System Tips

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19 System Title
Keywords		 Keyboard Steps Posted Date
Windows Comand Prompt To Clipboard Using The "|clip"
command clipboard powershell		 clipboard is activated when the pipe symbol + clip is used. The output will not go to the screen

Loading command prompt Output to clipboard using pipe. example: ipconfig /all |clip
paste into document by ctrl V Notepad text dump		 01/03/2026
Windows Command Prompt Actions
command clipboard internet network repair troubleshoot performance ram ultimate		 in "Search" type "cmd" -> Run as administrator

File opens wrong application.
assoc

Shows what programs open what file types
ftype{shows application path}

Need a deeper scan tool
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restore Health Deep repair tools
AND
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /startcomponentcleanup

Hard drive doing the weird check out you drive
chkdsk /f Checks for file system errors.
chkdsk /f /r Checks for file system errors and repairs. You will reboot if you do the boot drive

Are deleted files are actually gone? Securely write over empty space on your drive.
cipher /w:c:

Disk Cleanup - Free up space on C: drive
cleanmgr

Show every driver and when it was installed. Drivers:
driverquery Using the "/v" extension will download the ones you do not have
then
driverquery /SI confirms that all drivers are installed and ready

Get MAC address
getmac Shows MAC address of local + remote machines

See your group policies! Shows every Group Policy applied to user and computer
gpresult /r

For admins: group policy update
gpupdate /force Force Group Police update

Show my DNS cache
ipconfig /displaydnsShows DNS cache

Is windows throttling your internet?
netsh interface tcp set global autotuning=high

See your wifi profiles. Shows all WiFi networks previous joined
netsh wlan show profiles |clip

Forgot your wifi password. Shows specific wifi network password in the clear
netsh wlan show profiles name=yourwifi key=clear

Is your app on internet? Shows which apps are talking to the internet and which ports they’re using.
netstat -abno |clip

What application is using what port
netstat -ano Shows ports + process IDs

For admins: silently access network users C drive
net use //computer/C$ {Use reverse slash}

User profiles that are configured Shows all users
net user

Change password on user.
net user existingUserName NewPassword The selected user will have his password updated.

Windows reliability monitor - your computers problem history {graphical}
perfmon /rel

Check battery on laptop
powercfg /batteryreport Creates battery health report

Unlock Ultimate Power Plan. Search "power plan" to see what you are currently using
powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61 Adds another performance item "Ultimate"

Windows depends on thousands of system files to function properly, and any of them can become corrupted due to bad updates, sudden shutdowns, or even malware. When that happens, you get vague symptoms such as apps crashing for no reason, Windows features stopping, or missing DLL errors.

The System File Checker (SFC) scans every protected system file on your machine and compares it against a cached copy. If something doesn't match, it automatically replaces the corrupted file. To run it, open Command Prompt as administrator, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter. The scan usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and needs no input from you once it starts.
sfc /scannow Repairs corrupt system files

Once it finishes, SFC reports one of three outcomes. It either shows no integrity violations found, corrupt files found and repaired, or corrupt files found, but not all could be fixed. If you get the third result, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth first. This pulls fresh copies of files from Windows Update, then run sfc /scannow again. It should succeed this time

Computer screwy Restarts PC directly into recovery menu.
shutdown /r /o

Force Windows shutdown
shutdown /s /t 0 Force shutdown immediately (works remotely)

Force Windows shutdown {IT gold}
shutdown /i Graphical remote shutdown manager (IT Gold)

Get system info
systeminfo /fo list

Shows just the OS information — filtered, clean, perfect for screenshots. {later windows}
systeminfo|findstr /B /C:”OS”

Got a resource hog. Shows how much resource an application is consuming.
tasklist /fi “imagename eq msedge.exe {Run ftype to get app names}

Replace task mangager detective work
tasklist /svc Shows what services and processes are running

