Are you tired of dealing with a slow Surface RT? Do you wish you could make it run faster and more efficiently? You’re not alone. Many users have reported experiencing sluggish performance on their Surface RT devices, but the good news is that there are several ways to improve its speed and overall performance.
Understanding the Surface RT’s Limitations
Before we dive into the tips and tricks to make your Surface RT faster, it’s essential to understand the device’s limitations. The Surface RT is a tablet that runs on Windows RT, a stripped-down version of Windows 8. It’s designed to be a more affordable and portable alternative to traditional laptops, but it’s not as powerful as its Windows 8 counterparts.
The Surface RT is powered by a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, which is a decent processor for a tablet, but it’s not as fast as the processors found in laptops. Additionally, the device only has 2GB of RAM, which can limit its ability to run multiple apps simultaneously.
Hardware Limitations
The Surface RT’s hardware limitations are a significant factor in its performance. The device’s processor and RAM are not upgradable, so you’re stuck with what you have. However, there are some hardware-related tweaks you can make to improve performance.
Freeing Up Storage Space
One of the most significant hardware-related tweaks you can make is to free up storage space. The Surface RT comes with a limited amount of storage, and if you’re running low on space, it can slow down your device. To free up storage space, follow these steps:
- Delete unnecessary files and apps
- Move files to an external hard drive or cloud storage
- Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files and system files
By freeing up storage space, you can improve your device’s performance and make it run faster.
Software Tweaks
While the Surface RT’s hardware limitations are a significant factor in its performance, there are several software tweaks you can make to improve its speed.
Disabling Animations
One of the simplest software tweaks you can make is to disable animations. Animations can consume system resources and slow down your device. To disable animations, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Ease of Access
- Click on “Make it easier to focus”
- Toggle off “Play animations in Windows”
By disabling animations, you can improve your device’s performance and make it run faster.
Closing Unnecessary Apps
Another software tweak you can make is to close unnecessary apps. If you have multiple apps open at the same time, it can consume system resources and slow down your device. To close unnecessary apps, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + Tab to open the app switcher
- Click on the “X” icon to close unnecessary apps
By closing unnecessary apps, you can improve your device’s performance and make it run faster.
Updating Windows RT
Keeping your Windows RT up to date is essential to improve performance. Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. To update Windows RT, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Change PC settings
- Click on “Update and recovery”
- Click on “Check now” to check for updates
By keeping your Windows RT up to date, you can improve your device’s performance and make it run faster.
Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps available that can help improve your Surface RT’s performance. Here are a few apps you can try:
- CCleaner: A popular cleaning app that can help remove temporary files, system files, and other data that can slow down your device.
- Glary Utilities: A comprehensive utility app that can help improve performance, fix errors, and optimize system settings.
By using third-party apps, you can improve your device’s performance and make it run faster.
Resetting Your Surface RT
If you’ve tried all the above tips and your Surface RT is still slow, you may want to consider resetting it. Resetting your device will restore it to its factory settings, which can help improve performance. To reset your Surface RT, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Change PC settings
- Click on “Update and recovery”
- Click on “Recovery”
- Click on “Get started” under “Remove everything and reinstall Windows”
By resetting your Surface RT, you can improve its performance and make it run faster.
Conclusion
The Surface RT is a great device, but it can be slow at times. However, by understanding its limitations, making hardware tweaks, and using software tweaks, you can improve its performance and make it run faster. Additionally, using third-party apps and resetting your device can also help. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Surface RT and enjoy a faster and more efficient user experience.
| Tips to Improve Surface RT Performance | Description |
|---|---|
| Freeing Up Storage Space | Delete unnecessary files and apps, move files to an external hard drive or cloud storage, and use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files and system files. |
| Disabling Animations | Go to Settings > Ease of Access, click on “Make it easier to focus,” and toggle off “Play animations in Windows.” |
| Closing Unnecessary Apps | Press the Windows key + Tab to open the app switcher, and click on the “X” icon to close unnecessary apps. |
| Updating Windows RT | Go to Settings > Change PC settings, click on “Update and recovery,” and click on “Check now” to check for updates. |
| Using Third-Party Apps | Use apps like CCleaner and Glary Utilities to improve performance, fix errors, and optimize system settings. |
| Resetting Your Surface RT | Go to Settings > Change PC settings, click on “Update and recovery,” click on “Recovery,” and click on “Get started” under “Remove everything and reinstall Windows.” |
By following these tips, you can improve your Surface RT’s performance and make it run faster. Remember to always keep your device up to date, and don’t hesitate to reset it if you need to. With a little tweaking, you can get the most out of your Surface RT and enjoy a faster and more efficient user experience.
