Some programs configure themselves to automatically start when you boot your computer, which can slow it down. In order to help Windows 11 boot faster, you can take these actions.
Disable certain Startup Apps
In order to keep unnecessary programs from starting up on our computer, we want to go to the startup apps section of the windows settings.
To do this, type “startup apps” into the Windows search bar, which is located on the task bar or in the start menu.
Once done, it will show as the best match at the top of the search. You can also get to this setting by opening settings, choosing apps on the left, then choosing the startup section.
Once here you will see a list of most programs that can and are starting when the PC powers on.
Some of these can be important to your computers functionality. You do not want to turn those ones off.
Some examples of things that can be turned off are programs like Microsoft Teams, Copilot, Xbox app, Adobe apps, Phone link, game launchers, and certain peripheral programs, if not necessary for their functionality, and others.
Examples of things you would not want to turn off are anything mentioning Windows security, audio drivers, peripheral drivers if important, or anything you actually want to automatically open when turning the PC on.
Below shows an example of startup apps that can and apps that shouldn’t be turned off. These are specific to your computer.
You can also check and disable these in the task manager, under the startup tab.
To do this:
- Open Task Manager by holding down Control, Shift, Escape.
- Go to the Start-Up tab on the left. Use the disable option on the top right to disable a program.
Note: this does not remove the program from the computer, it simply turns stops the program from opening automatically.
For more information from Microsoft about startup programs, click here.
Other Options
Beyond startup apps, there are some other things that affect the speed at which a computer will boot.
First is the hardware. If the computer has an aging CPU and is using an older HDD (Hard Disk Drive) instead of a newer SSD (Solid State Drive.)
This can increase the load time dramatically.
SSDs are the more modern technology, and do not rely on physically moving parts, it’s very important to have the operating system, and any often used program, on one.
Fast Startup is also an option that can be enabled/disabled.
You can enable this by going to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do.
If this is already on and you are still having really slow startups, try turning it off and see if it does anything. Sometimes a weird configuration can make the Fast Startup a negative instead of a positive.
Windows and Disk Checks
If still having issues and you are confident hardware isn’t the issue, you can run a System File Checker, and Disk Check, or Deployment Image Servicing and Management to check for any corrupt files or issues on the OS drive.
To do this open the Command Prompt in Admin mode and then run these commands in succession.
- sfc /scannow
- chkdsk /f followed by the drive letter
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Advanced Options
If nothing is helping, there are a few more advanced options that can be done. These is not recommended for novice users.
These options are:
- Updating all important drivers and the motherboards BIOS.
- Disabling certain services.
- Fully reinstalling Windows incase corruption is present and can not be fixed.
Again, these options should only be done by someone who knows what they are doing.
If you have specific questions about how to help Windows 11 boot faster, or if our terminology isn’t clear, please use our contact form to send us a message, or give us a call and make an appointment.
