Home / Handy Tips / Windows Computer Slow to Boot? Here Are 8 Fixes You Can Try
Computer Slow to Boot
It’s incredibly frustrating when your PC takes forever to start up. Slow load times and a computer that lags right from the beginning can quickly test your patience. This article will help. We’ll break down the most common reasons a Windows PC boots slowly and share practical steps you can take to speed things up.

Fix 1: Check startup programs

Too many programs launching when your PC starts up is one of the most common causes of a sluggish boot time. Each startup application uses valuable system resources, which can delay your computer’s ability to become fully operational.

To review your startup programs,

  1. press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager (or right click on the Task Pane and open it from there)
  2. Navigate to the Startup tab
  3. Disable any apps you don’t need to use immediately after booting

For example, look for apps like Spotify, Adobe Updater, or Skype. Disable them and others on startup to significantly reduce boot time and improve performance.

Fix 2: Update Windows and drivers

Outdated drivers and system files can cause performance issues, including slow boot times. Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs, patch security vulnerabilities, and improve overall efficiency. Drivers for your graphics card, network, and storage must also be up to date to ensure your hardware operates smoothly and efficiently.

To update, go to Settings > Windows Update, and install any available updates.

For drivers, visit your hardware manufacturer’s website or use Device Manager to search for updated drivers.

Regular updates help maintain system stability and can speed up boot times significantly.

Fix 3: Scan for malware

Malware and other unwanted software will slow down your system considerably, particularly during startup. Nefarious individuals design some malicious programs to load automatically when Windows boots, consuming system resources and delaying the startup phase. Even if you’re careful about what you download, it’s still worth running regular system scans to be sure.

Use Windows Security (built into Windows 10 and 11) or a trusted third-party antivirus program to perform a full scan.

Removing malware not only improves boot speed but also protects your data and privacy.

Fix 4: Enable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a Windows feature that reduces boot times by saving the system state to a hibernation file. Although it works well for many users, it can sometimes cause problems if you’re dual-booting, have driver conflicts, or your hardware doesn’t fully support it.

If your PC is slow to boot, try enabling Fast Startup. Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do, then check Turn on Fast Startup.

Restart and observe any improvements.

Fix 5: Switch to an SSD

A traditional hard disk drive (HDD) has moving parts and reads and writes more slowly than more modern drives. If your PC still has the old style hard drive, consider upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD), as it can dramatically reduce boot times.

SSDs are significantly faster because they use flash memory rather than spinning platters, allowing your system to load Windows and applications in seconds.

The difference is often extreme. Even budget-friendly SSDs offer massive performance gains over HDDs. Cloning your existing drive or doing a fresh install on an SSD is a worthwhile investment for any lethargic PC.

Fix 6: Clean up system files

Over time, your Windows computer will accumulate temporary files, outdated logs, and leftover data from updates that can seriously hamper performance. Cleaning these files will free up valuable disk space and help your system boot much faster.

Access the built-in Disk Cleanup tool or Storage Sense to remove unnecessary files safely.

For deeper cleaning, third-party tools like CCleaner can help. However, be cautious and avoid deleting system-critical files.

Performing a regular cleanup keeps your startup lean and your computer running efficiently.

Fix 7: Check for BIOS or firmware issues

Outdated BIOS or firmware can cause slow boot sequences, especially when using an older computer. Your BIOS controls the initial hardware checks and system startup, so inefficiencies or compatibility issues can delay the boot process.

Navigate to your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website to see if there’s a BIOS update available.

Updating BIOS can improve boot speeds and improve system stability, but be sure to follow the update instructions carefully. A failed BIOS update can cause major issues, so proceed cautiously or consult an IT professional if you’re uncertain.

Fix 8: Consider a clean install

If your computer’s boot time remains sluggish despite trying other fixes, a clean install of Windows might be the best solution. Over time, old files, settings, and applications accumulate, causing your system to slow down. A fresh installation removes all unnecessary files and provides a clean slate for your operating system.

Always back up your data before proceeding, as a clean install erases everything on your drive. While this may take some time, it can significantly improve performance and resolve deep-rooted software issues.

If you’re not confident doing the fresh installation yourself, consult a professional service like Computer Cures.

We’ll speed up your slow PC

If your computer is languishing during the startup process or running sluggishly, our expert team is here to help. One of the most effective ways to speed things up overall is to swap out your old HDD and replace it with a much faster SSD hard drive. Contact us today to make an appointment or to answer any queries you may have.

1300 553 166
or fill in our online enquiry form today to set up an appointment with a local computer technician