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How to Fix Slow PC Startup

Troubleshooting a computer with slow startup

By 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. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 24, 2022 Reviewed by Chris Selph 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. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Microsoft Microsoft Apple Google Tablets Accessories & Hardware 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 Startup

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

Disable unnecessary startup programs: One of the main reasons your PC might be taking a while to startup is because of all the applications it's trying to load right off the bat. Many of these are likely unnecessary, so edit the Windows 10 startup options and disable the ones that you really don't need. Look out for any marked as High impact as these will have a greater impact on your PC's startup speed. The process is a little different on Windows 11, so follow these steps for specific help with that operating system. Upgraded? The Windows 11 startup options are different than in Windows 10. Do 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. Clear some space on your boot drive: If your boot, or C drive, is getting close to full, it can dramatically affect performance. Make sure to free up space on your Windows PC as it gets low. Tweak your BIOS: There are some BIOS settings you can enable to improve startup speed, like Fast Boot. You can also disable startup logos, which can inhibit startup performance a little. Reinstall Windows: If none of the above works, then you may need to revert to a Windows system restore point, or reinstall Windows altogether. Either will probably fix any startup problems you have.
Upgrade SSD/memory: If you're still using a hard drive as your main boot drive, or are trying to run a modern Windows 10 or 11 PC with 8GB or less memory, then it might be time to upgrade. Changing your boot drive to an SSD, 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix It When Windows 11 Is Slow How to Access Advanced Startup Options in Windows 11/10/8 How to Fix the 'There Was a Problem Resetting Your PC' Error How to Improve Startup Time in Windows 10 Why Your Computer is So Slow and 16 Ways to Fix It How to Fix It When Windows 11 Defender Won't Open How Do I Automatically Repair Windows Problems? 9 Ways to Fix DPC Watchdog Violation in Windows 11 Error Code 0xc0000185: What It Is and How to Fix It How to Fix Broken Registry Items in Windows 11 Startup Settings (What It Is and How to Use It) How to Fix Corrupted Files in Windows 11 How to Access the Windows 10 Startup Folder How to Fix the Windows 10 Automatic Repair Loop How to Fix Msxml3.dll Not Found or Missing Errors How to Fix Freezing & Other Issues During Windows Startup Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies