More important things to do if Windows 11 or Windows 10 is slow to start and takes too long to load when the PC is turned on
If we notice that Windows 11 and Windows 10 are slow at startup we can analyze the situation and understand if we need to intervene at a software level (which is very likely) or if we need to intervene at a hardware level (which should not be underestimated, especially on PCs that are at least 5 years old on the shoulders).The main problem with slowing down the computer, in fact, is not in the operating system, but in the programs that are installed and which become increasingly larger and require more memory. Just think of how big browsers like Chrome and Firefox have become, which if they open 10 or more sites at the same time risk putting even the newest PCs into crisis.
In the following guide we will show you How to troubleshoot when Windows 10 or Windows 11 takes too long to loadshowing you all the most effective tricks and tips to make it immediately faster and more responsive at startup, reducing spending to a minimum (as long as possible).
READ ALSO -> What happens when you turn on your computer and why it can fail
1) Use hibernation
One of the often underestimated tricks for make Windows startup faster provides for the activation ofhibernation when we turn off the PC or when we close the notebook lid. Hibernation takes longer when shutting down but, at the next startup, we will have Windows available immediately, after a few seconds of loading (even more evident if we use an SSD or an M.2 as the main memory unit).
To enable hibernation on Windows 11 and Windows 10 we open the Windows Start menu, search for “lid”, press on the item Changes the settings made when closing the lid and, in the new window, we identify the entry When the lid is closed and let’s set it to Iberê; if necessary we can repeat the same operation on the voice too When the power button is pressedso as to quickly hibernate even a desktop PC by pressing the shutdown button.
On the same topic we can read our guide to differences between sleep and hibernation come on how to enable hibernation on windows 10 and 11.
2) Enable fast startup
One of the best features of Windows is the quick boot mode, which works similarly to computer hibernation but more effectively. This mode stores startup information in a file when you turn off your PC and reloads it from disk when you restart.
To enable fast startup we open the Start menu, search for “lid”, press on the item Changes the settings made when closing the lid and finally press Change settings that are currently unavailable.
As soon as you have unlocked all the entries, make sure to check them Enable Fast Startup (recommended)press down on Save changes and restart the PC. If Quick Start doesn’t work, we deactivate and activate the item to restore its correct functioning.
For further information we can read the guide above How to enable or disable Fast Startup in Windows 10 and 11.
3) Manage autostart programs
Programs are the main culprits of a slow computerespecially those that start on their own when you turn on your computer.
To immediately identify startup programs on Windows 11, just open the Start menu, type Startup apps and turn off the switch next to the apps or programs that we don’t want to start with the operating system.
Alternatively, on both Windows 11 and Windows 10, we can manage startup programs by pressing the keys together CTRL-Maiusc-Escexpanding the menu on More details (only on Windows 10) and taking us to the tab Startwhere we will find the list of apps and programs that start when the computer is turned on.
All the present entries can be selected and disabled, so as to remove from startup those that are never used and also those that do not need to be active in memory at startup.
In practice you only have to leave the antivirus and security programs, the drivers for the printer, the keyboard, the video card (if present) and any programs that need to be started in the background such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
On this topic we can read the guide above how to control whether programs start when you turn on your PC.
4) Add fast hardware
However, any attempt to optimize the system and programs has little effectiveness if the PC does not have good hardware specifications; a computer with little RAM and no SSD is no longer going anywhereresulting slow even with hibernation, Fast startup and optimization of programs at startup.
RAM is important to avoid computer slowdowns during its use, while the SSD drive is crucial in speeding up the startup of the PC. On desktop PCs and also on laptops it is necessary to replace the hard disk with an SSD, which can be done independently without inconveniencing technicians and shops.
We saw in another article which SSD to buyto be used instead of traditional hard disks (good only as memory in which to store personal files).
As for RAM, we’ve seen which and how much RAM to buygiving as minimum target 8 GB.
On the same topic we can read our articles on how to mount an SSD instead of the hard disk on a laptopare how to add RAM on laptop and change disk to improve and renew it and finally up how to replace the hard disk to boost your PC in an hour.
Conclusions
The advice in this guide should suffice troubleshoot a slow Windows startupusing both the tools integrated within the operating system and evaluating the upgrade of some fundamental hardware components to always have a fast PC (i.e. RAM and SSD).
To learn more, we invite you to read our guides on how to speed up the startup of your Windows PC for a faster computer boot and on Faster and lighter programs for PC.