07:18:27 – Kill frozen app and restart
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe & start explorer.exe Restart Windows Explorer example

Who am I?
whoami /groups Shows AD groups you’re in

Quick health check - Health check on hard drives or SSDs Reports OK if worky
wmic diskdrive get status

List of apps intalled on my system
wmic product get name

Update all applications. Updates all apps on your system, replacing chocolatey or manual updating
winget upgrade –all

It is time to test your ram chips
winsat mem
 01/03/2026
Windows Task Manager
settings task manager diagnostics services perfomance widgets

Win11 – 10 things to turn off


1. disable startup apps
task manager -> Startup -> click "unwanted app" -> disable: Repeat for each app

2. Kill notification & tips
Start -> Settings -> System -> Notification -> TURN OFF or click and turn off apps that you don't want to hear from.

3. Shut down back ground apps
Start -> Settings -> Apps -> Installed Apps -> click "offending app" -> 3dots

4. Stop online search in the start menu {Use the backward slash}
Run -> type "regedit" enter -> HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Policies/Microsoft/Windows/Explorer -> If explorer not exist: right click -> Select "New" than Key -> Name Key "Explorer and selected in left hand window -> right hand window, right click and select "new, DWORD(32-BIT) value -> TitleName is "DisableSearchBoxSuggestions" enter ->double click new entry and set value to 1 -> Rebooting makes it active. This is a per user change.

Kill widgets/ news & interest
Start -> Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Widgets (turn off)

6. Reduce telemetry and diagnostics.
Start -> Settings -> Privacy & Security -> diagnostics & Feedback -> Turn off "Send Optional diagnostics" and -> diagnostic data {turn off}


05:41:02 7. Disable ads in Explorer and the lock screen
06:08:24 kill the “fun facts and tips”.
07:18:20 8. Kill Cortana and co-pilot.
07:44:19 9. Kill activity history and timeline.
08:51:17 10. stop auto reboots after updates
09:55:00 11. TURN OFF REMOTE ASSISTANCE.
10:23:15 12. Optional windows features you do not need
11:44:11 13. Kill the hibernation file if you don’t hibernate.
13:03:26 another Microsoft update.
14:08:00 2. Searching index.
14:39:01 turn off search history.
15:12:26 turn off search highlights.
15:59:19 set my files to classic.
16:27:00 add excluded files folders you do not want searched.
16:41:12 3. Delivery optimization.
17:11:14 turn off delivery optimization.
17:33:13 turn off downloads from other devices.
17:50:19 5. Suggested apps in start menu ads.
18:31:27 turn off shell recommendations for tips.
23:00:27 god mode
23:23:13 made fixing windows simple.
27:27:27 stop windows from spying.
31:54:18 five PC tricks you should do
32:09:06 god mode code
32:58:26 windows 10 end-of-life.
40:43:16 are you still running Windows 10?
46:41:08 password locked out of windows.
53:45:10 END		 01/04/2026
Windows Power Shell - Startup Apps
power dyno startup performance		 search "powershell" -> Run as administrator -> Get-CimInstance Win32_StartupCommand

example
Command
-------
C:WindowsSystem32OneDriveSetup.exe /thfirstsetup
C:WindowsSystem32OneDriveSetup.exe /thfirstsetup
File Explorer.lnk
FileZilla.lnk
WebTools.lnk
"C:UserssteveAppDataLocalMicrosoftOneDriveOneDrive.exe" /background
"C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplicationmsedge.exe" --no-startup-window --win-session-start
"C:Program FilesAdobeAcrobat DCAcrobatAdobeCollabSync.exe"
%windir%system32SecurityHealthSystray.exe
"C:WINDOWSSystem32DriverStoreFileRepositoryrealtekservice.inf_amd64_434f4faf6aa034b3RtkAudUService64.exe" -bac...
"C:WINDOWSSystem32DriverStoreFileRepositorywavesapo10de.inf_amd64_db3f3288eba6a142WavesSvc64.exe" -Jack

