FIX: Windows 10 slow boot issue [Simple Guide]

• If your Windows 10 PC is booting slowly, there might be problems with your hardware or software.
• Use the Windows 10 Startup Manager to disable the apps that might cause the W indows 10 slow startup issues.
• Many users claimed that they solved the Windows 10 slow boot problem by updating their BIOS.
• You should also make sure that your GPU drivers are up to date. We recommend using a driver updater tool.

Just like Windows 8, Windows 10 was intended to improve hardware performance and speed up your computer, and most users are satisfied with their performance on Windows 10.

Sadly, not all users have similar experience, and some of them are claiming that booting routine takes up a long time on Windows 10.

A slow booting Windows 10 can be a big problem, and in this article we’re going to cover the following issues:

• Slow boot SSD, hard drive
  • According to users, both SSD and hard drive owners have experienced slow boot issues. However, you should be able to fix this problem by using one of our solutions.
• Windows 10 slow boot black screen
  • Users reported that they are stuck on a black screen during the boot. This is an annoying problem and it’s usually caused by your graphics card drivers.
• Windows 10 slow boot after Creators Update
  • Many users reported this problem after the Creators Update. This is a big problem, and it’s most likely caused by an incompatible driver or software.
• Slow boot Windows 10 AMD, Nvidia
  • Your graphics card can be the cause for slow boot, and both AMD and Nvidia owners reported this issue. To fix the problem, you just have to reinstall or update your drivers.
• Slow boot even in Safe Mode
  • If you’re having issues with slow boot in Safe Mode, the problem might be your hardware or BIOS configuration.
• Slow startup time windows 10
  • This is a variation of this problem, and if you have problems with slow startup time, you might be able to fix it using one of our solutions.

Long boot times on Windows operating systems are usually caused by third-party apps that you install, and since most of them start automatically with Windows 10, they tend to make your booting routine slow.

How can I fix a slow boot time in Windows 10?

1. Use the Windows 10 Startup Manager

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking the Taskbar and selecting Task Manager from the menu.
2. In addition, you can use Ctrl + Shift + Escape to open the Task Manager directly or Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager from the list.
   
3. Click the More details button and then go to the Startup tab.
   
4. In the Startup tab, you’ll see the startup impact of each program that starts with Windows 10.

The key is to choose the right apps to disable, for example, you want to keep your Antivirus running, but you might want to disable Skype or driver update software from starting with your Windows 10.

Of course, you can manually start these services at any time if you need them.

If you’re interested in additional info on how to add or remove startup apps on Windows 10, check out this simple guide.

2. Update your BIOS

Several users reported that they fixed the slow boot problems in Windows 10 by updating their BIOS. BIOS update is an advanced and potentially dangerous procedure, so use it at your own risk.

After updating your BIOS, check if the issue is resolved. If you already have the latest version of BIOS, you might want to reflash it and install the same version again.

Few users reported that installing the same version of BIOS fixed the problem for them, so you might want to try that.

If you need more information about updating your BIOS, check out this useful guide dedicated to the matter.

3. Update your graphics card drivers

1. Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu and choose Device Manager from the list.
   
2. When Device Manager opens, locate your graphics card driver, right-click it and choose Uninstall device.
   
3. Check Delete this driver software for this device and click on Uninstall.
   

If you’re having slow boot problems in Windows 10 followed by a black screen, the issue might be related to your drivers. According to users, they fixed this problem simply by updating their Nvidia drivers.

Updating your graphics card drivers is relatively simple, but if you don’t know how to do it, we wrote a short guide on how to update your graphics card drivers.

In some cases, you might have to uninstall your drivers and reinstall them again. You can easily do that right from Device Manager by following the aforementioned steps.

After the driver is uninstalled, simply download the latest driver and check if the issue is resolved. If you want to completely remove your driver along with all of its associated files, be sure to check our guide on how to use Display Driver Uninstaller.

Update your drivers automatically

Updating your drivers manually isn’t that easy, especially for those who have no background knowledge. Having to find out your hardware’s model number and searching for the latest driver can be tedious.

Thankfully, there are programs that will make your life easier by automatically scanning your hardware for new driver versions, and updating them accordingly.

DriverFix

4. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Press the Windows Key + S and search for Settings.
2. In the Settings menu, choose Update & Security.
3. Then, select Troubleshoot, and Additional troubleshooters.
4. Inside the new window, under Get up and running, select Windows Update.
   
5. Next, click on Run the troubleshooter.

Many users reported slow boot problems in Windows 10, and according to users, this issue is caused by a corrupted Windows Update file. To fix this problem, you just need to use the Windows troubleshooter.

Once you start the tool, it should automatically fix any issues and corrupted files. After the troubleshooter is finished, check if the problem is resolved.

If your Windows Troubleshooter stops before completing the process, you can easily fix it with our great guide.

