When staff work remotely using slow or outdated laptops, it can indirectly affect the performance of your business's servers and overall IT infrastructure. While a slow laptop doesn't physically slow down the server itself, it can cause delays in accessing server-hosted files, applications, or cloud services. This results in frustration, reduced productivity, and can increase the risk of errors or security lapses.

Why this matters for UK SMEs

For small and medium-sized businesses in the UK, where many employees may rely on remote access to central servers, slow devices can create bottlenecks. Staff waiting for files to load or applications to respond may try workarounds such as saving data locally or emailing large attachments, which risks data loss or breaches. In addition, slow performance can lead to repeated login attempts or timeouts, which might trigger security alerts or lockouts, complicating compliance with UK GDPR and Cyber Essentials requirements.

A typical scenario

Consider a UK-based marketing agency with 50 employees, half of whom work remotely. If several remote workers have ageing laptops with limited RAM or slow internet connections, they might struggle to connect reliably to the company's file server or cloud platforms. This can cause delays in project delivery, missed deadlines, and increased IT support calls. An experienced IT partner would assess device health, recommend upgrades or replacements, optimise remote access solutions like VPNs or cloud desktops, and ensure that security controls such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and endpoint protection are consistently applied.

Practical checklist for UK SMEs

• Ask your IT provider: How do you monitor and manage remote device performance? Do you provide recommendations or support for upgrading hardware?
• Check your current laptops: Are they meeting minimum specs for your key applications? Is the operating system and software up to date?
• Review remote access methods: Are VPNs or cloud services optimised for low bandwidth? Is there a fallback for poor connections?
• Confirm security controls: Is MFA enabled for remote logins? Are endpoint antivirus and encryption active and updated?
• Evaluate backup and data policies: Are remote devices included in automated backups? Is data stored securely on servers rather than locally?
• Include device management in supplier audits: When procuring IT services, ask how they handle remote device health and security as part of their service level agreement (SLA).

Next steps

Slow laptops can create hidden risks that impact server access, security, and staff productivity. To address this, speak with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor who understands the specific needs of UK SMEs. They can help you assess device performance, improve remote access infrastructure, and ensure your IT environment supports compliance and business continuity without unnecessary complexity.