Test your PC's performance
search "powershell" -> Run as administrator -> get-cimInstance win32_winsat

Leveno laptop with win8.1
CPUScore : 6.8
D3DScore : 6.2
DiskScore : 7.7
GraphicsScore : 4.7
MemoryScore : 5.9
TimeTaken : MostRecentAssessment
WinSATAssessmentState : 1
WinSPRLevel : 4.7
PSComputerName :

Dell Precision 3650
CPUScore : 9.3
D3DScore : 9.9
DiskScore : 9.5
GraphicsScore : 8.7
MemoryScore : 9.3
TimeTaken : MostRecentAssessment
WinSATAssessmentState : 1
WinSPRLevel : 8.7
PSComputerName :		 01/05/2026
Windows Bluetooth Action
bluetooth taskbar

Bluetooth Icon In The Task Notifications



Search for "bluetooth and other devices" -> open it -> Make sure Bluetooth switch is turned on -> scroll down and click "More Bluetooth settings" -> tab "option" check "Show bluetooth icon in the notification area" -> "Apply" or "OK"

Bluetooth Troubleshooting



search box type "Services" -> scroll down to "Bluetooth Support Service" -> enter -> tab "General" -> change "Startup type "Automatic" -> Apply then OK -		 01/05/2026
Windows Enable Windows Godmode
godmode shortcut		 How to Enable God Mode
  1. Right-click on your desktop or any folder.
  2. Select New > Folder.
  3. Rename the new folder to exactly: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

    What You Can Do With It
    • Access settings like BitLocker encryption, Power Options, Device Manager, Firewall, and User Accounts.
    • Quickly find settings by using the search bar within the God Mode folder.
    • Drag and drop individual settings from the God Mode folder to your desktop for even faster access.Â
    Key Benefits
    • Centralization: Access settings that are otherwise buried deep in the newer Windows 11 Settings app or the legacy Control Panel.
    • Efficiency: You can drag and drop specific settings (like "Manage audio devices") directly from the God Mode folder to your desktop for one-click access.
    • Searchable: The folder includes a search bar to quickly find niche tools like environment variables or BitLocker management.Â
    Important Considerations
    • Safety: God Mode is safe to use as it simply provides shortcuts to existing Windows functions.
    • Permissions: You must be logged in as an Administrator to use many of the settings within the folder.
    • Removal: To disable it, simply delete the folder or shortcut you created.
    Fun Selections
    • Adminstative Tools - View and toast local services
    • Adminstative Tools - Create and format hard disk partitions
    • Default Programs - Set your default programs
    • System - Adjust the appearance and performance of windows
    • System - Allow remote access to your computer
    • System - Create a recovery drive
    • System - Create a restore point
    • System - Change the size of virtual memory
    • System - View advanced system settings
    • System - task manager to disable startup apps
 01/05/2026
Windows 5 Powerful Run Tools
drivers		 Check for p
open "run" -> type "sigverif" -> enter ->

Windows starts scanning and giving a report

Click "Advanced" -> Click "View Log" to get text tile version. If you do not have this file make sure the top check box is checked to create log file		 01/06/2026
Windows Ads - Remove Them
ads lock screen search AI		 Lock screen

Start -> Settings -> Personalization -> Lock Screen -> personalize lock screen -> Default "Windows spotlight" to "pictures or slideshow" -> Clear "Get fun fact tips and more on your lock screen"

pined Apps or Ads
Even though may not be installed now clicking on them will install them so remove

Start -> right click -> Select "Uninstall". I removed a bunch. The sequence has to be done for each app to be removed.