5. Consider getting an SSD and tweak the BIOS settings

Solid State Drives are great for your PC in terms of speed, and if you can afford one, maybe you should consider getting one in the future.

If you can’t afford it, you might want to tweak some BIOS settings to improve your booting routine. For example, you can disable BIOS checking your DVD drive or network locations each time you boot and reduce boot time.

Few users reported that this problem occurs due to the USB Storage Function in BIOS. This feature is used to boot your PC from a flash drive, and if you don’t want to do that, you can just disable it.

To see how to find and disable this feature in BIOS, we advise you to check your motherboard manual.

If you’re in the market for a fast SSD, don’t waste another minute and check this article to get the biggest ones available right now.

6. Install the latest updates

1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
2. When Settings app opens, go to Update & security section.
   
3. Go to the Windows Update section, and click on Check for updates.
   

Sometimes you can fix the slow boot problems simply by installing the latest updates. Windows 10 usually downloads the necessary updates in the background.

Take a closer look at this quick article about Windows updates if you’re not sure when your OS is installing new updates.

If any updates are available, they will be downloaded automatically and installed once you restart your PC. However, if your PC is already up to date, you might want to try a different solution.

Is the Windows Settings app giving you trouble? Follow the steps from this detailed article to solve the issue. Additionally, here’s another detailed guide dedicated to solving Windows problems.

7. Delete all files from WDI directory

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the following directory: C:/Windows/System32/
2. Now go to the WDI directory.
   
3. If you get a security prompt, click on Continue to proceed.
   
4. Select all files from the WDI directory, right-click them and choose Delete.
   

If you’re having slow boot issues, you might be able to fix the problem by deleting the contents of the WDI directory as instructed in the steps above.

After removing the contents of the WDI directory, the Windows 10 slow startup issue will be fixed.

Here’s a comprehensive guide dedicated to fixing File Explorer issues that will make sure it won’t give you any problems in the future.

8. Install the Intel Rapid Store Technology driver

To fix the problems with slow boot, you just need to install Intel Rapid Store Technology driver on your PC. Many users reported that this driver isn’t the latest, and that’s causing the issue to appear.

To fix the problem, just download and install the latest version of the Intel Rapid Store Technology driver from their official website and check if the problem is resolved.

If you’re unable to install drivers on your Windows 10 PC, you’ll find all the causes and solutions for your issues in this great guide.

9. Enable/disable Fast Startup

1. Press Windows Key + S and enter Control Panel.
2. Select Control Panel from the list.
   
3. When Control Panel opens, select Power Options from the menu.
   
4. The Power Options window will now appear.
5. Click on Choose what the power button does from the menu on the left.
   
6. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
   
7. If Turn on fast startup is checked, disable it.
   • If this feature is not enabled, check it.
8. Now click on the Save changes button.
   

Sometimes the fast startup feature can cause this problem, but you can disable/enable it by following our method above. After disabling or enabling fast startup, the issue should be resolved.

If you can’t open Control Panel on Windows 10, take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution.

Moreover, you can also give a read to this useful guide dedicated to Fast Startup issues if you want to learn how to solve them quickly.

That’s it. If none of these solutions helped you to solve the problem with the Windows 10 slow startup problem, check out the solutions from our article about slowed down computers in Windows 10.

If you have any comments or suggestions, tell us in the comment section below. Also, if you have any other Windows 10-related issues you can check for the solution in our dedicated Windows 10 section.

How To Make Windows 10 Boot Faster By 200%

December 16, 2015 By Admin

Most of us, who are regular users of Windows operating systems, must be well acquainted with the slow start-up issue. Sluggish boot-up is probably one of the factors that commonly show up in all Windows OS over the period, without an exception.

Oh! So we all thought that we are finally done with that slacker performance while starting up? Well, not so soon as Windows 10 is not an exception either and this freshly introduced OS is also susceptive to frequent delays and slow boot-ups.

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To add to your disappointment, if Windows 10 is installed on an older device then you may even experience frequent sluggish boot times as compared to others who have rather installed it on a new device.

Fret not, as we have a few solutions for your concerns as always which will resolve the slow boot time of your PC to a larger extent. Today we will show you how to get over the frequent slowdowns and help your PC with Windows 10 boot fast.

Ways to Make your Windows 10 Device Boot Fast

One of the primary reasons your Windows device may experience slow boot times over the course of time, are the tons of programs/applications that are installed on your desktop.

Most of these programs/applications start-off automatically every time your device boots-up as they tend to incorporate themselves to the boot process. However, Windows 10 comes along with a feature “Startup Manager” that helps make the start-up process much smoother.

Deactivate Windows 10 Startup Programs in Startup manager

The startup manager by Windows 10 is a unique and extremely user-friendly feature by the OS. It offers an easy to understand interface that comes embedded with the operating system and it displays even the programs that cause slow boot time.

