How to Speed Up Windows, Startup and Shutdown

To speed up Windows, its startup and shutdown time, follow the simple steps below. Especially if you are using HDD, turning off file indexing will be most effective. But even when using SSD, turning file indexing off will have its benefit. There is a better tool than using Cortana, and once you start using it, you'd be scratching your head.

1. Remove File Index Per Drive; use Everything Search for search functions

a. Right-click on Drive, Properties, Uncheck File Index

b. Install Everything Search ( http://www.voidtools.com/ )

2. Shorten Registry Time Values (all settings of String type)

a. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

i. Set WaitToKillServiceTimeout value to 8000

b. For current User, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

i. Set WaitToKillAppTimeout value to 8000

ii. Set AutoEndTasks value to 1

iii. Set HungAppTimeout value to 7000 (if not present, def is 5000)

c. To set for all Users, set these values in

i. HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop

ii. Set WaitToKillAppTimeout value to 8000

iii. Set AutoEndTasks value to 1

iv. Set HungAppTimeout value to 7000 (if not present, def is 5000)

These millisecond time values are recommended, but you can choose your own shorter or longer times. It's all up to you.

So there you have it! Without adding anything fancy or buying any expensive device or paying for some software licenses, you can have a faster Windows, faster startup, and faster shutdown. And honestly, Cortana pales in comparison to the capability and speed of (Search) Everything -- which is free. I'm using this even in Windows Server machines where millions of files are deposited and searched on a daily basis. How about that?

Till then!