Ads in Notifications
Start -> Settings -> System -> Notifications {OFF} -> Scroll down to "Additional settings" -> Uncheck all 3 checkboxes

Block AI looker
Search gpedit -> Administrative templates -> Windows Components -> Windows AI -> mark everything enabled to diabled		 01/06/2026
Windows Run Commands
run audio directx drivers malware virus optimize diagnose apps spy ultimate		 Boost audio output
run -> control panel -> view by category -> hardware & sound -> Sound -> click "speaker" -> properties -> "advanced" tab -> select "24 bit 192,000 -> exclusive mode "all boxes checked" -> ok

When you reboot pc your audio will be louder

Reset passwords
run -> control userpasswords2 -> displays user accounts -> select user -> click "reset password"

Note! you can remove them here also!

Make sceen text easier to read
run -> cttune -> selecting next will allow you to pick the different variations of text being displayed

Directx diagnostic tool
run -> dxdiag -> get all kinds of system information

Programs not shutting down completely Optimize PC performance.
Run -> GPEDIT.MSC -> enter
Local Computer Policy -> Computer configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> App Privacy
Select which apps that you want to run in the background. My settings are "Not configured"

hardware and device diagnostics. Can send fixes
Run -> type msdt.exe -id devicediagnostic

Comuter Boots Slow
Load "run" -> type "msconfig" -> OK -> "Boot" tab -> Advanced options -> Check "Number of processors" -> Set to the highest number available. -> click "Apply" -> click "OK"
You may get prompt to restart windows.

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal tool- This does a scan of your system.
Run -> MRT -> enter

Has my system been hacked? Check all the users on my system
Run -> NETPLWIZ -> enter

Select unauthorized user and select "Remove"

Select your Power Plan
run -> powercfg.cpl -> Choose high performance

To Unlock Ultimate Power Plan. Search "power plan" to see what you are currently using>

if ultimate is missing, from the "command prompt"
powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61 Adds another performance item "Ultimate"

Look for identity leaks
run -> services.msc
  • Connected User Experiences & Telemetry -> startup type "disabled"
  • Windows error reporting service -> startup type "disabled"
  • diagnostics policy service -> startup type "disabled"
  • remote registry -> startup type "disabled

next run -> msconfig
  • click "sevices" tab ->
  • check "hide all microsoft services"
  • The rest are 3rd party services. Know what software you are using. It would be bad to remove Dropbox if you are storing data in the cloud. It would not sync.


LIst all programs including hidden one on your PC
run -> shell:AppsFolder -> remove what you do not need

Remove visual effects that slow my PC down?
Run -> sysdm.cpl -> enter -> "Advanced" tab -> Perfomance "Settings" -> default is "Let windows choose". I tried "best performance" but my screen fonts were not as clear and image files lose the picture and show a simple icon. Select "custom" and Keep "Show thumbnails" and "Smooth edges of screen fonts"

outdated drivers
run -> verifier -> check for unsigned drivers
 01/06/2026
Windows Clearing Temp Folders
temp folders junk files		 Run -> %localappdata% -> Proceed with caution before deleting any apps data

Run -> %temp% ->		 01/07/2026
Windows Shortcut Fixes
shortcut graphics card tabs		 Reset graphics card Only if display becomes flaky
ctrl + shift + Winkey + B

browser closed - So this to restore tabs
ctrl + shift + T		 01/13/2026
Windows Cool Things Using "Search" Box
search malware code sandbox		 Loading sandbox windows
type "turn windows features on and off" -> check "Windows sandbox" -> Reboot windows

then it should be activated

Search -> type "windows sandbox" -> open

From here you can open files you do not trust

Protect against malware and malicious code
win11
Search -> type "device security" -> core isolation -> details -> turn on "memory integrity"		 01/21/2026
Windows Cool Things From "Settings"
settings internet		 Prevent internet sharing with strangers
settings -> windows update -> Advanced options -> delivery optimization -> turn off "delivery optimization" -> turn off downloads from other devices

