How to Make Your Computer Startup Faster

We’ve all been there—sitting patiently (or not so patiently) while our PC takes its sweet time booting up. So, if you’re wondering how to make your computer start up faster, here’s how.

Let’s review how to speed up your Windows PC’s startup time. Trust me, it’s easier than you might think, and you will thank yourself for making some of the changes we cover below.

A slow-starting PC can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you have a busy day ahead or your gaming party is waiting for you to connect.

I realize that not everyone uses Windows, but it is the most used operating system today. Therefore, if you’re a Mac user or use Linux as your daily driver OS, I’m sorry, but this article doesn’t cover those.

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Key Takeaways

• A slow PC startup can be caused by issues such as malware, outdated drivers, and unnecessary startup programs.
• Clearing disk space, disabling unwanted startup apps, and running regular updates can significantly boost startup performance.
• Consider upgrading from an HDD to an SSD for faster boot times and improved overall system speed.
• Enabling fast startup features and running disk cleanup can further enhance your computer’s startup speed.
• Regularly rebooting your PC can free up resources and solve minor performance issues.

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What Causes My PC to Start Slowly?

There are several reasons your PC might run slowly. Here’s a quick look at some of the most common causes that we’ll cover in this article:

System Settings and Configuration

Properly configuring your computer’s settings can significantly improve its performance.

Here are some key settings to check:

• Disk Space: Make sure you have enough available disk space. Low disk space can slow down your computer, especially when using an older mechanical hard drive (HDD).
• Temporary Files: Temporary files can accumulate over time and take up valuable disk space. Use tools like Disk Cleanup to regularly remove these files.
• Operating System: Keeping your operating system up to date is important for performance and security. Regular updates will fix bugs and improve compatibility.
• Startup Apps: Disabling these unnecessary startup apps will significantly improve boot times. We mention this several times throughout this article as one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve overall performance.

These are just a few things to consider regarding your computer’s performance.

The type of Hard Drive: HDD vs. SSD

One of the biggest reasons is the type of hard drive you’re using. Older traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) rely on spinning disks and can be pretty slow.

Since the late 2000s, these have been rarely used as the primary boot drive in newer PCs. However, some older computers might still have one set as the boot drive.

Additionally, some budget-minded computers or refurbished systems might still include an older mechanical hard disk drive (HDD) as the boot drive to reduce costs.

Solid State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory, enabling much faster data access. Simply put, SSDs can dramatically reduce boot times and overall PC performance.

Outdated Drivers, Software and Startup Programs

Other factors include outdated drivers, software, and too many startup programs. All of which can slow down your PC at startup.

Many applications will set a service or utility to load at system startup, making your PC sluggish right from the start.

From Task Manager, you can disable any unnecessary startup programs. We cover this later in the article.

A Virus or Malware Infection

A virus or malware infection is another issue that can cause your PC to start slowly.

These harmful programs often run in the background, consuming valuable resources and disrupting your computer’s normal operations.

Some malware is designed to launch immediately upon startup, further slowing your PC’s boot time.

Additionally, malware can modify system settings, disable critical startup processes, or inject additional harmful code, all of which can contribute to the slowdown.

Keeping your internet security software up to date and regularly scanning your PC can help prevent these malicious programs from affecting your computer’s performance.

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Start by Rebooting Your Computer

Some of you may know the old saying that when you’re having problems with your computer, just hit (Ctrl > Alt > Del).

I often let my computer go to sleep rather than shut it down at the end of the day. If you do this too, you should restart the system on occasion.

At least once or twice a week, I restart my machine to clear out all the temporary files and background processes.

Doing this will improve performance and fix issues that can occur when your PC has been running for an extended period.

Sometimes, this simplest solution is all you need. Consider rebooting your computer regularly to clear temporary files, free up memory allocated to programs, and refresh system resources.

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Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

A startup program is an application that automatically runs when you turn on your computer.

Installing new software may set one of these startup apps (or programs, as some call them) to run when you boot up your PC. (Most are really unnecessary!)

In my experience, almost all of these unnecessary apps can be safely disabled from loading at startup in Windows. Disabling these will improve your boot time and overall computer performance.

