1. Introduction
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution widely used by developers and technical professionals. However, after extended use, the system can become sluggish. Performance degradation is especially common when running multiple resource-heavy tasks concurrently or using GNOME Shell for long periods.
In this article, we explain in detail the root causes behind Ubuntu slowdowns, and we show how to improve performance in practice. We provide a broad range of approaches — from basic measures to hardware optimizations — and offer concrete steps that beginners to intermediate users can follow.
2. Main Causes of Ubuntu Slowness
Insufficient Resources
The primary cause of Ubuntu becoming slow is insufficient memory or CPU resources. This issue becomes particularly severe if you run multiple applications simultaneously, or if you work with video editing or virtual machines — scenarios where resource usage suddenly spikes, impacting overall system performance. Be especially cautious when using a resource-intensive browser with many open tabs or other heavy applications.
Memory Leaks in GNOME Shell
The default desktop environment on Ubuntu, GNOME Shell, is known to have memory leak issues. Over long usage periods, system memory may gradually be consumed, leading to resource exhaustion. Memory usage often increases gradually each time you switch applications or manipulate windows.
As a temporary workaround, you can press Alt + F2, type r, and restart GNOME Shell to reset memory usage. However, this is only a temporary fix and does not solve the root cause. While some of the memory leak issues have been addressed in GNOME Shell versions 3.36 and later, it remains important to keep your system up to date.
3. Basic Measures to Lighten Ubuntu
Remove Unnecessary Applications
Some unnecessary applications installed on your system may consume resources even when idle. Removing these applications can improve overall system performance. Use the following command to uninstall apps you do not use:
sudo apt remove application-nameThis helps eliminate background services and other resource-consuming processes, reducing the burden on memory and CPU.
Clear Cache
While cache helps speed up applications, excessive accumulation can degrade system performance. Periodically clearing cache can therefore help improve performance. Use the following commands to clear system cache:
sudo apt clean
sudo apt autoremoveRunning these commands can sometimes free several gigabytes of disk space — which may lead to a noticeably faster system.
Apply Updates
Keeping your system updated is vital for smooth Ubuntu operation. New releases often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Since some updates address memory leak problems in GNOME Shell, regularly updating your system is highly recommended.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
4. Hardware Optimization
Increase Physical Memory (RAM)
If resource shortages occur frequently, upgrading physical memory is the most effective step. At least 8 GB of RAM is recommended when running multiple applications simultaneously. For development workloads or virtual machines, 16 GB or more is ideal. Upgrading RAM is often the most direct way to improve system stability and performance.
Switch to SSD
If your system is using an HDD, replacing it with an SSD can dramatically speed up overall performance. This significantly reduces OS boot and application load times — making Ubuntu feel much more responsive. Because SSDs offer much faster read/write speeds than HDDs, this is one of the most effective ways to make Ubuntu smooth and snappy.
5. Lightweight Ubuntu Options
Install a Lightweight Desktop Environment
GNOME Shell offers rich functionality, but it also consumes considerable resources. Switching to a lightweight desktop environment like Xfce or LXDE can be effective for reducing system load. This is especially useful for older hardware or environments with limited resources.
sudo apt install xubuntu-desktopThis command installs the Xfce desktop environment, reducing overall resource usage and helping your system run more smoothly.
Optimize Swap Space
When RAM becomes insufficient, the system starts using disk swap space. If swap space is not configured properly, the system can become sluggish. As a guideline, it’s recommended to set swap space to about 1.5–2 times your physical RAM. You can create and enable swap space using the steps below:
sudo swapon --show
sudo fallocate -l 4G /swapfile
sudo chmod 600 /swapfile
sudo mkswap /swapfile
sudo swapon /swapfileWith this configuration, when RAM runs low, using swap space can improve system stability and help prevent performance degradation.
6. Conclusion
Improving Ubuntu performance requires a combination of software and hardware optimizations. By removing unnecessary applications and caches, keeping the system updated, and combining hardware upgrades — such as increasing RAM, switching to SSD, or adopting a lightweight desktop environment — you can greatly enhance usability. Proper handling of memory leaks and resource management can significantly boost overall system performance.
This article has provided concrete steps for optimizing system performance. It is designed to be easy enough for beginners to follow, so feel free to try these tips yourself.