This prevents background stealing		 01/21/2026
Windows Unnecesarry Windows Services
service
  • BTDevMgr.exe is not essential for Windows and will often cause problems.
  • IconMan_R
    This is the software utility for the Realtek card reader and is known as the Realtek Card Reader Icon Tool. It adds an icon to the Windows notification area (system tray) in order to provide quick access to manage various functions of the device.
 01/21/2026
Windows Things That Need To Be Turned Off
turn off		 Quit sending data to everyone

win 11
winkey + i -> privacy & security -> General -> turn off top 4: No to: personalized ads, relevant content, improve start and search results, suggested content is settings app

win 11
winkey + i -> privacy & security -> diagnostics & feedback -> send optional diagnostic data -> turn off		 01/29/2026
Windows Protect SSD Drives
ssd drive		 SSDs, or solid state drives, are widely used in desktops and laptops because they offer faster performance, quieter operation, and lower power consumption than traditional hard disks (HDDs). In the durability stakes, as well, an SSD wins over an HDD.

However, like all electronic components, SSDs have limited lifespans that can be affected by a range of different factors. It’s therefore smart to try to increase their lifespan. Here I lay out some key ways you can do that in Windows 11.

1. Enable Trim for SSDs

One simple trick to extend SSD lifespan is to enable the Trim command for your SSD. This tells the drive which data blocks are no longer used, effectively managing and freeing up disk space. If you don’t enable the Trim, the SSD needs to perform extra and unnecessary operations to delete old files, giving rise to more wear and reducing lifespan.

To check if the Trim command is enabled open the command prompt with admin rights and type the command fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify. If you get the notification DisableDeleteNotify = 0 then you have Trim enabled. If not, then you can enable it with this command: fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0.


2. Disable hibernation

In hibernation mode the computer will write all the data it stores in the RAM to a file named Hiberfil.sys on the SSD. If you hibernate your PC often this file can be extremely large. Excessive and heavy writing can wear out your SSD, hence you should disable hibernation in Windows 11. To do that, open the command prompt with admin permission and type the command powercfg.exe /hibernate off.


3. Disable Paging File (Virtual Memory)

When RAM is insufficient for your computing increasing the virtual memory or paging file can be one solution. However, this isn’t good for SSD lifespan as it results in lots of writing to your SSD. Therefore, you’re going to want to disable paging file to increase the SSD lifespan. Here’s how to do that.

  • Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type sysdm.cpl and click OK to open System Properties.
  • Navigate to the Advanced tab and click on Settings under the Performance section.
  • In the Performance Options window, go to the Advanced tab and click on Change under the Virtual Memory section.
  • Uncheck the box for Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
  • Select the drive where the pagefile is located (usually C:).
  • Choose the option No paging file and click Set.
  • Click OK to close all windows and restart your computer when prompted.



4. Enable write caching

Most SSDs support write caching that allows temporarily storing data in a cache, which avoids frequent small writes to the SSD. Enabling this feature will reduce the number of write cycles and extend the lifespan of your SSD. You can do that in a few easy steps.

  • Type Win+X and choose Device Manager.
  • Expand the disk drives, right click on your SSD, and select Properties.
  • Under the Policies tab, tick Enable write caching on the device and click OK.
  • Write caching should now be enabled.



5. Avoid filling up the SSD memory

If the SSD memory is filled up, it can reduce the SSD lifespan and the drive will run a lot slower than it should. Therefore, you should aim to always keep at least 20 percent of the drive’s capacity free.

You can check on how full your drive is in Windows under Devices and Drives. Simply double click on File Explorer and select This PC from the menu on the left. The capacity of the drive will be shown beneath the drive visual and how much free space there is will be indicated clearly too.

Keep the SSD firmware up to date

SSD manufacturers often release updates for the SSD firmware to keep it running efficiently and to reduce wear and tear, so these updates can extend the device’s lifespan. To see if your SSD does, it’s best to visit the manufacturer’s website to search for any firmware updates. Most vendors will also have their own SSD software to update firmware automatically.

