses and spyware, can significantly slow down your Surface Book 2. It can consume resources, interfere with system processes, and even steal your personal data.

• Run a Full System Scan: Use your preferred antivirus software to perform a full system scan. This will check your entire system for malware.
• Keep Your Antivirus Software Up to Date: Ensure your antivirus software is up to date with the latest virus definitions. This will help protect your Surface Book 2 from the latest threats.

7. Consider Adding More RAM

If you frequently run demanding applications like video editing or gaming, your Surface Book 2 might benefit from additional RAM. More RAM allows your computer to handle multiple programs and tasks simultaneously without slowing down.

• Check Your Current RAM: You can check your current RAM by opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and going to the “Performance” tab.
• Upgrade RAM: If you need more RAM, you can upgrade it by adding more memory modules. However, it’s important to check the compatibility of the RAM modules with your Surface Book 2 model before purchasing them.

8. Reinstall Windows

If all other optimization attempts fail, reinstalling Windows can sometimes be the best solution. This will erase your hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows, potentially resolving any underlying performance issues.

• Back Up Your Data: Before reinstalling Windows, back up all your important files and data. You can use an external hard drive, a cloud storage service, or a USB flash drive.
• Use the Windows Media Creation Tool: Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website. This tool will create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation files.
• Follow the Installation Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows. This process will erase your hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows.

Beyond Optimization: A Little Extra Care

• Close Unnecessary Programs: When you’re not using an application, close it to free up resources.
• Disable Visual Effects: You can disable some visual effects to improve performance. Go to “Control Panel” and select “System.” Click on “Advanced system settings” and then “Performance.” Click on the “Settings” button under Performance Options and choose “Adjust for best performance.”
• Use a Cooling Pad: If your Surface Book 2 tends to overheat, using a cooling pad can help keep it cool and improve performance.

Boosting Your Surface Book 2: The Final Word

By following these tips, you can significantly improve the performance of your Surface Book 2 and enjoy a smoother, more responsive experience. Remember to regularly clean up your disk space, manage startup programs, update your drivers, and optimize your power settings. If you’re still experiencing performance issues, consider running a disk cleanup, checking for malware, or even reinstalling Windows. With a little effort, you can unleash the full potential of your Surface Book 2 and make it a true powerhouse.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How do I know if my Surface Book 2 is running slow?
A: You’ll notice a slow Surface Book 2 when tasks take longer than usual to complete, like loading apps, browsing the web, or opening files. You might also experience lag when scrolling or gaming.
Q: Can I upgrade the storage on my Surface Book 2?
A: Unfortunately, the storage on the Surface Book 2 is soldered to the motherboard, so you can’t upgrade it.
Q: What is the best way to back up my data before reinstalling Windows?
A: The best way to back up your data is to use an external hard drive or a cloud storage service. These methods provide a safe and reliable way to store your data.
Q: Will reinstalling Windows erase all my data?
A: Yes, reinstalling Windows will erase all data from your hard drive. That’s why it’s crucial to back up your data before proceeding.
Q: Is there a way to speed up my Surface Book 2 without reinstalling Windows?
A: Yes, there are several ways to speed up your Surface Book 2 without reinstalling Windows. The tips mentioned in this article, such as cleaning up your disk space, managing startup programs, and updating your drivers, can significantly improve performance.