Complete Guide to Resolve Windows 11 Slow Boot Issue

Updated by

Tracy King 

Updated on April 19, 2024

Windows 11 is the much-anticipated Microsoft announcement that Windows users have been waiting for years. Finally, a new Windows iteration is here, packed with numerous new features.

However, before you rush to update your PC to Windows 11, keep in mind that it's still unstable and prone to various issues. One such issue is the slow startup error in Windows 11.

In the last few months, numerous Windows 11 users have reported encountering the slow boot issue. Users frequently complain that their system takes an eternity to start up or becomes stuck in an endless boot loop.

Now, this isn't a major issue, and it can be resolved with some operational fixes or by visiting your local Microsoft store. If you notice the early signs of slow Windows 11 startup, you can easily address these issues, such as:

• Not having enough space to run Windows 11
• Your system often restarts
• It takes a lot of time to start a program
• The computer or processor is overheating, etc.

There are many reasons behind a slow Windows 11 boot. You just need to identify the cause of your computer's sluggish startup time and address it appropriately.

In this post, we've covered all common fixes that you can use in various situations. Simply identify the reason behind your PC's slow startup and resolve it using the solutions mentioned below.

Main Content:

Why Does Windows 11 Take Long to Boot/Start Up?
9 Ways to Fix Slow Startup/Boot Issues in Windows 11

Why Is Windows 11 Slow to Boot/Start Up?

For your reference, we've listed the common reasons that can cause slow startup on your Windows 11, such as:

Here are the translations of the provided text into English:
• You are using an outdated graphics card driver
• You have a slow hard drive or the operating system drive is not an SSD
• You are using an outdated version of the Windows operating system
• Too many startup programs are configured
• Corrupted software has been installed on your computer
• You don't have enough RAM to support the installation of Windows 11
• Your computer has been running for a long time without a restart
• Your computer is infected with viruses or malware
• A significant hardware failure has occurred
• Too many applications are running in the background
• Visual effects and unnecessary notifications might be enabled, etc.

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9 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Slow Startup/Slow Boot Issue

Considering all the reasons behind the slow startup of Windows 11, we have compiled the most effective methods to resolve the issue. Here's how you can fix the slow boot problem on Windows 11:

Method 1: Disable Startup Programs
Method 2: Update Windows 11 Build
Method 3: Extend System C Drive or Migrate OS to SSD
Method 4: Delete Large Temporary Files
Method 5: Disable Fast Startup
Method 6: Scan and Remove Viruses
Method 7: Update Graphics Drivers
Method 8: Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
Method 9: Remove WDI Log Files

Method 1: Disable Startup Programs

It's common to find that various unwanted programs or software can slow down your PC's boot speed. To ensure a faster startup, make sure to disable unnecessary applications at startup. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys at the same time, or search for Task Manager in the Start menu to open Task Manager.

Open Task Manager

Step 2. Click on the Startup tab, and then click on the applications that you want to disable.

Step 3. Tap on the Disable button, and the chosen program will no longer launch with your Windows 11. Using the same process, you can disable as many programs as desired from the Startup tab.

7 Solutions for Windows 11 Stuck on Boot Screen

We've selected the most effective methods to help you fix the problem of Windows 11 getting stuck on the boot screen. Before attempting these, make sure you have a stable power supply.

Method 2: Update Windows 11 Build

If you haven't updated the Windows 11 operating system on your computer for some time, it can lead to various errors, including a slow startup. Hence, it's essential to keep your Windows OS up-to-date to prevent such system issues:

Step 1. Press the Windows and I keys together to open Windows Settings.

Step 2. Next, click on System from the left panel.

Update Windows 11 Build

Step 3. Click on "Check for updates." If an update is available, it will download and install automatically. This process might take some time, so please be patient.

