If your Surface isn't running as quickly as it once did, try running the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit and using the other tips below to pinpoint and solve the problem.
Newer devices have an adjustable power mode to allow you to balance your preference between best battery life and best performance. To view this setting, select the Start button, then type settings. Select Settings > System > Power & battery. For Power mode, select Better performance or Best performance.
This setting can be set up differently based on when the device is plugged in or running on battery. When you change the setting, make sure the device is plugged in or unplugged—depending on which power state you want to change.
You can quickly check the health of your Surface drivers and firmware using the Surface app.
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Select Start , search for surface, then select the app from the list of results.
Open the Surface appNote: If you don't see the Surface app in the search results you might need to download the Surface app from Microsoft Store.
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On Help & support, select Check for updates. Check if the update status is “You’re up to date” or something else. If needed, select the option to update the device.
If your Surface is slow, go to Tips to improve PC performance in Windows to learn how to help improve the performance of your Surface.
Your Surface may be too hot. Move your Surface to a cooler spot, wait five minutes, and see if it runs faster. When possible, plug in your Surface.
If you are running a memory-intensive app, such as streaming video or playing a game, try closing it for a few minutes. That may cool your Surface down.
Go to Start, and select Power > Restart.
Related topics
If your Surface isn't running as quickly as it once did, try running the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit and using the other tips below to pinpoint and solve the problem.
Video: Optimize your Surface for performance
Note: This video is available in English only.
Newer devices have an adjustable power mode to allow you to balance your preference between best battery life and best performance. To view this setting, select the battery icon on the task bar. If your device supports it, move the Power Mode slider to either the Better performance or Best performance setting.
You can quickly check the health of your Surface drivers and firmware using the Surface app.
-
Select Start , search for surface, then select the app from the list of results.
Open the Surface appNote: If you don't see the Surface app in the search results you might need to download the Surface app from Microsoft Store.
-
On Help & support, select Check for updates. Check if the update status is “You’re up to date” or something else. If needed, select the option to update the device.
If your Surface is slow, go to Tips to improve PC performance in Windows to learn how to help improve the performance of your Surface.
Your Surface may be too hot. Move your Surface to a cooler spot, wait five minutes, and see if it runs faster. When possible, plug in your Surface.
If you are running a memory-intensive app, such as streaming video or playing a game, try closing it for a few minutes. That may cool your Surface down.
Go to Start , and select Power > Restart.
