How to Fix Slow PC Startup

Disable unwanted startup apps and free up storage space to drastically speed up how fast your computer starts up

By
Jon Martindale
Headshot of Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale
Writer
    Jon Martindale has been a feature tech writer for more than 10 years. He's written for publications such as Digital Trends, KitGuru, and ITProPortal.
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    Updated on October 4, 2023
    Reviewed by
    Chris Selph
    Chris Selph headshot
    Reviewed by Chris Selph
      Chris Selph is a CompTIA-certified technology and vocational IT teacher. He also serves as network & server administrator and performs computer maintenance and repair for numerous clients.
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      You don't need to get used to system lag. Instead, learn how to fix a slow PC startup with these tips, and you'll be able to get your PC back into fighting shape in no time.

      Why Does My PC Take So Long to Start Up?

      It could be your boot drive is getting a bit full, and not operating at peak performance. You might have too many programs trying to start alongside Windows, or your hardware could just be getting a bit old.

      It's hard to know which is which until you start applying solutions, to see what sticks.

      How Can I Speed Up My Computer Startup?

      Here are lots of ideas for how to make your computer boot into Windows faster:

      1. Disable unnecessary startup programs.

        One of the main reasons a PC is taking a while to start up is because of all the applications it's trying to load right off the bat. When you disable these apps, Windows won't automatically load them after you log in, thus cutting down the overall time it takes for you to start using your computer.

        The Windows 11 startup options are different from the Windows 10 startup options. There might also be subtle differences in older Windows versions. Look out for any marked as High impact, as these will have a greater impact on your PC's startup speed.

      2. Clear up space on your boot drive. If the C drive is getting close to full, it can dramatically affect performance.

      3. Run a malware scan. It's possible malware is eating up system resources when your PC starts. Make sure to scan for malware on a regular basis.

      4. Access BIOS to tweak those settings. There are some BIOS options you can enable to improve startup speed, like Fast Boot. You can also disable startup logos, which can inhibit startup performance a little.

      5. Restore or reinstall Windows. If none of the above works, then you may need to revert to a System Restore point or reinstall Windows altogether. Either will likely fix any startup problems you have.

      6. Upgrade your computer's hard drive and/or memory. If you're still using a traditional hard drive as your main boot drive, or you're trying to run a modern Windows OS with low RAM, then it might be time to upgrade.

        Installing a solid-state drive, and upgrading RAM, can have a dramatic effect on startup speed.

      FAQ
      • Why is my download speed so slow on PC?

        Slow download speeds can occur when something else is using a chunk of bandwidth, like media streaming or online gaming. You may also have some interference with your signal. You can speed up downloads on your PC with a variety of methods, including using a wired connection, moving closer to a wireless router, or rebooting your hardware.

      • Why is my HP computer so slow?

        The same software issues can affect a PC no matter who made it because they all use the Windows operating system. For hardware and other issues, check our troubleshooting guide.

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