I recently built a new PC and noticed that startup now takes around 40 seconds, compared with roughly 10–11 seconds on my previous setup. I'm still using the same M.2 SSD, which worked normally before. What should I check to find out whether the delay is happening during BIOS startup, memory training, or Windows loading?
4 Answers
Check Task Manager > Startup apps and look at “Last BIOS time.” If that number is around 30–40 seconds, Windows and the SSD probably aren’t the issue—the motherboard is spending a long time in POST. On newer DDR5 systems, repeated memory training is a common cause. Update the BIOS and look for settings such as Memory Context Restore or options related to preserving memory training. Make sure the RAM is stable before enabling them.
A new motherboard can simply take longer to complete POST than the old one, especially with a new CPU and memory kit. A total boot time under a minute isn’t necessarily a fault, but the BIOS time will tell you whether this is expected hardware initialization or something inside Windows that needs fixing.
Go into the BIOS and verify that the M.2 drive containing Windows is the first boot device. Temporarily unplug unnecessary USB drives and other storage devices too, since the firmware may be checking them or trying network/PXE boot before reaching the SSD. Also look for a Fast Boot option.
If the Last BIOS time is normal, then investigate Windows instead. Review which programs launch at startup and scan the reused SSD with CrystalDiskInfo to check its health and error status. Startup software, a damaged installation, or a drive problem could all add time after the BIOS finishes.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload