Windows 10 Startup can feel frustratingly slow, leaving you twiddling your thumbs staring at a screen as it loads when you’d rather be getting to work. BUT you are not necessarily consigned to this waiting game. You don’t even need an IT guy – just follow these simple steps:

Use Fast Startup
That sounds obvious, and it is simple enough once you know where to find it. This feature saves some of your system files to a hibernation file when you shut down. When you boot up the next time, Windows 10 will use the saved files to start up quicker – rather than starting from scratch – similar to the way cached web pages load faster. Here’s how to do it:

1) Open ‘Settings’ – either from the Start Button or the Notifications Icon – the farthest to the right your taskbar.
2) Go to System > Power & Sleep then click Additional Power Settings
3) The Power Options window will open. Click ‘Choose what the power buttons do’.
4) Scroll down to Shutdown Settings and check the box ‘Turn on fast startup’.
5) If this box is grayed out, or will not allow you to add a checkmark, scroll up and click ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable’. If you are prompted to confirm by a UAC (User Account Control) pop-up window, just click ‘Yes’. Now you should be able to accomplish step 4.
6) Once done, click ‘Save Changes’.

Edit Startup Programs
You probably don’t need all the apps that run automatically at Startup. Some you may rarely or ever use. The number one rule: If you don’t know what it is, don’t delete it from startup. Maybe you don’t need IM apps like Viber, Slack or Skype to open with your startup – you can always open them when you need them.

1) Hold down Ctrl+Alt+Delete to open your Task Manager.
2) Click the Startup tab at the top. This displays all programs that start automatically when you boot up.
3) Disable all programs you don’t need at startup. If unsure about any, either leave them alone or contact your IT provider/adviser in whether your computer needs them at startup.

Hardware Upgrades
These options are not about apps and programs, but about improving the overall speed of your computer. Not only will it make your startup faster but will increase the speed at which your computer does everything.

1) Consider replacing your hard-disk drive with a solid-state drive (SSD). An SSD is both much faster but more reliable as well.
2) Increase you RAM (Random Access Memory) Many computers come with 4.00 GB. Consider switching to 8.00 GB. Gamers, who rely on ultra-fast computers, typically start with 16.00 GB at least.

These tips should put the old ‘zing’ back in the step of your computer. If you notice little or no improvement in your startup speed, get an IT pro in there – your computer has a more serious issue at work.

If you are a small to mid-size business in the Greater LA and Ventura County Area, please give us a call or fill in the form on this page. We will be happy to discuss the issues and perform a full Network Assessment and give you a comprehensive report on the state of your system AT NO CHARGE.

818-805-0909