How can you troubleshoot a slow startup in Windows 10? (2024)

Key takeaways from this article

• Optimize startup programs:

  Trimming the fat from your startup programs can make a noticeable difference. Dive into Task Manager and disable any applications that aren't essential for your daily operations. A lighter load means quicker boot times!

• Adjust your boot order:

  Tweaking the sequence in which your computer searches for operating systems can streamline startup. Pop into the BIOS settings—make sure it prioritizes the drive with your operating system, then USB and CD/DVD as needed.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

• Michael Brewer End User Support Specialist III at…
• Mijo Jurisic Google Ads Account Manager | PPC…

• Bakari Mustafa Founder and CEO @ Mentors Outreach

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  Consider scheduling automatic updates to stay on top of things. Updates fix bugs, improve security, and optimize your system, making it run smoother!

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• Sam Donovan Technical Director at BNA Group

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  Microsoft have been giving more power to end-users when it comes to controlling their Windows Updates. You're no longer are you at the mercy of Windows deciding to update your computer when you need it most, you can configure your active hours to make sure that you decide when your computer updates:Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Active HoursIt's always important to update your computer. As frustrating as it can be, not doing it can leave your device open to risks and vulnerabilities that could lead to bigger problems.

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• Ezequiel Leonardo Auge Técnico informático HelpDesk. (Certified Tech Developer en curso)

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  Lo primero que haría es corroborar con qué tipo de almacenamiento cuenta el equipo. En caso de que este sea mecánico, optaría por reemplazarlo por un disco de estado sólido lo cual agiliza enormemente el rendimiento del sistema. En segundo lugar, revisaría todas las aplicaciones que inician con Windows y solo dejaría habilitadas las que sean imprescindibles. Nunca está de más correr SFC y DISM para corroborar que la imagen de Windows no esté corrupta o con errores, dichos comandos se encargan de analizar y reparar la integridad del sistema. Además de todo lo mencionado anteriormente es muy importante mantener el SO y los drivers del equipo actualizados. Siempre tener en cuenta las specs. del equipo para saber que componente puede mejorarse

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• Michael Myers Howdy

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  i have noticed fast startup is an issue at time. I would disable it and see if the issue resolves. I would also check to see if there are any process that are taking up alot of memory.

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  Slow Computer? Don't Panic, Update! ⚡️Don't resign yourself to laggy loading times and frustrating freezes just yet! Oftentimes, a simple fix lurks right in your settings: checking for Windows updates.Think of updates like vitamin shots for your computer. They're packed with goodies that can:1. Patch security vulnerabilities: Plug those pesky holes hackers love to exploit, keeping your precious data safe and sound.2. Boost performance: Updates often optimize system processes and drivers.3. Fix bugs and glitches: Those annoying crashes and freezes? Updates can banish them!4. Introduce new features: Get access to cool new tools and functionalities that make your computing experience even better✨

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• Krishna Kumar Singh Information Technology Supervisor at Domus Lloyd Contracting Limited | System Administrator | Office 365 Administrator | Google Workspace Administrator | Quantum Computing | Quantum Information

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  Disabling unnecessary startup programs can really be helpful in the startup timings of the Windows Operating System.The following are the ways:1.) Press "Win+R"2.) Enter "taskmgr" to visit on the "Task Manager"3.) Click on "Startup" section 4.) Diable programs which is not necessary to run during the startup of OS.

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• Sam Donovan Technical Director at BNA Group

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  See Also

  How to Fix a Windows 7 Loading CrashHow to Fix a Frozen Computer: 10 Ways to TroubleshootHow to Perform a Startup Repair in Windows 7How to Fix: Windows 7 Stuck at Loading Screen - MiniTool Partition Wizard

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  Disabling programs that automatically start running when you turn your PC on will speed up boot time yet the question you should be asking is: does this still need to be installed? Most programs that launch at startup are update schedulers - disabling it may mean that key security patches don't get installed immediately on release, putting your computer at risk.Unsure on what the application is? In the startup list > Right click the program > 'Open file Location'. This will take you to the directory the application is running in. Is this an application that you no longer need? Check the below to uninstall it:Open the Start Menu > Type 'Control Panel' and then select it > Programs and Features > Uninstall the desired program.

