Waiting forever for your Windows computer to start up can be frustrating, especially when you need to get to work quickly. Fortunately, there are several beginner-friendly ways to speed up your Windows 10 or 11 startup. This guide will walk you through practical, easy steps to optimize your startup process, save time, and get the most out of your PC.
Why Does Windows Start Up Slowly?
Often, a slow startup is caused by too many programs launching automatically when Windows boots. Every extra program running in the background can add seconds—or even minutes—to your startup time. Removing or managing these unnecessary startup items is the fastest way to see a noticeable improvement.
How Can You Manage Startup Programs in Windows?
The easiest way to manage startup programs is by using Windows’ built-in Task Manager. Here’s how to do it:
1. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. Click on the Startup tab. You’ll see a list of programs that launch when your computer starts.
3. Look at the “Startup Impact” column. High impact means the program significantly slows down startup.
4. To disable a program, right-click on it and choose Disable.
For example, if you see that Spotify or Skype is set to open at startup, and you don’t need them right away, disable them. This change alone can shave seconds off your boot time.
What About System Services and Hidden Startup Items?
Some background services and hidden startup tasks are not easily visible in Task Manager. Here’s where a tool like Glary Utilities comes in handy.
Glary Utilities offers a Startup Manager feature that provides you with a comprehensive view of all startup items, including scheduled tasks, plug-ins, and system services. To use this:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open Glary Utilities and go to the “Startup Manager” section.
3. Review the list of startup entries. Glary Utilities labels safe-to-disable items and even provides recommendations.
4. Disable or delay startup items you don’t need immediately.
This tool makes it easy to spot and control items that traditional Task Manager might miss, ensuring an even faster startup.
Does Updating Windows and Drivers Help?
Outdated Windows or drivers can cause startup delays due to inefficient initialization. To keep everything running smoothly:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
3. To update drivers, you can use Device Manager or tools like Glary Utilities’ Driver Updater feature for convenience.
How Can You Reduce Boot Time with Fast Startup?
Windows 10 and 11 have a Fast Startup feature that combines hibernation and shutdown, allowing your PC to start more quickly.
To enable Fast Startup:
1. Type Control Panel in the Start menu and open it.
2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
3. Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
4. Under “Shutdown settings,” check “Turn on fast startup.”
5. Save changes.
This can significantly reduce boot times, especially on older hardware.
Should You Limit Startup Apps from the Microsoft Store?
Some apps installed from the Microsoft Store can also run at startup. To review these:
1. Open Settings > Apps > Startup.
2. Review the list and toggle off any apps you don’t need starting automatically.
How Does Cleaning Up Your PC Affect Startup?
A cluttered system can slow down the entire boot process. Regular cleaning with Glary Utilities’ 1-Click Maintenance can help:
1. Use the “1-Click Maintenance” feature in Glary Utilities to clean junk files, repair registry errors, and optimize startup.
2. Schedule weekly cleanups for consistent performance.
When Should You Check for Malware?
Malware often hides in startup processes and can dramatically slow down your PC. Run a full scan using Windows Security or Glary Utilities’ built-in malware removal tool to ensure your system is clean.
What Is the Benefit of Disabling Unneeded Hardware?
Some hardware devices, like external drives or old printers, can slow startup if Windows tries to detect them at boot. Disconnect unnecessary hardware or disable related drivers if you don’t use them often.
Summary: Quick Time-Saving Tips Recap
– Use Task Manager to disable unnecessary startup programs.
– Try Glary Utilities for deeper startup management and regular cleaning.
– Keep Windows and drivers up to date.
– Enable Fast Startup for quicker boots.
– Regularly clean your PC to prevent slowdowns.
– Run malware scans to keep your system healthy.
With these beginner-friendly methods, you’ll enjoy a faster, more efficient Windows startup—and save valuable time every day. Give these steps a try and experience the difference for yourself!