Windows Startup – Improve Performance For Free
Windows can be slow to startup (or boot) if your computer has a lot of programs that run in the background.
In this article we show how you can eliminate unnecessary programs from slowing down your Windows computer.
Applies to Windows versions
The steps in this article relate to:
- XP
- Vista
- Server 2003, 2008
- Version 7
Why is my Windows slower from programs?
Anti-virus, firewall, iTunes and other media player software automatically load into memory when you start Windows. You may not be aware of what is being loaded into memory each time you start Windows.
The more programs that you have installed on your computer, the more likely it is that you have programs loading into memory on startup and therefore slowing down your computer.
Uninvited programs that run on startup
When you install many programs, the installer or documentation does not explain that the program will automatically load into memory every time you start Windows.
Improving Windows startup performance – turn off unnecessary programs and services
You probably don't need or use some of the programs or services that load into Windows. Disable these for these benefits:
- Faster Windows startup
- Improved general Windows performance
How to identify and disable unnecessary Windows programs or services
1) Log in to Windows as an Administrator
2) Press the "Windows key" and "R" simultaneously
3) Type "MSCONFIG" and press "OK"
4) Choose the "Startup" tab
5) Take a look at each "Startup Item". Look for items that you don't recognize.
6) If you find an item that you don't recognize, use Google to do some more research on what it is.
7) Once you have identified each "Startup Item" and if you need it or not, Uncheck (disable) items that are of no use to you.
8) Reboot your computer.
If you were able to disable some "Startup Items", you should notice that your Windows startup is now noticeably faster.
