How to fix slow boot after Windows 10 update

Check for pending updates or roll back the recent update if it caused the issue, as incomplete updates or incompatible changes can slow boot times. 2. Disable high-impact startup programs via Task Manager to reduce boot load. 3. Enable Fast Startup through Power Options to shorten boot duration, or toggle it off and on to reset the hibernation file. 4. Run SFC /scannow and CHKDSK /f /r to repair system file corruption or disk errors that may have been exposed post-update. 5. Update or roll back drivers, especially for display, network, and disk adapters, as updates may install incompatible versions. 6. Use msconfig to disable non-essential services and bloatware that may have been re-enabled by the update. 7. Perform a clean boot to identify conflicting software by starting with minimal processes and gradually re-enabling services to isolate the cause. Slow boot after a Windows 10 update is fixable by systematically addressing startup load, driver issues, and system health, leading to restored performance.

After a Windows 10 update, a slow boot can be frustrating — especially if your PC was running fine before. While updates sometimes optimize performance, they can also introduce new background processes, driver conflicts, or startup bloat. Here’s how to fix slow boot times after a Windows 10 update.

1. Check for Pending Updates or Rollbacks

Sometimes, a Windows update doesn’t fully complete, leaving the system in a half-updated state that causes performance issues.

• Press Windows I to open Settings.
• Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates — install any pending updates.
• If problems started immediately after a recent update, consider uninstalling it:
  • Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Under "Go back to the previous version of Windows 10", click Get started (only available for 10 days after the update).

Note: This option disappears after 10 days, so act quickly if you suspect the update itself is the culprit.

2. Disable Slow-Starting Startup Programs

Post-update, some apps may re-enable themselves in startup, dragging down boot time.

• Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab.
• Sort by Startup impact — look for apps labeled "High".
• Right-click any unnecessary programs (e.g., Spotify, Adobe Reader, Steam) and select Disable.

Common offenders:

• Antivirus trials
• Printer software
• Cloud storage apps (OneDrive, Dropbox)
• Messaging apps

You don’t need to disable everything — just delay non-essential tools until you’re already using the PC.

3. Enable Fast Startup (If Disabled)

Windows Fast Startup can significantly reduce boot time by using a hybrid shutdown state.

• Press Windows X and choose Power Options.
• Click Choose what the power buttons do.
• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Under Shutdown settings, make sure Turn on fast startup is checked.
• Save changes.

If Fast Startup is already on but not helping, try turning it off, reboot, then turn it back on — this can reset the hibernation file used during boot.

4. Check Disk and System Health

Updates can expose underlying disk issues or file corruption.

Run these tools:

• SFC (System File Checker):

  • Open Command Prompt as admin (search cmd, right-click > Run as administrator).
  • Type: sfc /scannow
  • Let it repair any corrupted system files.

• CHKDSK (Check Disk):

  • In the same admin Command Prompt, type: chkdsk C: /f /r
  • Say Y to schedule it on next reboot.
  • Restart your PC — the scan may take time, but it checks for disk errors.

If your system drive is an older HDD (not SSD), this could explain slow boots — consider upgrading to an SSD if possible.

5. Update or Roll Back Drivers

A Windows update may install a generic or incompatible driver that slows things down.

• Press Windows X > Device Manager.
• Look for devices with a yellow warning icon.
• Expand categories like Display adapters, Network adapters, and Disk drives.
• Right-click each and choose Update driver > Search automatically.
• If the issue started after updating a driver, choose Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver (if available).

Graphics and chipset drivers are common culprits. Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website for recommended versions.

6. Trim Background Services and Bloatware

Windows updates sometimes re-enable services or bloatware.

• Press Windows R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Go to the Services tab.
• Check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
• Re-enable only essential services (e.g., antivirus, printer if needed).
• Also, go to Startup tab and click Open Task Manager to manage startup apps (as in Step 2).

Don’t disable everything — some third-party services are necessary for hardware to work.

7. Consider a Clean Boot to Isolate the Issue

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services and startup programs.

• Press Windows R, type msconfig, hit Enter.
• Under General, select Selective startup.
• Uncheck Load startup items.
• Go to Services, check Hide all Microsoft services, then Disable all.
• Restart.

If boot is now fast, re-enable services in batches to find the culprit.

Slow boot after a Windows 10 update isn’t normal — but it’s usually fixable. Start with disabling startup apps and enabling Fast Startup, then dig into drivers and system health if needed. Most cases improve significantly with just a few tweaks.

Basically, it’s about removing the clutter that creeps in after updates — your PC should feel snappy again with a little cleanup.

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