Alex Ruben
How to Perform a Clean Boot on Windows 10/11 for Improved Performance
This tutorial will guide you through the process of performing a clean boot on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, whether it’s a laptop or a desktop. A clean boot helps to minimize startup time and enhance overall system performance by disabling unnecessary services and applications. By following these steps, you’ll learn how to streamline your startup process and eliminate lags in your computer’s performance.
Step 1: Access System Configuration
First, you need to open the System Configuration utility. Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
msconfigand press Enter.
Step 2: Hide Microsoft Services
In the System Configuration window, you will hide Microsoft services to focus on third-party applications:
- Navigate to the Services tab.
- Check the box that says Hide all Microsoft services.
Step 3: Disable Non-Microsoft Services
Now, you will disable all non-Microsoft services to prevent them from loading at startup:
- Click on the Disable all button to disable all other services.
- If needed, uncheck any specific services that you want to keep active (such as graphics and audio drivers).
Step 4: Manage Startup Applications
Now that you’ve disabled unnecessary services, you’ll also want to manage startup applications:
- Click on the Startup tab (or go to
Task Managerif prompted). - Review the list of enabled applications and disable any that are not essential for startup by right-clicking and selecting Disable.
Step 5: Apply Changes and Restart
After making all the necessary changes, it’s time to apply them:
- Click OK to save your settings in the System Configuration window.
- When prompted, restart your computer to apply the clean boot configuration.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips and troubleshooting techniques:
- Always note which services you disable, so you can re-enable them later if needed.
- If you experience issues after the clean boot, revisit the System Configuration and re-enable services gradually to identify the problematic service.
- Ensure all important drivers and applications (like audio and graphics) remain enabled to avoid performance issues.
Conclusion
Conducting a clean boot is an effective way to enhance the performance and boot time of your Windows 10 or 11 computer. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’re likely to see a noticeable improvement in how quickly your system starts up and runs. If you continue to experience issues, consider exploring other troubleshooting guides related to optimizing your PC.