Method 3: Extend System C Drive or Migrate OS to SSD If your system drive (usually C:) is running out of space, you can either extend its volume or move the operating system (OS) to a Solid State Drive (SSD). Here's how: ### Extending System C Drive 1. **Check available space**: First, ensure that you have an adjacent partition with unallocated space. This partition must be next to the C: drive in order to extend it. 2. **Access Disk Management**: Press `Win + X` and choose "Disk Management" from the menu. 3. **Resize Partition**: Right-click on the unallocated space and select "Extend Volume." Follow the wizard to add the extra space to your C: drive. ### Migrating OS to SSD 1. **Purchase an SSD**: Buy an SSD with sufficient storage for your needs. 2. **Backup Data**: Backup important data on your current system drive. 3. **Connect SSD**: Connect the new SSD to your computer, either internally or externally using a USB-to-SATA adapter. 4. **Use Migration Tool**: You can use built-in tools like Windows' "tools Todo Backup" or third-party software like "Clonezilla" to migrate your OS. These tools will copy your entire system, including the OS, to the new SSD. 5. **Set Boot Order**: Change your BIOS/UEFI settings to prioritize booting from the SSD. 6. **Reboot**: Reboot your computer, and it should start from the SSD with the migrated OS. 7. **Verify and Adjust**: Once booted, verify that everything is working correctly, and if needed, adjust settings or reinstall drivers. Remember, always exercise caution when dealing with disk partitions and OS migrations, as mistakes can lead to data loss.

According to Microsoft's official Windows 11 system requirements, you need 64 GB of free space to run Windows 11. However, in our view, it's advisable to have more free space than just 64 GB. This is because running resource-intensive games and applications requires ample free space on your C drive.

If your C drive doesn't have enough free space, the system might frequently crash or restart. To address this issue, you have two options: either extend your C drive or move the Windows 11 operating system to a larger SSD.

To accomplish both tasks, you can use the tools Partition Master tool. This free utility allows you to resize your C drive by simply adjusting the partition size with a user-friendly slider. Additionally, it enables you to migrate your operating system to a larger SSD, HHD, or USB drive, ensuring sufficient space for Windows 11 to function properly.

Here's how you can use the tool Partition Master to optimize your Windows 11 hard disk:

Option 1: Extend the System C drive with unallocated space

1. Right-click on the System C: drive and select "Resize/Move". 2. Drag the system partition end into the unallocated space to add it to the C: drive, then click "OK". 3. Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to perform the operations and expand the C drive.

Option 2. Extend System C drive without unallocated space This option refers to expanding the System C drive (the primary drive where the operating system is installed) even when there is no unallocated space available adjacent to it on the hard disk. Typically, this would require resizing or moving other partitions to create room for the extension. Some disk management tools or software can perform this operation automatically.

1. Right-click on a large partition with sufficient free space on the system disk and select "Allocate Space". 2. In the "Allocate Space From (*) To" section, select the system drive, then drag the end of the System C drive into the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm. 3. Click "Execute Task". This will display the pending operations. Click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 Extend the System Drive with Unallocated Space; 0:27-0:58 Extend the System Drive without Unallocated Space.

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Method 4: Delete Large Temporary Files

Windows Operating System often creates temporary files in memory while performing a specific operation. This helps the computer complete tasks quickly when users perform them again. However, over time, old or corrupted temporary files can accumulate and slow down your computer's startup.

Therefore, you should remove temporary files from your computer to enhance the slow startup performance in Windows 11. Follow these steps to achieve this: 1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings. 2. Click on System, then choose Storage from the left panel. 3. Under the "Storage sense" section, click on "Clean now." 4. The system will scan for unnecessary files, including temporary files. Wait for the process to complete. 5. Once the scan is finished, review the list of items to be removed and select the categories you want to delete. 6. Click on "Delete files" or "Remove files" to proceed with the cleanup. 7. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. By doing this, you'll free up disk space, which can contribute to a faster startup time for Windows 11.

Step 1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2. Type %temp% and press Enter to access the Temp folder located on the C drive.

Step 3. Press Ctrl + A to select all temp files, then hit the Delete key to remove them.

Step 4. Tap the Continue button and wait a few minutes for the deletion to finish. Once done, restart your computer and see how quickly Windows 11 boots up.

Delete huge temporary files

Method 5: Disable Fast Startup

By default, the Fast Startup feature is enabled in Windows 11. Essentially, this function aids in improving the boot time. However, it can occasionally lead to the issue of slow startup in Windows 11. Hence, it's recommended to disable Fast Startup by following these steps:

< strong > Step 1. < /strong> Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.

< strong > Step 2. < /strong> Select the "Choose what the power button does" option, uncheck the box next to the Turn on Fast Startup. Just click on the Save Changes and restart your computer to see the results.