6. Your SSD might be overheating under heavy loads
Thermal throttling is common, but a heatsink solves it

If you’re using a high-end Gen 4 or Gen 5 NVMe SSD, heat is a significant factor in performance. When temperatures climb too high during sustained reads or writes, the drive throttles its own performance to avoid damage. This is called thermal throttling, and it's more common than you'd think, especially in laptops with poor airflow or desktop builds where the M.2 slot sits right next to a hot GPU.

The symptoms are predictable since performance starts strong but drops off sharply during large file transfers or extended gaming sessions. If you're seeing that pattern, heat is likely the issue. You can monitor your SSD's temperature using CrystalDiskInfo or your manufacturer's tool. If it regularly exceeds 70°C under load, you've got a thermal problem.

The most effective fix is adding an M.2 heatsink. Most NVMe drives don't ship with one, but aftermarket heatsinks are cheap and easy to install — they clip or screw directly onto the drive. Many modern motherboards also include built-in M.2 heatsinks. Check your motherboard box before buying one separately.


7. Your SSD's health might be declining
Checking your drive's wear level takes two minutes

Every SSD has a finite lifespan. The NAND flash cells inside your drive can only handle a certain number of write cycles before they wear out. Under normal use, like browsing, office work, and casual gaming, most SSDs last well beyond five years. But heavy workloads like video editing or running virtual machines accelerate that wear considerably.

As the cells degrade, the drive slows down before eventually switching to a read-only state or failing altogether. The good news is that you don't have to guess where your drive stands. To check your SSD's health:

  1. Download CrystalDiskInfo. It's free and works with virtually every drive.
  2. Open it and look for the Health Status indicator and the Total Host Writes value.
  3. Compare the total writes against your drive's rated TBW (terabytes written), which you can find on the manufacturer's spec sheet.

If you're unsure how to interpret these numbers, here's how to estimate the remaining lifespan of your SSD. Also, if health status drops below 70–80%, start planning a replacement and back up your data immediately. If the health looks fine but performance is still poor, the slowdown is almost certainly caused by one of the other issues covered above, not the drive itself dying.

Most SSD slowdowns aren't hardware failures; they're due to neglected settings and overlooked maintenance. The fixes mentioned often take as little as 15 minutes combined. What's worth doing beyond this is to set a calendar reminder every few months to check your drive's health and temperature, clear out unnecessary files, and look for firmware updates.

If you're building a new PC, budget for a heatsink and a UPS from the start, and check these things before buying your NVMe SSD. Prevention is always cheaper than a replacement drive and far less stressful than recovering lost data.		 02/04/2026
Windows Privacy Using Windows
privacy important		 WinKey + I -> Privacy & Security -> General or Recommendations & offers -> turn off all 6 items

Go back to Privacy & Security -> Diagnostics & feedback -> Send optional diagnostic data to "off"		 03/25/2026
Windows Fixing A Bad Windows Update Or Pause
fix update pause		 Settings -> Windows Update -> Pause updates -> Select which option in drop down


Settings -> Windows Update -> Update History - You will see your update history -> Uninstall Updates

You have to uninstall updates that are done on top of the one you want to remove before you get to the one you want to remove. You can restart later if you have more to uninstall.

Method 2


using install KB50740109

winkey +R -> CMD (run as administrator) -> type "wusa uninstall KB50740109 no restart		 03/28/2026
Windows Fix Slow Boot Up
boot slow		 Slow startup is mostly fixable, but guesswork is not the right approach. Windows already logs why your PC starts up slowly. The log records how long it took and the cause of the slow boot. Once you know where to look and how to make sense of the log details, you can eliminate guesswork in fixing Windows slow start times.

Windows already records what slows your startup


The hidden diagnostics log that tracks every boot

The hidden performance report that Windows records whenever your computer starts slowly is in the Event Viewer. It's tucked within the Diagnostics-Performance log. This is a very comprehensive Windows log that you can locate by navigating to Applications and Services Logs -> Microsoft -> Windows -> Diagnostics-Performance -> Operational.

