Laptop starting up slowly? 5 reasons and easy fixes

Ever been in this situation? You’re late for work, you reach the office and hurriedly turn your laptop on. But it takes forever to boot up. Well, chances are, we’ve all been in a similar situation. Ever wondered why this happens and what you can do to fix the same? Well, we’ve got the answers for you.

There are several possible reasons for your laptop being slow to start up, and there are several easy solutions to the same as well.

1. Startup programs

Programs that load as the computer starts up can consume precious memory your system could have otherwise used to start up faster. Consider disabling these programs, especially if you don’t use them very frequently.

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Head to Settings -> Apps -> Startup. Here, you will see all the apps on your system that have been permitted to start automatically as your system boots up. Disable them by tapping on the toggle.

2. Insufficient hard drive space

Over time, your laptop’s hard drive can get filled up with a large number of files and programs. For a laptop to perform optimally, it is recommended that the hard drive have at least 15 per cent disk space free. Having it full may also cause the laptop to start up slower than usual. In this case, all that is required is for you to go through your laptop’s file explorer and delete any programs you don’t use.

3. Outdated drivers

Outdated drivers can hinder your system’s performance as well. To keep your drivers updated on Windows systems, head to Settings -> Update and Security. Here, tap on the “Windows Update” option, and then click on “Check for updates.”

Next, check Driver Updates under View optional updates, and select all the drivers for which they are available. Now, click on “Download and install” and you’re all set.

4. Malware

Any malware, virus or adware that may have entered your laptop could also cause it to slow down. Some viruses and malware directly attack Windows system files, causing them to run very slowly, or fail to run at all.

Therefore, it is a good idea to periodically scan your laptop for the same using their in-built firewall programs. You can also opt for an antivirus software, and periodically run complete system scans. These programs not only detect malware but can also clean them for you.

5. Hardware issues

If none of the above causes seem to be the problem, it could be possible that your laptop’s hardware could be causing an issue. In such circumstances, it is imperative to take it to an authorised service centre or consider investing in a new laptop altogether.

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Slow boot-up times on your laptop can be caused due to several factors. However, for the most part, fixes for the same are a fairly quick and hassle-free process.