Tuesday, September 2, 2025

How to Fix Windows 10 Slow Startup Issue

 









Problem Overview

Windows 10 sometimes takes too long to boot or gets stuck at startup. Common causes include:

  • Too many startup apps

  • Outdated drivers or Windows updates

  • Slow HDD instead of SSD

  • Corrupted system files

  • Fast Startup issues

  • Background programs and malware

Solution 1: Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Startup tab.

  3. Right-click unnecessary apps → Disable.

  4. Restart the PC and check the speed.

Solution 2: Turn Off Fast Startup (if causing issues)

Sometimes Fast Startup causes longer boot times.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type:

    control

    → Enter.

  2. Go to Hardware and Sound → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do.

  3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.

  4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).

  5. Save changes and restart.

Solution 3: Update Windows and Drivers

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I → Update & Security.

  2. Install pending Windows Updates.

  3. For drivers:

    • Press Windows + X → Device Manager.

    • Right-click devices (especially Disk Drives, Display Adapters, Network Adapters) → Update driver.

Solution 4: Scan for Malware

Steps:

  1. Open Windows Security (Defender).

  2. Click Virus & Threat Protection → Quick Scan.

  3. Run a Full Scan if necessary.
    👉 Optionally use Malwarebytes for deep cleaning.

Solution 5: Optimize Startup with MSConfig

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type:

    msconfig

    → Enter.

  2. Go to the Services tab.

  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services.

  4. Disable unnecessary services → Apply → Restart.

Solution 6: Defragment or Optimize Drives

(For HDDs, not SSDs)

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, search Defragment and Optimize Drives.

  2. Select your HDD → Optimize.

  3. Restart and check performance.

Solution 7: Upgrade to SSD (Best Fix for Speed)

If you’re using an HDD, switching to an SSD drastically reduces boot time.

  • Clone your existing Windows to an SSD using Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image.

  • Set SSD as the primary boot drive in BIOS.

Solution 8: Run System File Checker (SFC) & DISM

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + X → Command Prompt (Admin).

  2. Run:

    sfc /scannow

  3. After completion, run:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  4. Restart your PC.

Solution 9: Disable Background Apps

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I → Privacy.

  2. Scroll → Background apps.

  3. Turn off unnecessary apps.

Solution 10: Clean Boot Windows 10

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type:

    msconfig

    → Enter.

  2. Go to the Services tab → check Hide all Microsoft services → click Disable all.

  3. Go to Startup tab → Open Task Manager → Disable all startup items.

  4. Restart PC.
    👉 If the startup improves, re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.

Solution 11: Reset Virtual Memory Settings

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type:

    sysdm.cpl

    → Enter.

  2. Go to Advanced tab → Performance → Settings.

  3. In Advanced → Virtual memory → Change.

  4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size.

  5. Select C: drive → Custom size.

    • Initial size: 4096 MB

    • Maximum size: 8192 MB

  6. Apply → Restart PC.

Solution 12: Perform Windows Startup Repair

Steps:

  1. Press Shift + Restart on your PC.

  2. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Repair.

  3. Let Windows automatically fix boot issues.

Solution 13: Reset or Reinstall Windows 10 (Last Option)

If none of the above works:

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.

  2. Under Reset this PC, click Get Started.

  3. Choose Keep my files (recommended) or Remove everything.

Final Note

Most Windows 10 slow startup problems can be fixed by disabling startup apps, updating drivers, and running SFC/DISM scans. If you’re still stuck with slow booting, upgrading to an SSD is the best long-term solution.