How to Fix Slow Boot Time on Windows 10/11

If your computer takes forever to start up—waiting at the logo, then loading slowly before you can use it—you’re not alone. Whether you’re on Windows 10 or Windows 11, slow boot times often point to settings, services, or hardware that need attention. In this guide you’ll learn why slow boots happen and how to fix them step-by-step.

Why Your PC Boots Slowly

There are several common culprits behind slow startup:

• Too many programs launching at system start (startup apps). MakeUseOf+1

• Outdated drivers or system files causing delays. MakeUseOf+1

• Boot features like “Fast Startup” behaving incorrectly. MakeUseOf+1

• Hardware issues (HDD instead of SSD, failing drive) or BIOS/firmware inefficiencies. MiniTool Partition Wizard+1

Let’s tackle the fixes.

Step-by-Step Fixes to Speed Up Boot

1. Manage Startup Programs

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) → Startup tab → Disable apps you don’t need starting up. Fewer startup items = faster boot. MakeUseOf+1

2. Toggle Fast Startup Off or On

One feature meant to speed things up can sometimes backfire. Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Change settings unavailable → Turn on fast startup (Recommended). Try toggling off, reboot, then test. MakeUseOf+1

3. Update Drivers & Windows

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and install everything. Then open Device Manager and update major category drivers (graphics, storage, chipset). Medium+1

4. Perform a Clean Boot

Start Windows with minimal services to see if any third-party item slows the boot. Press Win + R → type msconfig → Services tab → “Hide all Microsoft services” → Disable all → Go to Startup tab → Open Task Manager → disable all non-essential apps → Reboot. Microsoft Learn+1

5. Use SSD and Optimize Storage

If your OS is on an HDD, moving to an SSD can dramatically drop boot time. Also check your drive health (chkdsk) and remove old or unused large files. MiniTool Partition Wizard+1

6. Check for Corrupted System Files

Open Command Prompt as admin → sfc /scannow → then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This repairs damaged files that might slow startup. Medium+1

7. Review BIOS/UEFI Settings

When the PC powers on, BIOS checks each hardware device. Enter BIOS (usually F2/Del during boot) and adjust Boot Order to place your system drive first, disable unnecessary devices and enable any “Fast Boot” option. MiniTool Partition Wizard

Pro Tips to Maintain Boot Speed

• Keep startup apps minimal—uninstall or disable what you don’t use.

• Regularly check for Windows and driver updates.

• If using HDD, consider upgrading to SSD.

• Use storage cleanup tools occasionally.

• Avoid heavy system themes or animations that may delay load.

• Backup important files regularly so you can restore or refresh if needed.

A slow-booting PC is frustrating—but most of the time it can be fixed without buying a new machine. By controlling startup programs, optimizing settings, updating drivers, and keeping your hardware healthy, you’ll get back to a fast, responsive startup. Stick with the steps above and you should see noticeable improvement.