What can I do with my old HP EliteBook 840 G1? It has become extremely slow.

[Anonymous007]

I have an HP EliteBook 840 G1 with the following specs:​

• Processor: Intel Core i5-4310U (2 cores, 2.0–2.6 GHz)
• RAM: 12 GB
• Storage: 180 GB SSD
• Operating system: Windows 11 Pro, Version 21H2 (volume license from 7, 8.1 Pro, 10, 11 Pro)
• OS Build: 22000.2538
• Windows Experience Pack: 1000.22001.1000.0

The laptop used to work reasonably well, and I could even play some games on it around three years ago. However, it has become extremely sluggish over time.
Even with just one or two browser tabs open, CPU usage can reach around 90%. Browsing the web and running applications have become frustrating, and there is noticeable input lag when moving the cursor or typing. Sometimes, even basic interaction with the operating system feels delayed.

I checked Windows for system issues and fixed some minor glitches, but the overall performance problem remains.
I also created a bootable Ubuntu USB drive to see whether the problem was specific to Windows. Unfortunately, I noticed no significant improvement there either.
Health check = OK
Update history = 2024-10-11 Update for Windows 11 for x64-based Systems (KB5001716)

What confuses me is that the laptop was much more usable a few years ago, and I don't recall this level of sluggishness developing gradually to the point where even basic tasks have become difficult.

Considering upgrading Win11 Pro from Version 21H2 to a newer release, possibly 26H2, even though I know my HP EliteBook 840 G1 isn't officially supported.
What could be the workaround to check whether a new Windows build might improve performance or whether it would make the system even slower!. Would it be worth trying an upgrade to an unsupported Windows version? Is it even possible to upgrade, can we do that via sys upgrade & not making any bootables?

 

[DVDR_Dog]

Try loading a simple program 'Speedfan'. It'a a good free simple way to continuously monitor both system temps and CPU activity. That's the first place I would look.
Speedfan Web Site
Hp laptops can encounter CPU cooler problem (gas breaches from copper line, fan compromises) so I would take a good look at all facets of cooling (cooler --> CPU integrity) , including reseat CPU.
From there, test RAM and HD. consider a SATA SSD replacement.
Other than that just b/c something resource friendly like Ubuntu,it's something at the component level. You could consider picking up a new mainboard from eBay or time to retire the old HP.
Truth be told, my first laptop was a 15" HP, it had a bad CPU cooler that needed replacement (eBay to the rescue). I used to repair HP laptop all the time, was never a fan of HP portables. Their printers rock though.

 

[AFFASocial]

To fix your slow HP EliteBook 840 G1, start by checking for background processes using Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and close unnecessary applications. Additionally, consider upgrading your RAM if you frequently run out of memory, and ensure your SSD has enough free space for optimal performance.

Troubleshooting Slow Performance on HP EliteBook 840 G1​

If your HP EliteBook 840 G1 is running slowly, there are several steps you can take to diagnose and improve its performance.

Check Background Processes​

Use Task Manager to identify any applications that may be consuming excessive resources:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look at the Processes tab to see CPU, RAM, and disk usage.
3. Close unnecessary applications that are using high resources.

Upgrade RAM​

Since your laptop has 12 GB of RAM, it should generally handle most tasks well. However, if you frequently run out of memory, consider upgrading to the maximum of 16 GB for better multitasking capabilities.

Free Up Storage Space​

Ensure your SSD has enough free space. A nearly full SSD can significantly slow down performance. Aim to keep at least 15-20% of your SSD free. Here’s how to check:

• Go to Settings > System > Storage to see how much space is available.
• Delete unnecessary files or uninstall applications you no longer use.

Optimize Power Settings​

Check your power settings to ensure they are not limiting performance:

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
• Select the Balanced or High Performance plan instead of Power Saver.

Run a Malware Scan​

Malicious software can slow down your laptop. Use a trusted antivirus program to scan for and remove any malware.

Additional Tips​

• Update Drivers: Ensure all drivers are up to date, especially for the graphics and storage devices.
• Clear Temporary Files: Use tools like Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files that may be taking up space.
• Consider SSD Upgrade: If your SSD is older, upgrading to a newer SSD can provide a significant speed boost.

By following these steps, you should be able to improve the performance of your HP EliteBook 840 G1.

 

[garibaldo'']

I would start recommending to open it and clean with vacuum and not a blower...
then, installing a windows from that time when notebook was purchased, to meet more reasonable hardware demands...
Ubuntu running from usb v1 or v2 wouldnt be fast, anyway, but you could try lighter versions, designed for old machines:

Ubuntu flavors | Ubuntu

Ubuntu flavors: community variants with alternative desktop environments including KDE, Xfce, LXQt, MATE, and more.

ubuntu.com

and there are even light linux distros to test than Ubuntu...