If your Windows 11 computer takes forever to start, you’re not alone. The good news is that you can often make Windows start faster without buying new hardware or making complicated changes.
Try these simple fixes, starting with the easiest ones.
1. Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps
Many programs automatically start when you turn on your computer. Some are useful, but others don’t need to run immediately and can slow down startup.
To see what’s starting with Windows:
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Task Manager.
- Click Startup apps.
- Look through the list for programs you don’t need immediately after signing in.
- Right-click a program and select Disable.
Be careful not to disable programs you don’t recognize. If you’re unsure what something does, it’s better to leave it enabled.
2. Free Up Some Storage Space
Windows needs available storage space to work properly. If your drive is nearly full, cleaning up unnecessary files can help your computer run more smoothly.
Go to:
Settings → System → Storage
Windows will show you how your storage is being used. You can use Temporary files to remove files you no longer need.
Try to keep a reasonable amount of free space on your Windows drive rather than letting it fill completely.
3. Install Windows Updates
Windows updates can include performance improvements, bug fixes, and hardware compatibility updates.
To check for updates:
Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
Install available updates and restart your computer if Windows asks you to.
4. Remove Programs You Don’t Use
Programs you installed months or years ago may still be running background processes or adding themselves to your startup list.
To remove programs you no longer need:
Settings → Apps → Installed apps
Find programs you recognize and no longer use, click the three dots, and select Uninstall.
Don’t uninstall programs simply because you don’t recognize the name. If you’re unsure, search for the program before removing it.
5. Check for Malware
Malware and unwanted software can cause a computer to become slow, including during startup.
Windows 11 includes Windows Security, which can scan your computer without requiring you to install another antivirus program.
Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection and run a scan.
If you suspect something is seriously wrong, you can also run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan, which checks your computer after restarting Windows.
6. Consider Your Hardware
If you’ve tried everything above and your computer is still painfully slow to start, the hardware may be the limiting factor.
One of the biggest differences is whether your computer uses a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD).
If your Windows installation is still running from an old mechanical hard drive, upgrading to an SSD can make a dramatic difference in startup and overall computer responsiveness. Check our guide on the difference between the two types of hard drives for more information.
Still Starting Slowly?
Start with the first few steps before spending money on upgrades. Disabling unnecessary startup programs, cleaning up storage, installing updates, and removing software you don’t use can all help.
If your computer is several years old and still uses an HDD, however, an SSD upgrade may be one of the most noticeable improvements you can make.