How to Fix Slow Boot Issues in Windows 10 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Does your Windows 10 PC take forever to start? You’re not alone. Slow boot times are one of the most common problems users face. Luckily, there are several proven fixes you can try right now to make your computer boot much faster. Let’s go step by step.
1. Turn Off Fast Startup
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Go to Start → Settings → System → Power & Sleep.
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On the right, click Additional Power Settings.
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In the left panel, select Choose what the power buttons do.
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Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
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Uncheck Turn on fast startup → Save changes.
👉 While designed to help, Fast Startup often slows things down.
2. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
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Right-click on the Taskbar → select Task Manager.
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Go to the Startup tab.
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Look at the list of programs that load at boot.
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Right-click and Disable the ones you don’t need.
👉 The fewer apps running at startup, the faster your PC boots.
3. Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
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Type Performance in the Windows search bar.
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Click Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
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Go to the Advanced tab → under Virtual Memory click Change.
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If your “Currently Allocated” value is way above “Recommended,” set a Custom Size.
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Enter a slightly lower Initial Size and set Maximum Size equal to the recommended value.
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Save, reboot, and test speed.
👉 This balances memory usage and improves boot time.
4. Update Graphics Drivers
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Right-click the Start menu → choose Device Manager.
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Expand Display Adapters.
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Right-click your graphics card → Update driver.
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Choose Search automatically for drivers.
👉 Outdated drivers often cause boot delays.
5. Turn Off Windows Subsystem for Linux (if not needed)
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Type Windows Features in the search bar.
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Select Turn Windows features on or off.
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Scroll down, uncheck Windows Subsystem for Linux.
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Restart your PC.
👉 Many users report faster boot once this is disabled.
6. Bonus Tip: Upgrade to SSD 🚀
If you’re still on a traditional hard drive (HDD), switching to a Solid-State Drive (SSD) is the single best upgrade. An SSD makes your PC boot in seconds and speeds up everything from launching apps to saving files.
❓ Q&A: Common Questions on Slow Boot Fixes
Q1: Will disabling Fast Startup harm my PC?
No, it won’t harm your PC. It just forces a full shutdown instead of a hybrid shutdown, which often makes boot smoother.
Q2: How do I know which startup programs to disable?
If you’re unsure, right-click a program in Task Manager → select Search online to check if it’s safe to disable.
Q3: Is changing virtual memory safe?
Yes, as long as you follow recommended values. Don’t set it too low—Windows needs virtual memory to run smoothly.
Q4: Do I really need an SSD for faster boot?
Not strictly, but if you want dramatic speed improvement, an SSD is the best investment.
Q5: Can viruses cause slow boot?
Yes, malware can slow startup. Always run a virus scan if your boot time suddenly gets worse.
Windows 10 slow boot doesn’t have to be permanent. By tweaking settings, disabling extra programs, and upgrading to modern hardware like an SSD, you can enjoy much faster startup times. Try the steps above one by one, and your PC should feel brand new again.
👉 For more detailed Windows fixes and easy tutorials, check out Bugresolve.com