What is the Surface RT and why does it need performance boosting?
The Surface RT is a tablet computer developed by Microsoft, released in 2012. It runs on the Windows RT operating system, which is designed for ARM-based devices. Although the Surface RT was a powerful device in its time, its performance may have degraded over the years due to various factors such as software updates, app installations, and data accumulation.
Boosting the performance of the Surface RT can help to improve its overall speed, responsiveness, and efficiency. By implementing some simple tips and tricks, users can breathe new life into their device and make it run smoothly again. This can be especially useful for those who still rely on their Surface RT for daily tasks, such as browsing the web, checking emails, and using productivity apps.
How do I free up storage space on my Surface RT?
Freeing up storage space is essential to improve the performance of the Surface RT. One way to do this is by deleting unnecessary files and apps. Users can check their storage usage by going to the Settings app and clicking on “Change PC settings.” From there, they can see which files and apps are taking up the most space and delete them accordingly.
Another way to free up storage space is by moving files to an external storage device, such as a microSD card or a USB drive. Users can also consider uninstalling apps that they no longer use or need. Additionally, they can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files, system files, and other items that are no longer needed.
How can I update my Surface RT to improve its performance?
Updating the Surface RT to the latest software version can help to improve its performance. Microsoft regularly releases updates for Windows RT, which include bug fixes, security patches, and performance enhancements. Users can check for updates by going to the Settings app and clicking on “Change PC settings.” From there, they can click on “Update and recovery” and then “Windows Update” to check for available updates.
It’s essential to note that the Surface RT will no longer receive major updates, as Microsoft has ended support for Windows RT. However, users can still install any remaining updates that were released before the end of support. Additionally, users can consider updating their apps to the latest version, as newer app versions may be optimized for better performance.
What are some tips for managing apps on my Surface RT?
Managing apps is crucial to maintaining the performance of the Surface RT. One tip is to close unused apps to free up memory and CPU resources. Users can do this by pressing the Windows button and the Tab key simultaneously, and then swiping down on the app they want to close.
Another tip is to uninstall apps that are no longer needed or used. Users can do this by going to the Start screen, right-clicking on the app tile, and then clicking on “Uninstall.” Additionally, users can consider disabling live tiles for apps that they don’t need to receive updates from. This can help to reduce battery drain and improve overall performance.
How can I improve the battery life of my Surface RT?
Improving the battery life of the Surface RT can help to extend its usage time. One way to do this is by adjusting the screen brightness and turning off unnecessary features such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use. Users can also consider turning down the screen timeout duration to conserve battery life.
Another way to improve battery life is by closing resource-intensive apps and background processes. Users can do this by pressing the Windows button and the Tab key simultaneously, and then swiping down on the app they want to close. Additionally, users can consider updating their apps to the latest version, as newer app versions may be optimized for better battery life.
What are some tips for maintaining my Surface RT’s performance over time?
Maintaining the Surface RT’s performance over time requires regular maintenance and upkeep. One tip is to regularly clean up temporary files and system files using the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. Users can also consider running the built-in Windows Defender tool to scan for malware and viruses.
Another tip is to avoid overloading the Surface RT with too many apps and files. Users should regularly review their installed apps and files and remove any unnecessary ones. Additionally, users can consider restarting their Surface RT regularly to clear out memory and CPU resources. This can help to maintain the device’s performance and prevent slowdowns over time.
Can I upgrade my Surface RT’s hardware to improve its performance?
Upgrading the Surface RT’s hardware is not a straightforward process, as the device’s hardware is soldered onto the motherboard. However, users can consider upgrading the device’s storage capacity by replacing the microSD card with a higher-capacity one. This can help to improve the device’s overall performance by providing more storage space for apps and files.
Another option is to consider upgrading the device’s RAM, but this is not a recommended or supported process. The Surface RT’s RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, making it difficult to upgrade. Additionally, upgrading the RAM may void the device’s warranty and cause compatibility issues with the operating system.