How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows

1. Press and hold Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Select “Yes” at the User Control Prompt, then click the Startup Apps option.
3. Review the list of all the programs. Look for those you don’t need to launch at startup.
4. Right-click the app name, then select Disable.

Disabling these unnecessary startup programs can free up system resources and improve your computer’s overall performance.

However, if you do disable one and something stops working as before, just go back and re-enable it.

Quick Tip: Do not disable startup items such as Malware/Virus protections or printer/scanner utilities, as these are typically required for proper operation.

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Enabling Fast Startup

Enabling fast startup is a handy Windows feature that can significantly reduce your computer’s boot time. It was first introduced in Windows 8 and is still available in Windows 11.

This feature saves the system state to a file on disk, allowing your computer to boot up more quickly.

How to Enable Fast Startup

1. Open the Start menu, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
2. In the top-right corner, set the View by option to Large icons or Small icons.
3. Click on Power Options.
4. On the left-hand sidebar, click Choose what the power buttons do.
5. Click the link at the top labeled “Change settings that are currently unavailable” (this requires Administrator privileges).
6. Under the Shutdown settings section at the bottom, check the box for Turn on fast startup (recommended).
7. Click Save changes at the bottom of the window.

By enabling fast startup, you can reduce the time it takes you to load these files, making your computer ready to use much faster.

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Apply the Latest Windows Update

Keeping Windows updated is important for several reasons beyond performance.

Here are a few reasons why keeping Windows updated is so important

• Security: One of the primary reasons to keep your Windows PC updated is for enhanced security. With each update, software developers address any identified security vulnerabilities that hackers or cybercriminals could exploit.
  By not updating, you leave your system vulnerable to malware and viruses that not only compromise your personal information but also slow down your PC by installing malicious software that runs on startup, ultimately slowing your computer’s boot-up time.
• Bug fixes: Updates often include bug fixes for known operating system issues. These bugs may cause performance issues or crashes, so keeping Windows up to date will help prevent these issues and keep your computer running at its best.
• Compatibility: As technology advances, software and hardware manufacturers release new products that require updates to function correctly. If you do not update your Windows, you may encounter compatibility issues when using new devices or software. This can be very frustrating and limit your computer’s performance.
• New features: Windows updates often include new features that can improve the operating system’s overall functionality and user experience. By not updating, you miss out on these new features and the benefits of the latest operating system version.

It’s clear that keeping Windows up to date is crucial for maintaining your computer’s security, stability, compatibility, and functionality.

How to manually check for Windows updates

1. Press and hold “WinKey + I” to open Windows “Settings”
2. Click on “Windows Update” (“Update & Security” for Windows 10)
3. Select “Check for updates” to apply the latest updates if found

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Run Disk Cleanup

A cluttered hard drive can drastically affect performance. Using disk cleanup tools can help remove unnecessary files, free up space, and improve your system’s performance.

How to Use Built-in Disk Cleanup Tools in Windows

1. Type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar
2. Select to run the utility
3. Choose the drive you want to clean (if two or more drives are installed)
4. Select the files to delete, including unnecessary system files, and click “OK.”

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Run Windows Defrag to Optimize Files (Only for older HDDs)

When you save files to a hard drive, they can become fragmented as they are written to available free space across the platters of a traditional hard drive (HDD). This is where the disk defragmenter comes in.

This fragmentation slows things down since the HDD has to work harder to find and read all these fragments the next time you open a file.

Defragmenting rearranges these data fragments. It consolidates them all in one place, allowing you to access them faster the next time you open a file.

The defrag utility is only for traditional hard drives (HDDs). Newer solid-state drives (SSDs) have no moving parts, so defragmentation isn’t necessary. Plus, doing so can shorten their lifespan by performing unnecessary write cycles.

How to Defrag a Hard Drive in Windows

1. Type “Defrag” in the search bar
2. Select to run the utility
3. Choose the drive you want to optimize (Typically Drive C:)
4. Select “Optimize.”

Quick Tip: While SSDs do not need defragmentation, Windows does support a “TRIM” function that offers slight performance improvements.

