[Too Slow!] Fix: Windows 10 APPs Take Forever to Load

Brithny updated on Jan 11, 2024 | Home >Computer Instruction

Windows 10 slow to open programs? Try out the practical methods introduced in this tutorial.

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Fix 1. Run System File Checker Corrupted system files can be a reason for Windows 10 is very slow in opening any application...Full steps
Fix 2. Repair Problematic Apps If a few apps have problems, when you open them on Windows 10, it may take a long time to load...Full steps
Fix 3. Perform a Clean Boot You can perform a Clean Boot to check whether the Windows 10 slow-to-open programs occurs...Full steps
Fix 4. Optimize Your PC  Extend C drive or upgrade to SSD to improve PC performance to fix Windows 10 app slow to...Full steps
Fix 5. Scan System for Virus You can use Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus to scan your system for viruses or malware...Full steps

"Windows 10 is very slow in opening any application and it is waiting for a long time even in opening the File Explorer. Is there anything I can do to fix this? 

Many users are struggling with Windows 10 apps that take a long time to open problem, especially those who have upgraded to Windows 10 from other Windows versions. Some are finding that their Windows 10 apps take a long time or take forever to load. If you are one of the complainers who is frustrated by the Windows 10 apps taking a long time to open, you've come to the right place.

In this post, we will see what you could do to troubleshoot Windows 10 is very slow in opening any application. What's more, we also show you two effective tips on how to speed up Windows 10 to make programs open or load more quickly. 

How to Fix Windows 10 Slow to Open Programs Issue

When encountering programs taking a long time to open in Windows 10, you can first restart your computer to check if the problem still exists. Or you can update your apps and programs if they are out of date. After these two quick fixes, if the apps are still slow to open, continue trying the following solutions.

1. Run System File Checker to Fix the Slow Issue

There are several reasons why you are experiencing Windows 10 being very slow in opening any application. This could be because of some corrupted file or data on the system that causes you some issues. Using Command Prompt running as Administrator, you can perform these commands that can fix issues on your system.

Step 1. Type command prompt in the Search box.  Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator.

Step 2. Type the following command in the command prompt window and press "Enter" on the keyboard.

sfc /scannow

Step 3. Let the scan finish and fix any potential errors.

Step 4. Reboot your Windows computer and check if you have the same error message.

2. Repair or Reinstall Problematic Apps

If it's a certain app that has the slow-to-open problem, try to reinstall it and check if it is still loading slowly. You can use the Control Panel to repair or reinstall the apps that are not running as smoothly as they should.

Step 1. Open Control Panel > select "Programs and Features".

Step 2. Select the problematic app on the list. Right-click on it and select Repair or Uninstall.

Step 3. Restart your computer and reinstall the programs.

reinstall programs to fix windows 10 slow to open programs

3. Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10/8/7

Clean Boot State which is used to diagnose and troubleshoot advanced Windows problems. If your computer or program is not starting normally, or if you receive errors when you start the computer that you cannot identify, you could consider performing a "clean boot".

Step 1. Type msconfig in the start search and hit Enter to open the System Configuration Utility.

Step 2. Click the General tab, and then click Selective Startup. Clear the Load Startup Items checkbox, and ensure that Load System Services and Use Original boot configuration are checked.

clean boot system configuration

Step 3. Click the Services tab. Select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box. Now click Disable all.

hide all microsoft services

Step 4. Click Apply/OK and restart the computer. This will put Windows into a Clean Boot State. If the clean boot helped you fix the error, fine! Else in the General tab, also click to clear the Load System Services check box, click Apply/OK and restart.

4. Optimize PC to Speed Up Windows 10 

In addition to the software problem, the computer hardware problem can also result in programs taking a long time to open in Windows 10. You can try to resolve the problem by optimizing your computer and speeding up Windows 10. From this point of view, we can take two effective measures.

Extend C drive to make programs open faster

If your system disk is almost full and the computer is running slowly, you can speed up Windows 10 by extending the C drive. We know that most of the software is installed on the C drive. If the C drive has little space, it will obviously affect the running speed of the computer and software. Therefore, the programs will take forever to open on Windows 10.

