Why Is My HP Laptop Restarting So Slow? | Fixes That Work

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An HP laptop may restart slowly due to heavy startup apps, system or drive errors, outdated BIOS/drivers, or updates finishing in the background.

Long restarts sap time and patience. The good news: most slowdowns come from a short list of culprits you can check and fix in minutes. This guide walks you through quick wins first, then deeper repairs if the restart delay keeps coming back. You’ll also see when an HP-specific step like BIOS or driver updates makes a difference.

HP Laptop Slow After Restart: Quick Checks That Matter

Start with the items that have the biggest payoff. These checks don’t change data and they’re safe for everyday use.

1) Trim Startup Apps

Apps that auto-load at sign-in stretch the time between “Restart” and a ready desktop. Windows labels each item’s impact so you can turn off the worst offenders without guessing. Open Task Manager → Startup apps, and disable anything you don’t need every time you log in. Microsoft’s guide shows the exact clicks and explains the impact labels. Manage startup apps. You can also review the friendly walkthrough here: Windows startup controls.

2) Let Updates Finish

When Windows installs updates, some steps complete during the next reboot. If the update stack is large, the restart takes longer. Open Settings → Windows Update and press “Check for updates” until it shows you’re current. If the system was mid-install, the next restart should shrink after updates are done.

3) Plug In During Restart

On some systems, power-saving settings reduce CPU speed and disk activity while on battery. That can stretch post-update tasks. Restart while plugged in to rule out low-power modes adding delays.

4) HP Tools: One-Click Health Pass

HP offers a helper app that checks firmware, drivers, and diagnostics in one place. Open HP Support Assistant from the taskbar or install it from HP’s site, then apply any critical driver or BIOS updates it suggests. Links: HP Support Assistant page and the usage article Using HP Support Assistant.

Know This About Restart Vs. Shutdown

Windows has a feature called Fast Startup that speeds up shutdown + power on. It doesn’t apply to Restart. So if restarts are slow while cold boots feel fine, you’re not imagining it—restart follows a full cycle that skips the Fast Startup shortcut. Microsoft calls this out in its troubleshooting note on Fast Startup. Fast Startup note.

Deeper Fixes For Persistent Slow Restarts

If trimming startup apps and finishing updates don’t help, run these repairs next. They look technical, but they’re safe and reversible.

5) Repair Windows System Files (SFC + DISM)

Corrupted components can add a long pause at restart as Windows retries services and drivers. The two built-in tools below scan and repair those files.

Run Deployment Imaging And Servicing Management (DISM)

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

DISM uses Windows Update (or a source you specify) to repair the component store. Microsoft documents the steps and switches in detail. DISM + SFC guidance and the reference page Repair a Windows image.

Then Run System File Checker (SFC)

Follow with:

sfc /scannow

SFC scans protected files and restores clean copies. Microsoft’s how-to has the complete flow. System File Checker steps.

6) Check The Disk

If the storage device has file-system errors or pending bad blocks, Windows needs time during restart to recover and re-mount volumes. Run CHKDSK on the system drive:

chkdsk C: /scan

This runs online and reports findings. If it flags repairs that need a reboot, use:

chkdsk C: /f

(You’ll be prompted to schedule it for the next restart.)

7) Hunt Down A Third-Party Service Hang

A service that takes too long to stop can stretch the restart sequence. A clean boot loads only basic drivers and Microsoft services so you can spot the outlier. The official steps use System Configuration (msconfig) and Task Manager → Startup. Clean boot steps.

8) Update BIOS And Chipset Storage Drivers

Firmware updates can fix shutdown and resume quirks. Storage and Intel/AMD chipset drivers also affect how fast services stop and start. The simplest path is HP Support Assistant, but you can also enter your laptop’s exact model on HP’s site and fetch BIOS, chipset, and storage drivers from the “Driver” and “Firmware” sections. HP driver & firmware portal.

9) Check Startup Impact In Task Manager

Even after you disable items, revisit Task Manager → Startup apps and scan the list for “High” impact items. Turn off anything non-essential to your daily work. Windows explains how these impact ratings are measured and where to toggle items. Startup impact details.

Copy-Paste Commands You May Need

Use these in an elevated Command Prompt. Run them one by one, and wait for each to complete.

:: Repair component store, then system files
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

:: Quick disk check (no reboot)
chkdsk C: /scan

:: Schedule a repair at next restart (if needed)
chkdsk C: /f

:: Show startup apps (PowerShell)
powershell Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_StartupCommand | Select-Object Name, Command

:: Open Task Manager Startup tab via command
taskmgr /7

:: Launch System Configuration
msconfig

Why Restart Feels Longer Than A Cold Boot

Cold boot can lean on Fast Startup (a partial hibernation of the kernel session). Restart does a full shutdown of services and drivers, then reloads them clean. That’s why a system packed with startup apps or brittle services can feel fine on power-on yet crawl on restart. Microsoft’s note clarifies that the Fast Startup setting doesn’t apply to Restart. Fast Startup behavior.

