Windows 7 slow startup and shutdown

Windows 7 is the latest version of the Windows operating system created by Microsoft. It is becoming extremely popular due to a lot of new and exciting features being included. However these features combined with a few problems can make it difficult for your computer to start up and shut down.

Computers are supposed to be convenient and you don’t normally want to wait ages for them to boot up. Slow start up and shutdown problems are all too common and these are causing all sorts of problems for everyone.

Possible Causes of the Windows 7 Slow Startup and Shutdown Issue

• Outdated hardware
• Viruses
• Spyware
• Too Many programs loading at startup

Fixing the Slow Startup and Shutdown Issue

The Windows 7 slow startup and shutdown issue can be caused by a variety of different factors. This means that the solution will be different for everyone. Follow the steps below to identify the problem and work out how to put it right.

1. Outdated Hardware
   Windows 7 requires a lot of resources to run properly and smoothly. If you have tried to upgrade an older machine to Windows 7 then you might experience speed problems. If the speed of the computer was ok with Windows XP or even Vista then it’s likely that your hardware is the problem.

   Check the Windows Experience Rating of your computer to find out if it’s up to scratch. Click Start, then right click on Computer and select properties. If it’s the first time to do this then it will take some time to calculate the figure. This should help you to identify whether or not your hardware is the problem.

2. Viruses
   Viruses and spyware may also be another problem which prevents your computer from working at full speed. If you don’t already have a virus scanner installed then download one now. Make sure that it’s compatible with Windows 7 otherwise it’s going to be unreliable.
3. Spyware
   Spyware is another form of malware which is similar to a virus. This sits on your computer collecting information and trying to steal your sensitive information. Spyware cannot normally be removed by virus scanners which is why a dedicated spyware scanner should be installed.
4. Startup Programs
   If there are too many programs and services loading at startup then this can cause your computer to be very slow. Check out what’s running at startup by pressing Start, Run and typing “msconfig”.

   Use the tabs along the top of the window to select the startup programs and then it’s easy enough to uncheck what you don’t want to run. Be careful when disabling Microsoft services because these could prevent certain components in your computer such as wireless networks from working correctly.

If Windows 7 is slow to start up or shut down then it doesn’t need to be the end o the world. There are plenty of things that you can do to speed your computer up and get it working much more reliably.

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