How To Make Windows Start Faster

It is difficult to keep our computers in as clean a state as when they were brand new, and we are not talking about dust. With the continued use of the system, it is more than likely that numerous programs will be downloaded, installed and then forgotten. The same also is true for the applications set to start whenever the system is booted. Indeed, many users can attest that their Windows computers are now taking a lot longer to start up when compared to the time they first got them. The reasons for the increased boot times are varied and can be addressed in several different ways. We suggest you take a look at the list of potential fixes below and try the ones that match your specific needs.

Switch to an SSD

The most impactful reduction in the time needed to start Windows can be achieved by moving the OS to an SSD drive. Not that long ago SSDs, or Solid-state drives, cost thousands of dollars and were not a realistic purchase for many computer users. Since then, however, the manufacturing process and the increased product quantities have brought the prices down drastically. Still, buying an entire SSD just to speed up your Windows startup may not sound like a wise decision to a lot of users. 

Remove unnecessary startup items

Take a look at the programs set to start on every system boot and make sure that you really need them. Otherwise, cluttering the startup items with numerous rarely used applications could just lead to a lot of wasted startup time in exchange for little meaningful return. 

1. Press the Windows key (the one with the Windows logo) + R on your keyboard.
2. In the Run window, type msconfig and press Enter.
3. Now that we have opened the 'System Configuration' window, select the 'Services' tab.
4. Select the 'Hide all Microsoft services' checkbox.
5. Look at the remaining list of programs and disable the ones you don't need. You can also simply click on the 'Disable All' option to quickly remove all third-party apps from being started automatically on system boot.

Use the Fast Startup feature

Systems running Windows 10 or 8 have access to a feature known as fast startup. It is designed to reduce the boot time of the computer specifically. In practice, after enabling fast startup whenever you shut down the computer, it would enter a state somewhere between hibernation and total shutdown. As a result, whenever the system is boot next, it would need much less time until it is fully operational. To check if fast startup is enabled, follow the steps:

1. Type control panel in the search field on the Taskbar. Open the top result.
2. Inside the Control Panel window, go to the 'View by:' setting and choose 'small icons.'
3. Now, locate 'Power options' and open it.
4. Select 'Choose what the power button does.'
5. Click on 'Change settings that are currently unavailable.'
6. Enable the 'Turn on fast startup (recommended).'
7. Click on 'Save Changes' and restart the computer.