What To Know
- This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to how to speed up Surface RT and restore its former glory.
- Connect an external hard drive or USB stick to your Surface RT and move large files to it.
- Before performing a factory reset, back up your important data to an external drive or cloud storage.
The Surface RT, with its sleek design and portability, was a revolutionary device. However, like any technology, it can slow down over time. If you’re experiencing sluggish performance, don’t despair! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to how to speed up Surface RT and restore its former glory.
The Usual Suspects: Common Causes of Slowdowns
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand the root causes of Surface RT slowdowns:
- Insufficient RAM: With just 2GB of RAM, the Surface RT can struggle with multitasking and demanding applications.
- Storage Overload: A full storage drive can significantly impact performance.
- Background Processes: Unnecessary apps running in the background can consume resources and slow down your device.
- Outdated Software: Outdated drivers and operating system can lead to compatibility issues and performance degradation.
- Malware Infections: Malware can consume system resources and hinder performance.
A Clean Slate: Restarting and Updating
The simplest and often most effective solution is a good ol‘ restart. This clears out temporary files and refreshes the system.
- Restart your Surface RT: Press and hold the power button until the shutdown options appear. Select “Restart.”
Next, ensure your Surface RT has the latest software updates:
- Check for Windows RT updates: Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” and check for updates.
- Update your apps: Open the Windows Store and check for updates for your installed apps.
Declutter Your Storage: Freeing Up Space
A cluttered storage drive is a major performance bottleneck. Here’s how to clear up space:
- Delete unnecessary files: Go through your Downloads folder, Documents, and other directories to remove files you don’t need.
- Uninstall unused apps: Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Apps & features” and uninstall apps you rarely use.
- Move files to external storage: Connect an external hard drive or USB stick to your Surface RT and move large files to it.
Tame the Background Processes: Managing Apps
Background processes can silently drain your system’s resources. Here’s how to tame them:
- Disable startup apps: Go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Startup” and disable apps you don’t want to run automatically.
- Close unnecessary apps: Right-click on the app icons in the taskbar and select “Close window” for apps you’re not actively using.
- Use Task Manager: Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Go to the “Processes” tab and identify resource-intensive processes that you can close.
Optimize Your Settings: Tweaking for Speed
Tweaking your Surface RT‘s settings can fine-tune its performance:
- Disable animations: Go to “Settings” > “Ease of Access” > “Other options” and disable animations.
- Adjust visual effects: Go to “Control Panel” > “System and Security” > “System” and click on “Advanced system settings.” Under “Performance,” click “Settings” and choose the “Adjust for best performance” option.
- Enable “High performance” power plan: Go to “Control Panel” > “Hardware and Sound” > “Power Options” and select “High performance.”
Consider a Fresh Start: Resetting Your Surface RT
If all else fails, a factory reset can restore your Surface RT to its original state, potentially resolving performance issues.
Important Note: Before performing a factory reset, back up your important data to an external drive or cloud storage.
- Factory reset: Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Recovery” and select “Reset this PC.”
The Final Lap: Beyond the Basics
Here are some advanced tips for squeezing out every ounce of speed from your Surface RT:
- Use a lightweight browser: Consider using a lightweight browser like Opera Mini or Firefox Focus.
- Upgrade your storage: If you can, consider upgrading your Surface RT’s storage to a faster SSD.
- Install a custom ROM: If you’re comfortable with advanced techniques, you can try installing a custom ROM for better performance.
A Farewell to Lag: The End of the Journey
By following these steps, you can significantly boost your Surface RT‘s performance, making it faster and more responsive. Remember, regular maintenance and optimization are key to keeping your device running smoothly.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM on my Surface RT?
A: Unfortunately, the RAM on the Surface RT is soldered to the motherboard, making it impossible to upgrade.
Q: Is it safe to delete system files on my Surface RT?
A: Deleting system files can potentially damage your device. It’s best to only delete files you are certain you don’t need.
Q: Can I install a different operating system on my Surface RT?
A: The Surface RT is designed to run Windows RT, and installing a different operating system is not officially supported.
Q: Is there a way to make my Surface RT run like a new device?
A: While a factory reset can help, it’s important to note that the Surface RT‘s hardware limitations will still exist.
Q: What are some good alternative devices to the Surface RT?
A: If you’re looking for a similar device with better performance, consider newer Surface models like the Surface Pro series or other tablets with more RAM and storage.
