Is startup too slow?

All computers tend to boot up more slowly over time — but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fast startup. Find out how to speed up your computer startup with a few easy tips and tweaks. Then, learn how to avoid slowdowns with a proven PC optimization tool.

Oct 16, 2025 0 8

How to speed up Windows boot time

Speeding up boot times in Windows 10 and other versions is all about efficiency. The less your computer does while starting up — the fewer processes it has to run — the faster your boot time will be. Improving your Windows boot time is one of many ways to make your computer faster.

Limit startup programs

Startup programs are the apps on your PC that automatically load while your system is starting up. Reducing the number of active startup programs is an effective way to get a fast startup in Windows 10/11.

Open the Start menu and click the Settings cog.
Select the Apps category.
Click Startup on the menu on the left to choose the programs that will launch during startup.

Turn off as many startup programs as you can, and you’ll be on your way to a fast boot in Windows 10/11.

Enable fast startup

The Windows fast startup feature is a built-in way to speed up boot times. It’s been part of Windows since Windows 8 and should be turned on by default in Windows 10/11. Here’s how to activate fast startup in Windows 10/11.

Open Settings from the Start menu.
Choose the System category.
Click Power & sleep from the menu on the left, then click Additional power settings under the Related settings header.
Click Choose what the power buttons do on the left-side menu.
See if the Turn on fast startup (recommended) box is checked.
If it is, then you’re already using the Windows 10/11 fast startup options. If not, click the Change settings that are currently unavailable link toward the top of the window. Check the box for Turn on fast startup (recommended), then click Save changes.

Causes of a Slow PC Startup

Several things can cause your computer to load slowly on startup. It could be that your boot drive is getting 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 old.

It's hard to know which is which until you start applying the solutions to see what works.

If your startup is too slow, it’s essential to address the issue to improve overall system performance. By optimizing startup programs, upgrading hardware (such as switching to an SSD), and performing regular maintenance like disk cleanup and software updates, you can significantly reduce boot time and enhance your device’s responsiveness. Taking these steps will ensure a smoother, faster experience right from the moment you power on your computer.