How to Reduce Computer Start Up Time

It's inevitable, you're computer is going to get bogged down through every day use. It can happen for many reasons but mostly because of programs and services that have been installed in the past and occupy what's called a startup entry. No need to fear, though because it's pretty easy to reduce the time it takes to boot up Windows.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer Running Windows

1. System Configuration Menu

   ~MSConfig~

   Press Windows Key + R to open a run dialogue box, type msconfig, and hit enter to bring up the System Configuration menu.

2. Startup Entries

   ~Disable Startup Entries~

   Click the Startup tab at the top and deselect boxes of any programs that you don't want to start up with Windows.

3. Startup Services

   ~Disable Startup Services~

   Click on the Services tab at the top. Now, check the "Hide all Microsoft services" box toward the bottom. Disable any services you don't want to start up with windows. Be careful not to disable anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall related services. Close the System Configuration menu when you're done.

4. Registry Edit Screen

   ~Edit Registry Startup Entries~

   Press the Windows Key + R to open the run dialogue box, type regedit, and hit enter.

5. 

   ~Delete Startup Entries~

   Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and delete unwanted startup programs in the right hand pane of the window. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and do the same. This is a good way to get rid of stubborn programs that don't have an MSConfig entry.

6. ~Defrag~

   Navigate to Start Menu > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. Click Defragment now... This can take quite a while so be patient and go eat a bagel or something :) When it's over you're all done. If you're still having serious speed issues at the start up, you may want to consider reformatting your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are into paying for quality and ease of use Tune-Up Utilities is a great program that does all this and much more for your PC. Google it and check them out.

• Always use caution when editing the registry. You can deleteriously affect the functionality of Windows if you start experimenting and deleting or modifying entries.

Resources

• PC Tools Registry Mechanic FREE Scan