Windows startup issues can range from slow boot times to system errors preventing access altogether. Fortunately, Windows provides several built-in tools and features, and third-party utilities like Glary Utilities, to help you diagnose and fix these problems efficiently. This guide walks you through 15 practical tools and features for managing Windows startup issues, with clear, actionable steps and real-world examples suitable for users at all levels.
1. Task Manager: Manage Startup Programs
Why use it?
Too many programs launching at startup can slow down your PC.
How to use:
– Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
– Go to the “Startup” tab.
– Review the list and select unnecessary apps, then click “Disable.”
For example, you might disable apps like Skype or Spotify if you don’t need them immediately after login.
2. System Configuration (msconfig): Advanced Startup Control
Why use it?
Allows you to troubleshoot and selectively disable services and startup items.
How to use:
– Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
– Under the “General” tab, select “Selective startup.”
– Go to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and disable non-essential services.
3. Safe Mode: Diagnose and Bypass Startup Problems
Why use it?
Booting into Safe Mode helps determine if third-party software is causing issues.
How to use:
– Hold Shift and click “Restart” from the Start menu.
– Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
– Press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
4. Windows Startup Repair: Automated Fixes
Why use it?
Automatically detects and fixes startup problems.
How to use:
– Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
– Click “Restart now” under Advanced startup.
– Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
5. Glary Utilities: All-in-One Startup Management
Why use it?
Glary Utilities streamlines startup cleanup and optimization.
How to use:
– Download and install Glary Utilities.
– Open the program, go to “Startup Manager.”
– Review the list of startup programs. Enable, disable, or delay apps as needed for a faster boot.
It also lets you scan for registry issues and junk files that may slow down startup.
6. Disk Cleanup: Remove Unnecessary Files
Why use it?
Cluttered drives can slow down boot and general performance.
How to use:
– Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu.
– Select the drive (typically C:), then click OK.
– Select files to delete (like Temporary files, Recycle Bin) and click OK.
7. Check Disk Utility (chkdsk): Repair Disk Errors
Why use it?
Corrupted drives can cause startup issues.
How to use:
– Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
– Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
– If prompted, type “Y” to schedule the scan on next reboot, then restart your PC.
8. Event Viewer: Diagnose Startup Errors
Why use it?
Find detailed error logs related to startup.
How to use:
– Search for “Event Viewer.”
– Navigate to Windows Logs > System.
– Look for errors or warnings around the time of startup issues.
9. System Restore: Revert to a Healthy State
Why use it?
Quickly undo recent changes causing problems.
How to use:
– Search for “System Restore.”
– Select “Open System Restore,” pick a restore point before the issue began, and follow prompts.
10. Autoruns: Deep Startup Item Review
Why use it?
See and manage all startup entries, including hidden ones.
How to use:
– Download Autoruns from Microsoft’s website.
– Run the tool and review all tabs (Logon, Services, Scheduled Tasks).
– Uncheck suspicious or unnecessary items.
11. Windows Memory Diagnostic: Check RAM Issues
Why use it?
Faulty RAM can prevent startup or cause crashes.
How to use:
– Search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic.”
– Choose “Restart now and check for problems.”
12. Device Manager: Fix Driver Problems
Why use it?
Driver errors can block or slow startup.
How to use:
– Search for “Device Manager.”
– Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
– Right-click and select “Update driver” or “Uninstall device” and reboot.
13. Startup Settings: Modify Boot Options
Why use it?
Access various troubleshooting options directly at startup.
How to use:
– Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.
– This allows you to enable debugging, boot logging, or disable automatic restart on failure.
14. SFC and DISM Scans: Repair System Files
Why use it?
Corrupted system files can cause startup failures.
How to use:
– Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
– Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
– After completion, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
15. BIOS/UEFI Settings: Boot Order and Hardware Checks
Why use it?
Incorrect boot order or hardware issues can block startup.
How to use:
– Restart your PC and press the required key (often F2, Del, or Esc) to enter BIOS/UEFI.
– Check boot priority and ensure your system drive is first.
– Review hardware health and settings.
Putting It All Together
Fixing Windows startup issues is easier with the right set of tools. Start with simple solutions like disabling unnecessary startup programs using Task Manager or Glary Utilities, then move to advanced options such as system file repairs and hardware diagnostics if needed. Regular maintenance with tools like Glary Utilities can prevent many problems before they start, keeping your Windows system running smoothly and booting quickly.