A brand new Windows installation boots up lightning fast. But after updates, new software, and general use, your PC can feel sluggish. This guide offers nine practical tips to diagnose and fix slow Windows startup times, helping you reclaim that initial speed.
Windows Event Viewer logs startup times and processes that cause delays, such as antivirus scans.
1. Measure Windows Startup Time
Windows logs startup and shutdown times in the Event Viewer. Access it by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Event Viewer.” Navigate to “Application and service logs > Microsoft > Windows > Diagnostics-Performance > Operational.”
Events with IDs 100-199 relate to startup. IDs 100 and 200 show the duration in milliseconds under “Startup duration” and “Shutdown duration.” IDs 101-199 provide details on specific areas impacting startup. Clicking a message reveals a description under “General” and the software causing the delay. Shutdown issues are logged with IDs 200-299.
2. Eliminate System Bottlenecks
BootRacer helps pinpoint startup bottlenecks and manage autostart programs.
BootRacer is a helpful tool for analyzing startup times. Run a “Complete Windows startup process” test, then a “Test without autostart programs (Clear Boot Test).” Comparing the “Desktop” times reveals the impact of autostart programs. BootRacer lets you disable unnecessary programs directly.
3. Optimize Startup Programs
Windows Task Manager provides control over startup apps and displays “Last BIOS time.”
The Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Del) also manages startup programs. Under “Startup apps,” the “Startup impact” column indicates each program’s effect on Windows. Disable unnecessary programs through the context menu. “Last BIOS time” (UEFI mode only) shows the time taken for Windows to start after powering on. Enable “Fast Boot” or “Quick Boot” in your BIOS/UEFI settings to potentially reduce this time.
Sysinternals Autoruns offers comprehensive control over all startup items, including services and extensions.
Autoruns from Sysinternals provides more advanced control over startup programs, services, and extensions. Glary Utilities also offers startup management, including delayed starts for faster desktop access.
4. Enable Automatic Windows Logon
Automatic login streamlines the startup process by bypassing the password prompt.
For home PCs, bypass the login screen. Set the registry key Hkey_Local_MachineSoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionPasswordLessDeviceDevicePasswordLessBuildVersion to 0. Then, run netplwiz, uncheck “Users must enter user name and password,” and enter your credentials.
5. Manage Windows Updates
W10Privacy offers control over Windows Updates, allowing you to schedule updates for optimal convenience.
While crucial, updates can slow down startup. W10Privacy offers greater control. Install it portably, then place PSWindowsUpdate in the same directory. Run Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Remotesigned in PowerShell (as administrator). In W10Privacy (run as administrator), navigate to “Extras > Windows updates,” enable the first four options, and click “Set changed settings.” This redirects updates to a fake server, stopping automatic downloads. Use W10Privacy to manually initiate and manage updates. Monitor the C:ToolsW10PrivacyW10Privacy.log file for details.
6. Utilize a Timer
Timers and smart plugs automate PC startup, saving time and energy.
Schedule your PC’s startup with a timer or smart plug. Enable “Restore after AC Power Loss,” “AC Back,” or similar in your BIOS/UEFI settings. This ensures automatic startup when power is restored.
7. Schedule Automatic Startup
BIOS/UEFI scheduled startup offers a hardware-level solution for automating PC power-on.
Many BIOS/UEFI setups include “Resume by Alarm” for daily scheduled startups, regardless of the operating system state.
8. Enable Remote Startup
Wake-on-LAN allows remote PC startup via the network or even the internet.
Wake-on-LAN (WOL) allows remote startup. Enable WOL in your BIOS/UEFI and network adapter settings. Ensure “Wake on magic package” or similar is enabled. Disable “Fast Startup” in Power Options if WOL doesn’t work after shutdown. Use WakeMeOnLan to send the WOL packet. Mobile apps like Wolon offer convenient WOL control. For internet-based WOL, use DynDNS and port forwarding.
9. Upgrade to an SSD
SSDs drastically improve boot times. Consider upgrading, even for older systems. Use AS SSD Benchmark to assess drive speeds and Hasleo Backup Suite Free to migrate your system to an SSD. Defragment your hard drive periodically with Auslogics Disk Defrag if you’re not using an SSD.
This article originally appeared on pcwelt.de and has been translated into English.
