Windows takes a long time to boot

Question

My Windows randomly takes a long time to start, I don't know what causes it. I'm using a SATA 3 SSD. The Windows was recently formatted and is up to date. It usually starts up very quickly, but suddenly it takes a long time to start. It gets stuck on the Windows loading screen and the login screen is where it takes the longest.

I checked both the HDD and SSD using Crystal Disk Info, and they are healthy with no errors.

Answer 1

Hello Artur,

Thank you for your question and for reaching out with your question today.

If your Windows system is experiencing random delays in startup, even though your SSD is healthy and up to date, there could be several potential causes. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and resolve the issue:

1. Check for conflicting startup programs: Some programs may be set to launch at startup, which can slow down the boot process. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager and navigate to the "Startup" tab. Disable any unnecessary programs from starting up with your system.
2. Update device drivers: Outdated or incompatible device drivers can cause startup delays. Ensure that your device drivers, especially those related to your motherboard, storage devices, and graphics card, are up to date. Visit the manufacturer's website for each component and download the latest drivers.
3. Disable unnecessary services: Press Win + R, type "services.msc," and press Enter to open the Services window. Disable any non-essential services that you don't need running at startup. Be cautious when disabling services, as some may be required for specific functions.
4. Check for malware or viruses: Perform a thorough scan of your system using reliable antivirus software to check for any malware or viruses that could be impacting the startup process. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date.
5. Clean up your system: Over time, temporary files, unnecessary applications, and fragmented data can slow down startup. Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files and unnecessary data. Additionally, consider using a disk defragmentation tool to optimize the file system.
6. Check for disk errors: Run the built-in Windows Error Checking utility to scan your disk for errors and fix any issues. Right-click on the drive in File Explorer, go to Properties, select the Tools tab, and click on "Check" under the Error Checking section.
7. Review system logs: Check the Event Viewer for any error messages or warnings that may indicate the cause of the startup delays. Open the Event Viewer by pressing Win + R, typing "eventvwr.msc," and pressing Enter. Look for entries under "Windows Logs" and "System" for any relevant information.
8. Disable fast startup: Fast Startup is a feature in Windows that can sometimes cause startup issues. Disable this feature by going to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable. Then, uncheck the "Turn on fast startup" option.

If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be worth considering a clean installation of Windows to rule out any software-related issues. Remember to back up your important files before performing a clean installation.

If you're unsure about any of the steps or need further assistance, it's recommended to consult with a technical expert or contact Microsoft Support for personalized guidance.

I used AI provided by ChatGPT to formulate part of this response. I have verified that the information is accurate before sharing it with you.

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