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• Helen Anyaegbuna Information Technology Auditor at PwC

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  Based on my years of experience as a Technical support engineer, to troubleshoot a slow system startup, consider two main factors: faulty RAM or a potential virus. Once the system is operational, check for updates, ensuring you're on the latest version. Perform a thorough antivirus scan, following the software instructions.If the system remains slow after updates and antivirus checks, assess memory and background applications. Delete unnecessary files, empty the trash, and use the task manager to close running applications. For RAM issues, if possible, open the system, carefully clean and reinstall the RAM.I believe this help 🤗🙏

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• George Baghdi Technical Support Agent @UEAT| MS-900 | AZ-900

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  Think of it this way: Disabling unnecessary startup programs serves a singular purpose, which is to enhance your overall user experience. Why does it matter you ask? Well, there are several reasons. By reducing the number of startup programs, your computer will boot up faster due to fewer processes. Also, It makes your computer work better by freeing up its brainpower (CPU) and memory when there are fewer background programs, so it becomes more responsive.

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• GEORGE O OWINO IT Support Specialist at Jubilee Tissue Industries Ltd | Expert in Network Security Auditing | Linux Engineer |

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  Review the list of programs that launch at startup. Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the "Startup" tab, and disable unnecessary programs. This can significantly improve startup time.

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• Michael Brewer End User Support Specialist III at Dignity Health

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  In an enterprise environment ensure ample disk space along with disabling unused or non pertinent programs on startup along with ample ram to efficiently handle the load,

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• Sam Donovan Technical Director at BNA Group

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  1. If you use OneDrive, do you need to keep all files local on your device? Right clicking the folder/files (that are stored within the OneDrive directory), you should be presented with the option to 'Free up space'. This will clear the local copy whilst keeping the file/folder secure within the cloud.2. Do you have any unused applications? Visit the below to clear any that are unneeded:Open the Start Menu > Type 'Control Panel' and then select it > Programs and Features > Uninstall the desired program.3. Ensure that you keep on top of your downloads folder. Many forget to clear their downloads folder of any unneeded files. If you need to keep any, move them, as the downloads folder is no place to keep important documents!

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• René Hernández Zamora Infrastructure Analyst 2 | Analista de soporte | IT Support Executive | Ingeniero es soporte | Técnico en soporte

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  Una alternativa es liberar espacio en disco duro (subir todo a una nube empresarial o privada) y realizar la desfragmentacion (solo para HDD), posterior se recomienda un cambio de disco a SSD en caso de que no se tenga.Habilitar la copia de seguridad en automático para poder liberar espacio más seguido sin perdida de información.

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• Omer Yilmaz 🖥️ Informatique 🛡️ Sécurité Électronique 🌐 Communication 💰 Caisse

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  Nettoyer régulièrement l'espace disque peut améliorer les performances de votre ordinateur. Utilisez des outils intégrés comme "Nettoyage de disque" sur Windows ou "Optimiser le stockage" sur Mac pour supprimer les fichiers temporaires, les téléchargements inutiles et autres fichiers indésirables. En ce qui concerne les partitions, évitez d'encombrer une seule partition avec trop de données. Répartissez vos fichiers sur différentes partitions de manière équilibrée pour éviter de surcharger une seule section de votre disque dur, ce qui pourrait ralentir votre système.

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• GEORGE O OWINO IT Support Specialist at Jubilee Tissue Industries Ltd | Expert in Network Security Auditing | Linux Engineer |

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  Run the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove unnecessary files and free up disk space. Additionally, use the Optimize Drives utility to defragment and optimize your hard drive or SSD. This can enhance overall system performance, including startup speed.

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  See Also

  Windows 10 Restarting Computer Gets Stuck On Restarting Screen - Microsoft Q&A

• Sam Donovan Technical Director at BNA Group

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  The best protection from Malware is user training. More often than not, Windows Defender will protect you from most attempts to install Malware/Viruses on your device, most reputable websites will also have various measures in place to protect their users.The most likely means of Malware delivery is through Emails or even SMS. Got an email or text from your bank detailing how your account has been compromised, and requesting you to click a link to resolve it? Probably not your bank, and you shouldn't be clicking the link!The golden rule: If you don't trust it, don't click it.

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• Ezequiel Leonardo Auge Técnico informático HelpDesk. (Certified Tech Developer en curso)

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  Si no se elimina el malware, puede causar una serie de problemas en su dispositivo. Algunos de los síntomas comunes incluyen:- Disminución significativa de la velocidad del dispositivo.- Aumento inesperado del espacio de almacenamiento utilizado.- Dispositivo deja de funcionar correctamente o deja de funcionar por completo.- Alertas sobre un virus o un dispositivo infectado.- El software antivirus que utiliza ya no funciona o se ejecuta.Es importante que deje de comprar, hacer transacciones bancarias y hacer otras cosas en línea que involucren nombres de usuario, contraseñas u otra información confidencial, hasta que haya eliminado cualquier malware de su dispositivo.Recomiendo utilizar gestores de contraseña y servicios cloud.