Startup Manager is found under the “Task Manager” option in Windows 10, so either start “Task Manager” directly by right clicking on the taskbar or simply press the “Ctrl plus Alt plus Del/Esc” shortcut keys and then go to the “Task Manager” option from the list. You can also press the shortcut buttons “Ctrl plus Shift plus Esc” to directly open the “Task Manager” box.

This will open up the “Task Manager” dialog box with the list of all open programs. Click on the tab that says “Startup” and it will show you the list of all the programs that load up each time your device starts up.

The Startup Manager interface is probably one of the easiest to understand of all operating systems. It nicely lists all the open programs beginning with its icon at the extreme left, followed with the name, name of the publisher to its right, the status (enabled/disabled), ending with the Startup Impact of each program while the PC boots (low/medium/high).

If it mentions “Not measured”, then it’s a program which has been newly added and hence its conduct has not been observed by Windows. In such circumstances you can simply reboot your device and you will notice the impact measured.

Now you can deactivate/disable any of the programs that you do not want to load while your device starts up/boots up. This will certainly help speed up the Windows boot process to a large extent.

Decide which programs to deactivate by looking at the impact, so if you disable say for example: Google Drive, it will not open up on its own when you boot up your PC next time, but you instead need to open it manually.

Alternatively, to get any help on deciding which programs to disable right-click on the program which will give you a n option to “Search Online”. A web page with the name of the .exe file and the program will be opened by Windows which will let you know all the details about the program that you did not know and why is significant.

Get Rid of Animations and Shadows

It is suggested that you get rid of any unnecessary fancy items from your PC like animations for your Windows 10 device to boot faster and for improved performance. In order to modify the settings you need to go to the “Start key” option, and then do a right click to open list of options and click on System.

The box that opens will now show a list of options at the upper left corner of the screen. Choose the option here that says “Advanced system settings.”

Now, click on Advanced Tab in the window just opened.

And then click on settings as shown in screenshot given below.

This will now open up a box with the header “Performance Options.” From the different tabs that you can see, choose “Visual Effects” tab.

Then click on the third radio button which mentions “Adjust for best performance” and finally press the “Apply” button.

This step hones your Windows 10 PCs ability to not only boot up faster, but also perform much better.

Reorganize Disk Files by Defragmenting Drives

Defragment the files on the PCs hard-disk in order to store the individual files in the adjoining regions. This process will majorly improve the PC boot speed and the comprehensive performance. So to achieve this, simply go to the “File Explorer” option and right click on the “Local Disk (C:)” and finally click on the option that says “Properties”.

You will notice a bunch of tabs under the “Local Disk (C:)” from where you need to select the tab “Tools.”

Under this you need to now click on the “Optimize” button beneath the option that reads “Optimize and Defragment drive.”

Now wait till the defragmentation process is on, as it takes a while. When completed you can reboot your computer and you will automatically notice a modest improvement in the PC boot time and its overall performance.

Turn On Fast Startup

Modify the Boot Order in your PC’s BIOS

Devices that upgraded from Windows 8 to Windows 10 or the ones that came with Windows 10 tend to boot faster due to the “UEFI firmware” that they use. However, if you have upgraded your PC to Windows 10 from an older Windows version, your device can boot considerably faster in most probability if you modify a few settings in the computer’s BIOS.

Force your device to boot/start up from any other hard drive, USB drive or a DVD drive by changing the boot order. So for example, you can force your device to boot from the hard drive first rather than the BIOS analyzing the network locations or the CD/DVD drive prior to starting up from the hard drive.

Protect your PC from any Virus or Malwares

Eliminating any malwares that may include viruses, spywares, etc. is equally important for your Windows device to boot faster. These harmful external bodies not only tend to eat up your PCs performance, but also slow down the boot time. Hence, in order to help your Windows 10 device to boot faster with a smoother performance, get your hands on an Anti-Malware such as, Malwarebytes. Once installed run a scan on your computer using the software which will not only detect any hidden viruses or spywares, but will also destroy them alongside.

Even though you can also use the Windows Defender feature that comes attached with the Windows 10, but it is recommended to use a reputed antivirus tool offered by a third-party. Using these precautionary steps will hugely improve the performance of the machine comprehensively.

Upgrade to Solid State Drive (SSD)

If you recently upgraded your Windows 7 PC to Windows 10, chances are that your device has a mechanical drive. In such cases, further upgrading the Windows 10 device to an SSD will undeniably improve its boot time. A Solid State Drive (SSD) is the only significant upgrade they say you can gift your device.

SSDs are extremely fast based on the fact that they do not possess a rotating magnetic disk and a head in motion. The boot speed improves drastically post the upgrade and relatively a cheaper alternative.

Follow these ways to make Windows 10 PC boot fast and you will notice a remarkable difference or improvement in the boot speed of your device.

Saurav is associated with IT industry and computers for more than a decade and is writing on The Geek Page on topics revolving on windows 10 and softwares.