How to Fix Windows 11 Slow Boot Time and Speed Up Startup

July 02, 2026    software-fixes   

An updated operating system should feel fast, but many users report a frustrating issue: Windows 11 slow boot time. If your PC takes minutes instead of seconds to reach the desktop, the culprit is usually heavy startup programs, corrupted system files, or misconfigured power settings.

In this guide, we will walk you through the best software fixes to optimize your startup speed and get your laptop or PC running smoothly again.

1. Disable High-Impact Startup Apps

The most common reason for a slow boot is having too many applications trying to launch at the exact same time when Windows starts.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Click on the Startup apps tab on the left sidebar.
Look at the "Startup impact" column. Right-click any non-essential app (like Steam, Spotify, or Cortana) and select Disable.

2. Turn On Windows Fast Startup

Windows 11 has a built-in feature called Fast Startup that puts your PC into a hybrid hibernation state, allowing it to boot up much faster.

Open the Start menu, type Control Panel, and hit Enter.
Go to Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
Click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable" (requires admin rights).
Check the box for Turn on fast startup (recommended) and save changes.

3. Run SFC and DISM Tools

Sometimes, corrupted system files can delay the boot sequence. Windows has built-in command-line tools to automatically find and repair these files.

You can follow the step-by-step guide on how to open Command Prompt as administrator and run the SFC/DISM commands in our detailed article on how to fix high CPU usage in Windows 11, which covers system file integrity troubleshooting extensively.

4. Update Your Graphics and Chipset Drivers

Outdated hardware drivers can cause the operating system to hang during the boot process. Ensuring your display adapters and chipset drivers are fully updated is crucial for system stability.

For official and secure driver updates, you can check the Microsoft Support Guide on Updating Drivers Manually to ensure your hardware communicates perfectly with Windows 11.

Conclusion

By disabling unnecessary startup programs, enabling Fast Startup, and keeping your system files clean, you can easily fix Windows 11 slow boot time. If your PC still feels sluggish after booting up, make sure to check your background processes to ensure no hidden software is draining your system resources.