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Likely fix

Fix: PC takes too long to start

Slow startup is usually caused by too many startup apps, pending updates, an old hard drive, background sync apps, or a system that was not fully shut down.

Quick answer

Disable unnecessary startup apps in Task Manager, restart the PC, and check whether Windows is still finishing updates.

Important warning

Do not disable apps you do not recognize if they look like drivers, security software, or hardware utilities.

Try this

  1. 1 Restart the PC once before changing settings.
  2. 2 Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  3. 3 Open the Startup apps tab.
  4. 4 Disable apps you do not need immediately after login.
  5. 5 Leave security software and important drivers enabled.
  6. 6 Install any pending Windows updates.
  7. 7 If startup is still very slow and the PC uses an old hard drive, consider upgrading to an SSD.

Common causes

Too many startup apps.

Cloud sync apps starting at login.

Pending Windows updates.

Old mechanical hard drive.

Security software scanning at startup.

What to check next

  • Check Startup apps in Task Manager.
  • Check whether Windows Update is still installing.
  • Check whether OneDrive, Dropbox, Steam, Teams, Discord, or game launchers start automatically.
  • Check whether the PC has an SSD or old hard drive.

FAQ

Why does my PC take so long to start?

The most common reason is too many apps launching at startup. Old hard drives and pending Windows updates can also make startup very slow.

Which startup apps can I disable?

You can usually disable chat apps, game launchers, cloud sync apps, and update helpers if you do not need them immediately. Be careful with security software and hardware drivers.

Will an SSD make startup faster?

Yes. Replacing an old mechanical hard drive with an SSD is one of the biggest speed upgrades for slow startup.

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Fix: High CPU usage on Windows

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Fix: Disk usage stuck at 100%

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Fix: PC is slow because storage is almost full

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Fix: Browser is slow

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