Fix Slow Boot Times in Windows 11 (2025) – Full Step-by-Step Optimization Guide

Fix Slow Boot Times in Windows 11 (2025)

Many Windows 11 users notice that their PCs take longer and longer to boot over time. The reasons can vary — too many startup apps, outdated drivers, malware, or even slow storage drives. Thankfully, you can fix this with a few steps. This guide explains each solution clearly so you can speed up your PC’s startup without needing advanced technical skills.

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1. Keep Windows Up to Date

Outdated system files or drivers can delay startup. Microsoft regularly releases updates that include performance and reliability improvements.

How to check for updates:

1. Open Settings (press Win + I).
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates and install everything available.
4. Under Advanced options, enable Receive updates for other Microsoft products.
5. Review Optional updates — these often include firmware, chipset, and driver updates that directly improve boot performance.

Restart your PC after updates are installed. This ensures that all optimizations take effect.

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2. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Many apps launch automatically every time you start your computer. Each one adds a few seconds to the boot process.

To manage startup apps:

1. Right-click the Taskbar and open Task Manager.
2. Click the Startup apps tab.
3. Review the list and disable any app you don’t need at startup.
   • Common candidates: Spotify, OneDrive, Teams, Steam, or Adobe services.
4. Only keep essential items like your antivirus or touchpad software enabled.

You can also manage startup programs through Settings → Apps → Startup for a cleaner interface.

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3. Enable Fast Startup

Fast Startup combines shutdown and hibernation so Windows loads faster. It saves parts of system memory to disk and reuses them on the next boot.

How to turn it on:

1. Open Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Power Options.
2. Click Choose what the power buttons do.
3. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
4. Check Turn on fast startup (recommended).
5. Click Save changes.

If this option isn’t visible, open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

powercfg /hibernate on

Then repeat the steps above to enable it.

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4. Scan for Malware or Viruses

Malware often runs silently in the background and slows down startup.
Windows Security provides a full scan feature that checks for threats.

To perform a full scan:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Select Virus & threat protection → Scan options → Full scan.
3. Let the process complete — it may take a while depending on storage size.

If malware is detected, remove it and restart your PC. For extra protection, consider scanning with tools like Malwarebytes or ESET Online Scanner.

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5. Update Your Graphics and Chipset Drivers

Outdated graphics or chipset drivers can cause delays during system initialization.

Steps:

1. Right-click Start → Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click your GPU and select Update driver → Search automatically.
4. For better results, use official tools:
   • NVIDIA GeForce Experience
   • AMD Adrenalin Software
   • Intel Driver & Support Assistant

Also update chipset and storage drivers from your PC manufacturer’s support website. These directly affect how quickly Windows loads from disk.

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6. Perform a System Reset (Keep Your Files)

If your system remains slow despite updates and cleanup, a Windows reset can help. This reinstalls Windows 11 and removes bloatware or corrupted files while preserving your documents.

To reset your PC:

1. Go to Settings → System → Recovery.
2. Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
3. Choose Keep my files.
4. Follow the on-screen steps.

This process takes about 30–60 minutes depending on your hardware speed.

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7. Upgrade from HDD to SSD

If your computer still uses a mechanical hard drive, upgrading to an SSD will make the biggest difference.
Solid-state drives have no moving parts and can load Windows 11 in 10–15 seconds, compared to minutes on older HDDs.

Benefits of SSDs:

• Faster boot and shutdown times
• Quicker app launches
• Lower power consumption
• Less noise and heat

Use cloning software like Macrium Reflect or Samsung Data Migration to transfer your existing installation to the new drive.

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Bonus Tips

• Disable visual effects: Go to System Properties → Advanced → Performance Settings and choose Adjust for best performance.
• Reduce background services: In Services.msc, set non-essential services to Manual instead of Automatic.
• Clean temporary files: Use Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup to delete unneeded cache files.
• Check BIOS settings: Enable Fast Boot or UEFI mode if supported by your motherboard.

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Final Thoughts

Slow startup times can be frustrating, but the fix is usually simple. Start by updating Windows, disabling extra startup programs, and enabling Fast Startup. If those steps don’t help, check for malware, update your drivers, or reset your PC. And if you’re still using a traditional hard drive, upgrading to an SSD will transform your experience entirely.