Why is my laptop slow to start?

Manage startup applications in Windows

It’s essential that your laptop works at its best at all times. However, as time goes by, the regular use of your computer increases unnecessary files and fragments your hard drive (especially if it is not a SSD drive). Lousy computer habits may also lead to a laptop slow to startup.

The usage of several programs at the same time doesn’t help. Other bad habits are: putting the equipment to sleep instead of regularly restarting it, browsing the Internet with several open windows of navigation, adding add-ons and services, and neglecting to perform maintenance on a regular basis.

All these can be reasons when looking to find out why is your laptop slow to startup.

We present some common causes and recommendations to improve this issue. In truth, there are a plethora of reasons as to why your laptop may be slow to startup.

What to do when your laptop is very slow to boot up

1. Control which applications start with the laptop

The programs that are configured to run when the laptop is turned on can also make the laptop slow to startup. So another step is to make sure that only the strictly necessary programs run when the laptop boots up. For that, you need to remove startup programs that you don’t need.

Windows has an integrated utility that allows you to disable the automatic execution of programs. In Windows 8 it is called Task Manager, while in Windows 7, Vista and XP are the old Msconfig.

With this procedure, it’s also possible to disable important and necessary programs for the correct operation of the PC, such as the antivirus. Therefore, it is needed to be aware of which processes are being modified. If in doubt, search the internet for the name of the program and, if you do not find what it is, better ask an expert to take a look at it.

There are different steps to follow in Windows 8 and 7.

Laptop slow to startup in Windows 8

If you’re using Windows 8, go to the Desktop, move the cursor to the taskbar, right-click and select Task Manager. Closing the programs in autorun is one of the most effective methods to speed up Windows startup.

If you notice that your PC is slow in the loading phase of the operating system, this may be due to the many programs that run every time you turn on the computer and start Windows.

Laptop slow to startup in Windows 7

Msconfig is the built-in Windows tool to eliminate processes running automatically. In Windows 7 it will suffice to click the start button, type the msconfig command in the search bar, and press Enter. Once inside the System Configuration, go to the Home tab, deselect the programs that you don’t want to be opened at Windows startup, and then click OK.

We also have programs that are responsible for this task, such as Advanced SystemCare. This program is responsible for managing the startup programs. The only and significant disadvantage about this program is that you must buy it to use it. However, it’s great if you do get it. It can manage all the startup programs and increase the speed of your PC. If you don’t want to buy it, don’t worry. There is no wrong answer here.

For a quick fix, you don’t have to buy a program to increase the startup speed. Try our own solution, jv16 PowerTools. You can download our flagship PC system utilities software free of charge and use it fully for 60 days. Then you can decide if you wish to support us by licensing your maintenance software.

2. Undo temporary files

Temporary files are created by Windows applications when they can’t allocate enough memory to their tasks, or the operating system itself makes backups in case it needs to be restored. They usually are removed automatically. But either by a malfunctioning program or by shutting Windows down incorrectly, this is not always the case.

Usually, these files do not cause many problems, but they can accumulate on the hard disk, and make the laptop  slow to startup. That’s why it is recommended that if you want to accelerate your laptop boot up time, you must get rid of temp files to recover some internal memory. These data can be found in the folder C: \ Windows \ Temp.

If you don’t want to go that deep because you want to avoid making a mistake, there are always applications that can help you, like jv16 PowerTools. This program is a complete PC system utilities software that will scan your computer for leftover files, including temporary ones, and propose them for you to delete them. Just make sure that you use it regularly (once per week is more than enough!).

3. Optimizing the loading process

During the Windows boot process, the operating system performs different tasks that could take more or less time depending on its configuration. To ensure maximum optimization, it’s crucial to start with having the BIOS configured to boot directly from the HDD Windows is located, instead of wasting time looking first in other drives. That causes any laptop slow to startup.

When there is some peripheral or component connected to the laptop and you don’t have the drivers configured, Windows will query its database for a solution. So, the system load will be a little slower. You should go through Device Manager occasionally to make sure there is no conflict with any component. To check if something is failing during system boot, Windows also has a native application that can be useful.

The application is called Event Viewer, and it’s executed by launching eventvwr with the Run tool. In the Application and System folders on the left menu, you can see a log of all errors that may have occurred. To ensure that the tool only logs the system starts it is necessary to empty its registers. Then you have to restart the laptop and reopen it. This way, you can be sure that only the Windows startup process problems come out.

4. Enable quick launch on your laptop

Some versions of Windows have an option to perform a fast system startup.

To locate it, open the Control Panel and access the Hardware and Sound option. In the Power Options, look for the one that changes the actions of the start/stops buttons in power off setting. It’s vital to make sure that the Activate quick start option is activated.

What this option does is to change where the necessary files are saved when the computer is turned off. If the option is not activated, they will be kept in RAM. But once enabled they will be saved in a folder on the laptop’s HDD. That means that they will open faster. It is always good to check this option if you have a laptop slow to startup.

5. The physical cleaning of the computer also matters

The dust is one of our more significant enemies. It can cause the laptop slow to startup when you least expected. Dust can also reduce airflow, which will cause overheating, slowing down any computer’s operations.

Finally, it can also affect the performance of some applications, and even generate a lot of noise pollution by making the laptop sound like an aeroplane.

Therefore, it’s advisable from time to time to open your laptop and dust it off. Of course, extra care must be manifested when performing this type of cleaning, especially if you never did this before. Laptop hardware components are very delicate and some can be damaged during the process if it’s not done correctly.

What can we do for you about a laptop that is slow to start

If you wish to have a complete set of tools that can manage your startup applications, clean and speedup your computer, then give our software a try. Being older than even Google, our company knows its way around PC optimization quite a lot.

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