Model-Specific Tweaks Worth Trying

Some HP models ship with vendor utilities that add background services for audio, touchpads, printers, or security. These are handy, but not all need to start at every sign-in. If an HP service shows High impact, try setting it to “Manual” inside the app, or disable its startup entry in Task Manager. If a device loses a feature after disabling, turn that item back on and move to the next suspect.

Storage Type Matters

On systems with a mechanical HDD, Windows has more to load and seek at restart. If your device supports it, moving to an SSD yields a big win for both restart and general use. If you already have an SSD yet restarts drag, run the checks above—file corruption or a misbehaving service is far more likely than the SSD itself failing without other symptoms.

Thermals And Dust

HP laptops throttle when temps rise. If the fan spins high at idle, blow out the vents with compressed air (short bursts, laptop off), then retest. Combine that with a restart while the charger is connected so the CPU isn’t limited by power plans.

When You Should Reset Power Features

Power settings can get messy after driver changes or big updates. Two light resets that sometimes help:

  • Open Power Options → choose your current plan → Restore default settings for this plan.
  • Toggle hibernation off then on to refresh Fast Startup support: 
    powercfg -h off
powercfg -h on

This doesn’t wipe files. It only refreshes power features. If you use BitLocker, make sure you know your recovery key before major changes.

Advanced: Prove What’s Slowing The Cycle

If the restart spinner lingers with no clue why, collect evidence. Three tools help without deep tracing:

Reliability Monitor

Type “Reliability Monitor” in Start. Look for red X or warning icons around your restart times. These entries can point to a crashing driver or service.

Event Viewer Shortlist

Check Windows Logs → System around the restart window. Look for Services Control Manager timeouts (7031/7034/7043). If a specific service repeatedly times out, search that service name plus your HP model to see if there’s an updated driver on HP’s portal. HP driver portal.

Clean Boot Confirmation

If restart time shrinks after a clean boot, you’ve confirmed a third-party item is the cause. Re-enable startup items and services in small batches until the delay returns, then narrow down to the single entry.

Table: Fixes And When To Use Them

The quick matrix below maps common causes to the fastest remedy.

Symptom Or Clue Best First Step Next Move
Desktop takes ages to appear after Restart; many tray icons Disable High-impact startup apps Clean boot to find a stubborn service
“Working on updates” during restart Finish Windows Update fully Run DISM then SFC
HP utility or driver pops errors around reboot Update via HP Support Assistant Manual driver/BIOS from HP portal
Random service timeout in Event Viewer Clean boot Reinstall or update that app/driver
Disk light busy for minutes after sign-in CHKDSK scan Storage driver/firmware update
Cold boot seems okay; Restart is slow Trim startup apps DISM → SFC → clean boot

What To Do If Nothing Changes

At this point, you’ve ruled out the usual suspects. Two paths remain sane and safe:

  • Create a new local user profile. A damaged profile can slow sign-in and restart. If the new account feels snappy, migrate files and remove the old profile later.
  • Repair install Windows using the latest ISO while keeping apps and files. This refreshes system files and services in one sweep. Back up first.

Prevent The Next Slowdown

  • Keep BIOS and storage drivers current via HP Support Assistant.
  • Favor official drivers from HP rather than random driver sites.
  • Limit auto-launch apps to the few you use daily.
  • Run DISM + SFC after large crashes or power cuts.
  • If you upgrade drives or RAM, scan health and reseat parts carefully.

FAQ-Style Nuggets (No Fluff, Just Answers)

Does Turning Off Fast Startup Help?

Fast Startup doesn’t affect Restart. Turning it off won’t fix a slow restart. The fixes above target the real blockers. See Microsoft’s note on Fast Startup behavior. Fast Startup scope.

Is HP Support Assistant Safe To Use?

Yes. It’s HP’s own tool for drivers, BIOS, and diagnostics. Keep it updated and apply only updates listed for your exact model. HP Support Assistant.

What If DISM Or SFC Shows Errors It Can’t Fix?

Run DISM again with a known-good source, then SFC. If errors persist, a repair install is faster than chasing ghosts. Microsoft’s SFC article outlines source options for DISM. DISM source options.

Bottom Line Fix Flow

  1. Disable High-impact startup apps.
  2. Finish updates while plugged in.
  3. Run DISM → SFC.
  4. CHKDSK if disk activity stays high.
  5. Clean boot to isolate a slow service.
  6. Update BIOS/chipset/storage via HP tools.

Work through those steps and restarts should snap back to normal.