Within this log, the structured events are Windows boot events, and of these, the most consequential for slow boot times is Event ID 100. It's a summary recorded after Windows starts up, including the total startup duration. What makes it especially handy is how it separates startup into the time to reach a usable state and the time spent loading startup apps and background services. You will find most triggers for a slow-booting system in this second phase.

Event ID 100 holds a lot of actionable information. One of the most significant items is flags for specific apps or processes delaying startup. These are accurate measurements of each process’s impact (in milliseconds).
The Diagnostics-Performance log holds other events as well, and each one necessitates a different action:


The Diagnostics-Performance log holds other events as well, and each one necessitates a different action:
Event ID > > What it shows > > What you should do with it
100 > Total boot time, split into system load phase and startup app phase > > Use this to understand your overall boot duration and which phase is running long
101 > The specific app or process that delayed boot, with exact milliseconds added > > This is your primary troubleshooting entry — it names the culprit directly
102 > Confirmation that the boot was completed without failure > > Reference only — no action needed unless boot issues are intermittent

You don't need any special configuration to collect this. It's a Windows default, but just buried deep within the Event Viewer.

How to find and interpret slow boot events


The fastest way to pinpoint what's actually slowing things down







When you locate Diagnostics-Performance in the Event Viewer, click on the Filter Current Log option in the right pane, then filter with Event ID 101 to cut off the noise.

Each of the 101 events now presented includes a single delayed boot. When you click one, the first two fields to consider are File Name (exact executable responsible) and Degradation Time (the number of milliseconds it adds). With both values, you have an idea of the problem and its extent.

You can get additional context by looking at the boot duration when you pull up a 101 event for the same boot. There isn't a universal cutoff for fast or slow boots, but delays in the range of 1000 to 3000ms should raise eyebrows, and anything above 3000ms should be concerning; it's a noticeable drag on your startups.

However, you should take note of patterns more than single numbers. While a single spike may not mean much, if you notice a single app adding an extra 2000ms to startup consistently, that becomes a significant data point. So I generally look out for repeated offenders and prioritize the highest delays when I review entries.

Fixing startup delays without breaking your system


What to disable, delay, and when to leave things alone



You should be careful not to spend time on everything flagged in the log. Some are not as valuable for fixing slow boot times. I have a specific way of handling flags from the Event Viewer.

When it's a startup app, I navigate to the Startup tab of the Task Manager to find and disable the app. This way, it remains on my computer but no longer runs at startup. In the Task Manager, I can also see the impact label of the app (Low, High, or Medium). This may also give a clue as to which apps add the most time to startup.

The services flagged in the Event Viewer are often more consequential, even if less obvious. I typically locate the services in Services.msc and observe their startup type. The safest mode for non-critical services is to switch from Automatic to Automatic (Delayed start). This way, they only start when the desktop is ready and reduce startup drag.

Then, when Event Viewer flags hardware-related software, like my printer utilities or RGB lighting controllers, I update them, or if I no longer use the device, I uninstall the software. However, if any of these belong to Windows or a core service, I avoid tampering with them unless I'm certain it's a safe process.

You don't have to solve all delays because some of them, like antivirus tools or cloud sync, may be doing really important work during startup.
Mapping your entire boot timeline with advanced tools

In my experience of using the Event Viewer, there are certain occasions when the culprit isn't clear. This could be because the boot times vary too much, or there are multiple processes involved. In such cases, I default to more advanced Microsoft tools.

With Windows Performance Recorder, I can capture a detailed boot process trace, while the Windows Performance Analyzer allows me to visualize the trace in real time. I can observe when processes ran, their duration, and where there were overlaps with different activities.

Of course, there are several ways to cut boot time, but a thorough analysis before taking any action is very effective.		 04/16/2026