If your PC feels sluggish every time you turn it on, you’re not alone. Many users complain about long boot times, especially after upgrading to Microsoft’s latest OS. The good news is, you can fix this. Speed up Windows 11 startup time with a few simple tweaks, and enjoy faster performance right from the moment you power on your device.
In this guide, we’ll cover 7 effective ways to speed up Windows 11 startup time, from disabling unnecessary startup programs to optimizing system settings.
Why Does Windows 11 Startup Slowly?
Before learning how to speed up Windows 11 startup time, it’s important to know the common causes:
- Too many startup apps running in the background
- Outdated drivers or software
- Heavy visual effects consuming system resources
- Malware or unnecessary background services
- Old or failing hard drives
By fixing these issues, you’ll make your PC boot noticeably faster.
Also Read: How to Clean Install Windows 11 Without Bloatware (2025 Method)
1. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
The most effective way to speed up Windows 11 startup time is by disabling apps that automatically launch during boot.
Steps to disable startup programs:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup apps tab.
- Right-click apps you don’t need on startup and choose Disable.
This prevents apps like Spotify, Teams, or Discord from slowing your boot process.
2. Enable Fast Startup
Windows 11 includes a feature called Fast Startup, which reduces boot time by partially hibernating your system.
How to enable Fast Startup:
- Press Win + R, type
control, and hit Enter. - Navigate to Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what the power button does.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Check the box for Turn on fast startup.
- Save changes.
This setting can dramatically speed up Windows 11 startup time.
3. Update Drivers and Windows
Outdated drivers can slow down your boot process and cause compatibility issues.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Update all pending drivers, especially for storage devices and graphics cards.
A well-updated system not only runs faster but also more securely.
4. Adjust Visual Effects
Windows 11 comes with sleek animations and effects that look good but consume resources. Turning them off can speed up Windows 11 startup time and overall performance.
Steps to disable unnecessary effects:
- Press Win + R, type
sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. - Go to the Advanced tab > Performance Settings.
- Select Adjust for best performance or manually disable animations.
This tweak makes your system feel snappier, especially on older PCs.
5. Free Up Disk Space
A nearly full hard drive can cause slow startup. Cleaning junk files helps improve boot time.
How to free up space:
- Use Storage Sense (Settings > System > Storage).
- Run Disk Cleanup.
- Uninstall apps you don’t use.
If you’re still using an HDD, consider upgrading to an SSD for the best performance boost.
Also Read: Top windows computer cleanup tools
6. Scan for Malware
Malware often runs in the background, consuming resources and delaying startup. Running a full system scan ensures your PC stays clean.
- Use Windows Security: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Run a Quick Scan or Full Scan.
Removing malware will instantly help speed up Windows 11 startup time.
7. Upgrade to an SSD
If you’re still on a traditional hard drive, switching to an SSD (Solid State Drive) is the single best way to speed up Windows 11 startup time.
- SSDs are much faster than HDDs.
- You’ll notice boot times drop from minutes to just seconds.
This upgrade also improves app launch speed and overall system performance.
Also Read: How Long Does the Windows 11 Upgrade Process Take? [2025 Guide]
FAQs About Speeding Up Windows 11 Startup
How can I speed up Windows 11 startup time without upgrading hardware?
You can disable startup apps, enable Fast Startup, adjust visual effects, and free up disk space.
Does upgrading RAM help Windows 11 boot faster?
RAM upgrades help overall performance, but upgrading to an SSD has the biggest impact on startup speed.
Should I disable Fast Startup in Windows 11?
Fast Startup is safe for most users and recommended, but if you face issues with dual-boot systems, you may consider disabling it.
Q4. Why is my Windows 11 PC still slow after applying fixes?
It could be due to failing hardware, malware infections, or a lack of SSD. In such cases, consider hardware upgrades.
Final Thoughts
A slow PC can be frustrating, but you don’t have to live with it. By applying these 7 ways to speed up Windows 11 startup time, you’ll see a significant boost in boot speed and smoother performance. Whether it’s disabling startup apps, enabling fast startup, or upgrading to an SSD, even small changes can make a big difference.
For more Windows 11 tips, check out other troubleshooting guides on SolvingDad.com to keep your PC running at its best.
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