How to Fix Slow Startup in Windows 11

When Windows 11 takes a long time to start, common causes include too many apps launching when you sign in, missing updates, a nearly full drive, and malware using up processor and disk time. Work through the checks below in order, and restart after each one so you can see what made the difference.

1. Turn Off Startup Apps You Don't Need

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Many apps set themselves to start every time you sign in. Each one adds work while Windows starts, so turning off the ones you don't need is a good first step.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. You can also right-click Start and select Task Manager.
2. Select Startup apps.
3. Look at the Startup impact column. Microsoft rates an app High Impact when it uses more than 1 second of processor time or more than 3 MB of disk activity at startup.
4. Right-click an app you don't need straight away and choose Disable.

You can also do this in Start > Settings > Apps > Startup, where each app has an on/off switch.

Disabling an app only stops it from starting automatically. It stays installed, you can still open it yourself, and you can turn it back on the same way. Keep your security software on, and look up any app you don't recognize before you disable it.

Expected result: the apps you disabled no longer open on their own the next time you sign in.

2. Install Windows Updates

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Microsoft notes that Windows updates often include fixes and performance improvements, so make sure your PC is up to date.

1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates and install anything that's available.
3. For driver updates, open Advanced options > Optional updates and select Download & install for any you need.
4. Restart if Windows asks you to.

Expected result: Windows Update shows no more updates waiting.

3. Free Up Disk Space

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Microsoft lists freeing up disk space as one of its fixes for a slow PC. Windows 11 gives you three ways to clear out files you don't need:

• Temporary files: select Start > Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files, tick the types of files you want to remove, then select Remove files.
• Storage Sense: in Settings > System > Storage, turn on Storage Sense so Windows clears temporary files for you. With its default settings it also empties items that have been in the Recycle Bin for a while, but it leaves your Downloads folder and OneDrive files alone unless you change its settings.
• Disk Cleanup: search for Disk Cleanup in the Start menu, pick your drive and tick the file types to delete.

Read each category before you tick it. The Recycle Bin, for example, holds files you deleted earlier and may still want back.

Expected result: Settings > System > Storage shows more free space on your system drive.

4. Scan for Malware With Windows Security

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Malware can use up processor and disk resources in the background, which slows down everything, including startup. Windows 11 includes Windows Security, so you don't need to install anything to check.

1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security, or search for Windows Security in the Start menu.
2. Select Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.
3. Follow any steps Windows Security gives you if it finds something.

Expected result: the scan finishes and reports no current threats, or tells you what it found and removed.

5. Set Power Mode to Best Performance

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Power mode changes how Windows balances speed against power use.

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery.
2. Under Power mode, choose Best performance for when your PC is plugged in.

Microsoft notes that Best performance uses more power and drains a laptop battery faster, so you may prefer Balanced when you're on battery. If you can't change the power mode, Microsoft suggests opening Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options and selecting Balanced first.

6. Restart and Check the Result

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Select Start > Power > Restart. Then compare:

• Time to a usable desktop: time it with your phone before and after the changes, from pressing the power button to the moment you can open an app.
• What's busy after sign-in: open Task Manager and look at the Processes and Performance tabs. Microsoft notes that watching processor, memory and disk use can help you find the processes slowing your PC down.

Still Slow? What to Try Next

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• Uninstall apps you don't use: select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select More options (…) next to an app, then Uninstall.
• Stop apps running in the background: in Installed apps, select More options (…) > Advanced options, and set Let this app run in the background to Never for apps that don't need it.
• Optimize your drives: search for Defragment and Optimize Drives, select your drive, then Optimize.
• Older hardware: Microsoft notes that older PCs may not see significant improvements from these steps, and upgrading the device may be the best long-term fix.