Does it seem like your computer works at a snail’s pace during the obligatorily long startup? Well, a slow startup is indeed very annoying, but there are some known methods to make the startup of the computer faster. In this tutorial, we will reveal to you the best ways to minimize your PC’s startup time and thus to make it operate its best, as well as the most up-to-date Windows tutorials.
Root Causes of Slow PC Startup
Many issues come into play when one experiences slow startup, such as:
- Too many startup programs that load
- A hard drive which is nearly full
- An infected system with malware or a virus
- Outdated BIOS settings
- Hardware whose time has passed
Finding out the main reason for your slow startup is the motive for tackling the issue at first. Here are the top solutions.
1. Avoid Unwanted Launch at the Start-Up
When the list of programs that boot up together with your PC is too long, the speed may significantly slow down. The OS productivity may decrease, owing to the fact that the system runs applications in the background, and that consumes a lot of resources accordingly.
How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to get to the Task Manager.
- Click on the Startup page.
- Look for applications identified as High impact.
- On the right-click menu for programs you don’t need, choose the “Disable” option.
Computers usually startup with numerous programs, slowing down the boot times and general performance, you can limit these loadings by restricting the boot number.
2. Get Rid of the Unnecessary Data on Your Boot Drive
If your hard drive is just about full, your computer is almost certainly going to slow down; if it is the primary drive, then you must check and take care of that.
Steps to Free Up Space:
- Delete Temporary Files: Open Run (Win + R), type temp, and delete unnecessary files.
- Clear System Files: Run Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr in Run) and remove unwanted system files.
- Uninstall Unused Applications: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and remove software you no longer use.
- Move Large Files: Transfer large files to an external drive or cloud storage.
The computer will be fine if your boot drive is at least 20% available.
3. Scan for Malware and Viruses
Malware attacks can commit a bunch of system resources, causing the computer to run slow as a result.
How to Scan for Malware:
- Open Windows Security (Win + I > Privacy & security > Windows Security).
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Click Quick scan or Full scan for a deeper check.
- Use third-party antivirus software like Malwarebytes for additional protection.
Frequent alarms about malware on your laptop ensure that your system does not become a victim of dangerous programs.
4. Optimize BIOS Settings for Faster Boot
The speed of the bootup process of your computer depends on your system’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings. The acceleration of the startup time is greatly affected by some of the options, which are part of the BIOS settings.
Steps to Optimize BIOS:
- To access the BIOS, simply restart your PC and press the BIOS key (F2, F12, Delete, or Esc, depending on your manufacturer).
- The next place to go would be Fast Boot or Quick Boot, which when found should be enabled right away.
- Another thing to do is to turn off the Startup Logo and decrease the boot time.
- Only after pressing “S” to save changes and “E” to exit BIOS and turn off your computer will the changes be made and new tools be installed.
Just by the change of some small parts, your computer’s start-up time can be reduced by some seconds.
5. Restore or Reinstall Windows
If your computer is slow even after you have repaired it, think about reinstalling or restoring Windows.
Restore Windows to an Earlier Point:
- If you want to create a system restore point, then you may do so by searching for it on your Windows.
- Click on System Restore and start the Recovery process right away.
- The first thing you should do is selecting a restore point from the time when’a slowdown occurred.
Reinstall Windows:
If you are unable to solve the issue using the other methods, you can try a fresh new reinstall that would resolve issues that have been in existence for quite a long time.
- From Settings go to System and then Recovery.
- Click Reset this PC and opt for either Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Afterward, you should only proceed with the reinstallation of Windows once guided by the steps provided on the screen.
6. Upgrade Your Hardware
If your computer continues to work slowly, isolated cases of old hardware may be the reason. On
Install a Solid-State Drive (SSD)
- Compared to hard drives (HDDs), SSDs are very much quicker.
- An SSD can boot time nearly 50% faster when you switch to it.
Increase RAM
- According to Windows 11, 8GB of RAM is the minimum amount of memory required to enjoy a better performance.
- Faster multitasking and shorter application loading times are the benefits of adding more RAM.
Summary: How to Speed Up PC Startup
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Too many startup programs | Disable unnecessary startup apps |
| Low disk space | Free up space on boot drive |
| Malware infection | Run a full malware scan |
| Slow BIOS settings | Enable Fast Boot and disable unnecessary features |
| Corrupted Windows files | Restore or reinstall Windows |
| Aging hardware | Upgrade to an SSD and increase RAM |
The Last Words 🎯
Doing this makes your computer start up faster and speed up the whole system. By doing the cleaning and keeping everything updated, you make sure that everything stays in good shape for years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the reasons PC booting mode is slow?
If your PC is slow after booting, but you have shut down the startup programs, then this might be any of the other factors such as a full hard drive, potential malware infections, or outdated hardware. Performing a disk cleanup as well as installing an SSD can enhance the performance.
How regularly should I schedule a malware scan operation?
For effective and efficient functioning, it is best to run a scan once a week. This measure will not only make sure that your computer is safe, but also that it is running smoothly. In the case of abnormal behavior, execute a scan immediately.
Will reinstalling Windows erase all my files?
If you select the Keep my files option during the Windows reset, your files will be unchanged. However, your private data will be removed although the applications and settings will remain the same. Be sure to make a backup copy before the installation.
Which amount of RAM is suitable for quick computer starting up?
For Windows 10 and 11, a minimum of 8 GB of RAM should be used. More is better if you run lots of things at once or use some pretty hardcore apps. 16GB or more can make the computer even faster.
What tools can help me know whether my SSD or HDD is the cause of slow startup?
Put a check beside the disk in Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and find the Performance tab to make the observation. If the disk is continuously used at a rate of 100%, the hard drive could be holding the computer back. Switching from a hard drive to an SSD drive (solid-state) can greatly enhance startup times.