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How to Fix a Slow-Starting PC by Upgrading the Hardware

Upgrading your computer’s hardware can significantly improve PC startup times in several ways.

While you could replace almost every component in your PC to make it better and faster, we’re talking about what you can easily do with practically any system to make it boot faster and run better than new.

Here are the best computer upgrade options for the greatest performance gains.

Upgrade Your Old Hard Drive (HDD) to a Solid-State Drive (SSD)

Upgrading your PC’s storage from a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) to a solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly reduce PC boot times.

Here are the most common types of SSD Drives:

SATA SSD
The original SATA SSDs can run 4-5 times faster than a standard mechanical HDD when working with large files. They are the same size as 2.5-inch traditional HDDs typically found in laptops, making it worthwhile to upgrade your computer to an SSD.

NVMe SSD
High-performance NVMe SSDs are the latest type of Solid-State Drives and can be up to 25 times faster than a standard mechanical hard drive, depending on the PCIe generation supported. This improved performance is the ultimate upgrade for your PC.

Upgrading to a Solid State Drive SSD will provide a significant performance boost and is a worthwhile investment for long-term use. Plus, it’s a great time to upgrade your storage space.

Whether you’re comfortable with a bit of DIY or need a professional to install it, this upgrade will give you many more years of use before needing to buy a replacement PC.

Upgrade Your System RAM Memory

If you have an older computer with room to expand the system memory (RAM), doing so will also enhance your PC’s boot times. Plus, the overall performance when running applications.

Most PC manufacturers specify the type of Random Access Memory (RAM) your system supports and often offer upgrade guides.

If you have a laptop/notebook computer, many include an easy-to-access panel on the bottom that makes memory upgrades easy.

If there is no access panel, the case must be opened. In this is your situation, it’s recommended that you have this done by a computer technician or a knowledgeable friend if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself.

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Final Thoughts

I’ll be the first to admit that waiting for the boot process to start on a slow computer can feel like an eternity.

Back when I used to “toe the corporate line,” I would first go to my office, turn on my computer, and then head to the break room for a cup of coffee. If I’m lucky, my PC will be up and ready when I return.

If you don’t drink coffee (and you should), consider having tea or going to your office common area to say good morning to a colleague.

Just do anything to avoid staring at your computer screen during startup.

Making your computer start faster doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple fixes, such as rebooting and disabling unnecessary startup programs, may be enough.

If you’re using an older version of Windows, consider upgrading to Windows 11, as it’s optimized for faster boot times and improved overall performance.

If your system is really old, more drastic measures, such as upgrading to an SSD, will make a significant difference.

Life’s too short to spend it watching a spinning Windows loading icon!

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Questions I Am Often Asked

Is it safe to disable any program in the “Startup Apps” list?

While most apps in the list (like Spotify, Steam, or Cortana) are safe to disable, you should be cautious with items labeled as security software, audio drivers (like Realtek), or trackpad utilities.

If you aren’t sure what a program does, it is best to right-click it in Task Manager and select “Search online” before disabling it to make sure you aren’t turning off a feature you use daily.

If I upgrade to an SSD, do I have to reinstall Windows from scratch?

Not necessarily. While a “clean install” often provides the best performance, many SSDs come with cloning software.

This allows you to create an exact copy of your current HDD, including your files, settings, and programs, to move directly to the new SSD so you can pick up right where you left off.

Why shouldn’t I defrag my SSD if it’s good for my HDD?

Traditional Hard Drives (HDDs) are physical spinning disks; defragging helps by placing file fragments next to each other so the drive’s “read head” doesn’t have to move as much.

SSDs have no moving parts and can access any piece of data instantly. Defragging an SSD is unnecessary and actually causes “wear and tear” by performing constant write cycles, which can shorten the drive’s lifespan.

Does “Fast Startup” have any downsides?

While Fast Startup is great for speed, it works by saving a “snapshot” of your system to the hard drive rather than fully closing everything. This means that if you encounter a system glitch, a standard “Shut Down” might not actually clear the error.

If your computer is acting buggy, it is always better to use the Restart command, which bypasses Fast Startup and fully refreshes the system.