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• Jesse Dumervil Associate of Arts - AA at Miami Dade College

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  Some malware would go away unless you start the windows in safe mode. This can done by pressing F8 while the windows operating system is loading.

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• René Hernández Zamora Infrastructure Analyst 2 | Analista de soporte | IT Support Executive | Ingeniero es soporte | Técnico en soporte

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  Se recomienda mantener el antivirus actualizada, evitar el acceso a portales de dudosa procedencia, tomar medidas al entrar a ciertos sitios, como uso de VPNs, bloqueadores de anuncios, instalación de dispositivos de seguridad y en algunos casos aplica filtros de seguridad.Si el equipo a sido infectado se debe de evaluar si se puede limpiar por completo o si es una mejor opción el formateo.

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• Georgios Vourvoukas Computer Scientist

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  Scan through windows or use a third party antivirus to check for malware. Malware will slow down the system from software like browsers to storage space, unnessesary cpu usage and others. Remove them immediately.

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• Sam Donovan Technical Director at BNA Group

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  Changing the power setting to performance mode can help speed up the device, yet keep in mind that frequent draining and re-charging can impact the overall health of the battery. Do you find yourself at a desk most of the day with your laptop on charge? You may be able to tell your device this through the BIOS, which can improve the overall health of the battery.Accessing the BIOS differs depending on the manufacturer, typically if you press and hold the Delete key whilst the laptop starts you should get through to it. Within the BIOS you'll need to Navigate to: Power > Battery and select the power setting that best suits you.It's worth keeping in mind that not all manufacturers offer this feature, yet it's certainly one to check!

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• Ezequiel Leonardo Auge Técnico informático HelpDesk. (Certified Tech Developer en curso)

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  Quizás lo que no sabías es que el arranque rápido en Windows 10 nos viene activado por defecto, y puede que te interese desactivarlo para contar con una serie de ventajas.1 - Salvar un pequeño espacio en el disco duro que es lo que ocupa el archivo de inicio rápido.2 - Si eres usuario experimentado podrías tener complicaciones con el arranque dual y la virtualización.3 - Podrías contar con cierta incompatibilidad de los botones de encendido del teclado.4 - Y la razón principal: porque quieres que sencillamente el ordenador esté realmente apagado.

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• René Hernández Zamora Infrastructure Analyst 2 | Analista de soporte | IT Support Executive | Ingeniero es soporte | Técnico en soporte

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  El plan de energía depende mucho del uso qué se le de y los buenos o malos hábitos qué como usuarios generamos a lo largo del uso de nuestros propios equipos.Para equipos propios recomiendo dejarlo como equilibrado y para equipos de oficina entre equilibrado y alto rendimiento, dependerá mucho del uso qué se le de y las necesidad del tiempo que debe estar activo el equipo.

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  Your Boot configuration might be messed up, meaning your computer might try to boot from other disks first before accessing the drive you actually installed Windows on. You can simply enter your BIOS and check if you are set up correctly. I recommend the following order:1.Boot from disk you installed Windows on2. Boot from USB, to ensure you can clean install windows if you are setting up the system newly3. Boot from CD/DVD if you still have this port

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  Undo the last update..If your Windows 10 computer starts up slowly, it might be because the last update didn't install correctly. Maybe the computer turned off too soon, or the update itself has issues. Often, the best thing to do is to undo the last update and see if that fixes the problem. This can help your computer start up faster again.

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• Marcus Shelton Feels Good

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  Switch to SSD hard drive. Mechanical have issues and SSD have better performance during startup. Run updates after hard drive change and check available RAM

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• George Baghdi Technical Support Agent @UEAT| MS-900 | AZ-900

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  The top tip that everyone should follow, and it might sound stupid, is to restart their computer regularly. It's surprising how many times I've resolved customer issues, whether it's slowness or applications not opening, by simply restarting their computer. To check when you last restarted, search for "Task Manager" in your search bar, go to the "Performance" tab, and at the bottom, you'll find your computer's uptime—how many days, hours, minutes, and even seconds it has been running.

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• Sammy Byers Executive Client Support at Tekzenit, Inc.

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  Always good to check for any system file issues with,SFC /scannow (scan all protected system files, and replace corrupted files with a cached copy)&DISM.exe (runs a scan for corruption and repairs your system problems)I like to run these command back to back with a second SFC just in case and a reboot. Most times I see positive results with these simple commands.

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