Method 6: Scan and Clean Up Virus

Viruses and malware can infiltrate your Windows 11 system through various means, such as data transfer, online file downloads, or external devices. These malicious entities can compromise your system and cause slow boot times for Windows 11, as well as affect the performance of numerous other programs.

You can always rely on third-party antivirus software to regularly scan and sanitize your system. Alternatively, you can utilize the built-in Windows Defender to scan and remove viruses from your Windows 11. To proceed with this option:

Step 1. Press the Windows and I keys to open Windows Settings.

Step 2. Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.

Step 3. Wait a few minutes for the scan to finish. If any potential threats are detected, Windows Defender will automatically remove them from your system.

Method 7: Update Graphics Drivers

Using an outdated graphics card driver on your Windows 11 can also slow down startup and cause various gaming issues. Here's how you can promptly update your graphics driver: 1. **Automatic Update:** - Go to the Start menu, search for "Device Manager," and open it. - Locate "Display adapters" and expand the category. - Right-click on your graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD), then select "Update driver." - Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." - Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update. 2. **Manually through Manufacturer's Website:** - Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). - Navigate to their driver download section. - Select your graphics card model and the appropriate Windows version. - Download and install the latest driver. - Restart your computer after the installation is finished. 3. **Using Driver Update Software:** - You can use third-party software like Driver Booster or Snappy Driver Installer to automate the process. - Install the software, run a scan, and let it identify outdated drivers. - Select your graphics driver from the list and choose to update it. - Follow the software's instructions for downloading and installing the new driver. After updating the driver, restart your PC to apply the changes and see if it improves your system's performance and resolves gaming problems.

Step 1. Press the Windows and X keys to open the Quick Access Menu.

Step 2. Go to Device Manager > Display adapters.

Step 3. Right-click on the graphics card you're using.

Step 4. Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.

Update graphics driver

Step 5. If there's an update, it will automatically download and install the latest driver version.

Method 8: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Using the Windows 11 Troubleshooter, you can easily identify the cause of your slow startup and resolve it. To do this:

Step 1. Press the Windows and I keys to open Windows Settings.

Step 2. Go to System from the bottom of the left pane.

Step 3. Click on Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Run next to Windows Update.

Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Step 4. This will automatically run a diagnostic and scan your system thoroughly. If any issues are found, the Troubleshooter will fix them for you.

Method 9: Remove WDI Directory Files

If none of the above solutions work for you, you can try deleting the WDI directory files to resolve the Windows 11 boot error. However, deleting system files might cause issues with your system services, so use this method as a last resort. To delete the WDI directory files: 1. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your computer and repeatedly press F8 during startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu. Choose Safe Mode with Networking. 2. Open File Explorer: Once in Safe Mode, click on the Start button, search for File Explorer, and open it. 3. Navigate to the WDI folder: In File Explorer, go to the following path: `C:\Windows\System32\WDI` 4. Backup the folder: Before deleting the files, it's recommended to create a backup. Right-click on the WDI folder, select Copy, and paste it elsewhere, like on your desktop or an external drive. 5. Delete the WDI files: Now, right-click on the WDI folder and choose Delete. Confirm the action when prompted. 6. Reboot your PC: After deleting the folder, restart your computer normally. 7. Check for improvements: Your system should now boot without the error. If the issue persists, you may need to restore the backup or seek further assistance. Remember that modifying system files carries risks, so always have a backup before proceeding.

Step 1. Press the Windows and E keys together to open This PC.

< strong > Step 2. < /strong > Navigate to the C drive or another drive where you have installed the Windows 11 operating system.

Step 3. Open the Windows folder > System32 folder > WDI folder > Continue.

Remove WDI directory files

Step 4. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all the files

< strong > Step 5. < /strong > Press the Delete key or use the right-click menu to delete the selected files. & nbsp ;

Closing Remarks

Waiting for your computer to boot up can be irritating and frustrating. Hence, it's essential to recognize the signs of a slow Windows 11 startup and address the issues promptly.

However, if you install the latest Windows 11 build on your computer, leave enough space on the system C drive, and disable unnecessary programs from starting up, you won't have to deal with slow Windows 11 boot times.

Furthermore, to optimize your Windows 11 disk space, you can utilize the free tool Partition Master. Download the software from this link for a seamless Windows 11 experience.