Why Windows Startup is Slowing Down Your System

If you hate waiting for your computer to load every time you turn it on, chances are that your computer is starting up way too slowly. Although most people put up with slow Windows startup times because they think it’s normal, there are actually reasons why some computers take longer to start up than others. Contrary to popular belief, most people can have some control over how fast their Windows startup is. And usually, slow startup times aren’t the only problem.

Many people find that over time, their system’s overall performance starts to lag while doing simple tasks. There are a number of reasons why Windows startup is slowing down your system, to begin with.

What’s in the Start-Up Menu?

Your computer startup menu will vary based on the type of computer you own. Obviously, if you’re using a Windows operating system, it will be quite different than what you’ll experience using an Apple. For the sake of argument, and to stay on task, let’s keep the examples rolling through the Microsoft Corporation.

It is true that most Apple Computers are quicker to start up, and have fewer problems with start up, but in the grand scheme of computer use, they are still in the vast minority.

The computer starts up menu on all Windows operating systems, including the most widely used XP and Vista can be found in the lower left corner of the computer screen after the computer has booted, and begins running start up applications. To access the start up menu, you simply need to click on it.

From the start up menu, you’ll quickly see that it is divided into three sections. You’ll find the ability to log on and log off, change computer users, shut down the computer, etc. You’ll also find a list of your most regularly used programs, providing easy access to them. A shortcut to your default web browser will also be listed at the top of your computer start up menu.

Most importantly, your computer starts up menu will provide access to all of your computer programs, your saved documents (including media and photos) and access to computer maintenance programs. Depending on your operating system, you can simply click on all of the options to get a better idea of what each one offers. Like browsing the Internet, you can simply hit the “back” button to return to the original menu.

How is Slow Start Up Related to the Computer Start Up Menu?

Slow start up is an effect that could be the result of many causes. As the computer boots, or starts ups, all start up programs will also begin their applications. Whether it’s Microsoft Office suite or AOL Instant Messenger, they’re using RAM to get their programs up and running. Too many programs and you might suffer from a slow start up.

The computer starts up menu comes into play as a tool to customize your computer’s boot process. If you’re having consistent issues with a slow startup, this could be one of the reasons why. You may simply have too many program applications starting when the computer is booted.

Improve WindowsStartup Time

One of the most important things you can do to improve computer performance, including Windows startup time, is to be aware of your system’s autostart programs. As the name implies, autostart programs automatically start running when you turn on the computer. The purpose of these programs is to be already running so that you can access them quickly. Icons of autostart programs usually appear in the lower right system tray on your screen. You can see them appear one by one as your computer loads.

But it can get tricky to know what all your computer’s autostart programs are because not all of them are displayed in the tray, even when they are running. Also, you may not realize that you’ve added more autostart programs to the list by installing new programs on your computer.

Why is this happening?

This can happen because many programs set themselves up to run as autostart programs by default. Especially for autostart programs that are not displayed in the lower right tray of the screen, programs that are not being utilized can take up memory and therefore cause some slowing down of processing time. Over time as you install more and more programs, you may be unintentionally adding more autostart programs.

These programs are running in the background and although one or two might not make too much of a difference, numerous autostart programs can slow things down unnecessarily, especially if you only use these programs once in a while instead of on a daily basis. It all depends on what kind of work you’re performing on your computer every day.

Items to Keep in Startup

But you don’t have to make it so that no programs whatsoever start up automatically. Crucial programs, like security programs, should be on every user’s startup list. Examples of security programs are antivirus programs and firewalls. The extra moments it takes for these to boot up and runs are worth it for all the work they do and all the needed protection they provide against viruses, worms, Trojans, and other malicious software that causes harm to a computer.

Although you may not think you need that antivirus protection, running a computer without it can be not only an annoyance later on, but it can also be disastrous to your personal data and system.

One of the simplest ways to stop programs from starting up automatically is just a couple clicks away from the main Start button. Go to the Windows Programs tab and then click to Startup. Once you’re there, it’s quick and easy to right click the items you want to stop from starting up along with your computer, or follow this step:

How to disable unwanted startup program, Easy step:

Press “windows key” and “R” and will appear “run command” Here type “msconfig” and press “OK“.

 And after that you will see “System Configuration” Go to “Startup” menu and click “Open Task manager” and you will see Your Task Manager.

Here you see all your programs which start in the startup in In the field “Status” you see “Enable or Disable” and now click on which program you don´t want to start in startup and click down In the field disable.

And this is everything you need to disable your apps from the startup. Note: This Example is for Windows 7.

Managing Windows Startup Programs

Which programs you should not extinguish? Windows users often find that many programs open as soon as they turn on their computers. These Windows startup programs can make it easy for you to perform daily functions without having to open each piece of software individually. Not all of the Windows startup programs, however, are necessary. These unnecessary startup programs can slow your computer to a crawl by taking up precious memory.

It is often difficult for the average Windows user to differentiate between necessary and unnecessary Windows startup programs. Knowing the difference, however, can improve your computer’s performance significantly without having any negative effects on your experience.

Necessary Display and Sound Card Windows Startup Programs

Some of the most important Windows startup programs allow you to interact with the computer. Obviously, you don’t want to delay these programs. Doing so could make it difficult or impossible for you to interact with the computer properly. This makes it pertinent for you to allow sound card and display software to open as soon as possible. Maintaining them as Windows startup programs will improve your experience and allow you to get the most out of your computer.

Delaying or disabling them will make it next to impossible for you to use the computer at all.

Important TouchPad Windows Startup Programs

You will also want to allow Windows to open any programs that are associated with your touchpad or mouse. Delaying these programs can make it impossible for you to do anything else with your computer. If you can’t move the cursor with a touchpad or mouse, then you have lost all control over your PC.

Necessary Antivirus Windows Startup Programs

Antivirus software is also extremely important, especially for those who use their computers to check email and download files frequently. Disabling or delaying antivirus Windows startup programs could give malware a slight opportunity to infiltrate your computer. Allowing the programs to begin working as soon as Windows boots. However, helps protect your computer and private information from malware attacks.

Delaying Unwanted Windows Startup Programs

Not all of your Windows startup programs are necessary. In fact, chances are that you have lots of programs that start operating as soon as you turn on your computer, but you need very few of them to act so quickly. Instead of letting them slow down your PC, you can delay unnecessary Windows startup programs. This allows the more important programs to load quickly so that you can start using your computer.

Using a Windows startup manager makes it easy for you to delay specific programs. This makes it possible for you to stagger the programs, which allows your computer to function more smoothly by allocating memory and CPU space throughout a longer period of time instead of trying to do everything at once.

Make sure that you allow important Windows startup programs to load without interference. Doing so will help you get the most out of your computer without exposing it to viruses and technical problems that can ruin your experience.

I hope that this article (Why Windows Startup is Slowing Down Your System) would be helpful for you.