How to extend C drive without deleting it for formatting? Use EaseUS Partition Master, which enables you to allocate free space from other drives to C drive directly without any data loss.

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

Except for resizing or moving partitions, EaseUS Partition Master provides more one-stop disk partition features to solve low disk space issues, clone disks, merge partitions, and create/delete/format partitions.

Now, download this powerful disk management tool to extend your C drive with ease.

Option 1. Extend System C drive with unallocated space

  1. 1. Right-click on the System C: drive and select "Resize/Move".
  2. 2. Drag the system partition end into the unallocated space so to add it to the C: drive. And click "OK". 
  3. 3. Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to execute the operations and extend the C drive.

Option 2. Extend System C drive without unallocated space

  1. 1. Right-click a big partition with enough free space on the system disk, select "Allocate Space".
  2. 2. Select the system drive at the Allocate Space From (*) To section, and drag the end of System C drive into the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm.
  3. 3. Click "Execute Task", it will list the pending operations, and click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 Extend System Drive with Unallocated Space; 0:27-0:58 Extend System Drive without Unallocated Space.

Upgrade HDD to SSD without reinstalling

SSDs become more popular and are thinner, lighter, and faster compared with HDDs. To make Windows run more quickly and smoothly, migrating OS to SSD is a very useful way.  But how to transfer OS from HDD to SSD or even from bigger HDD to SSD without reinstalling? EaseUS Partition Master provides the simplest solutions.

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

5. Scan Your System for Viruses or Malware

One of the main reasons for Windows 10 apps' slow-to-open issue is that your PC might be infected with a virus that slows your Windows 10, 8, or 7 PC response time.

You can use Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus program to scan your system and remove viruses or malware.  

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Security".

Step 2. Click "Virus & threat protection".

Step 3. In the "Threat history" section, click "Scan now" to scan for viruses on your computer.

fix windows 10 slow to open programs - remove virus

Besides, you can use TotalAV, a powerful antivirus & security software that can quickly scan your system and protect your computer.

TOTALAV

TotalAV is an Award Winning Antivirus and Security Software. It Provides Real-Time Protection from Viruses, Malware & Online Threats.

Get Protected Now

Antivirus Protection Enabled

Final Words

After reading this post, we believe you've learned the common causes and methods for Windows 10 apps' slow-to-open issues. The reasons may be software-related problems, such as virus infection, problematic programs, outdated apps, or system file damage. They could also be hardware issues, like a full system partition, an old HDD/computer with poor performance, etc.

For different causes, we have detailed solutions that we hope will help you. If you still have questions on how to fix Windows 10 slow-to-open programs, you can contact our technical support team via live chat or email for answers.

FAQs About Windows 10 Slow-to-Open Programs

The following are the top five highly relevant questions related to Windows 10 is very slow in opening any application. If you also have any of these problems, you can find make out with the brief tips.

Why do programs take so long to open in Windows 10?

One of the reasons for the Windows 10 slow-to-open programs issue is that your PC might be infected with a virus that eats up a lot of memory in the background and slows your Windows 10 response time. You can use Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus solution to scan your system to remove the virus.

Besides, make sure that the programs you are trying to open are up to date and compatible with Windows 10.

Why are my programs slow to open?

There are a few possible reasons for Windows 10 slow-to-open program, such as:

  • Virus or malware attack
  • Programs conflicts
  • Applications and programs are out of date
  • Programs are not compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7
  • The applications are problematic
  • Other reasons...

How do I make programs open faster in Windows 10?

Several easy ways to fix programs taking a long time to open on Windows 10 and make them open faster:

  • Restart your PC
  • Upgrade your apps or programs
  • Run Windows Defender or antivirus software to scan for virus or malware
  • Run System file checker to fix the slow issue
  • Repair or reinstall problematic apps
  • Improve computer performance by extending system or upgrading to SSD

Why is my Windows 10 running slow?

Why is Windows 10 running slow? What causes Windows 10 slow performance? This light contains most of the common causes, though not all of them.

  • Your computer was running for a long time without a reboot
  • Not enough free hard drive space
  • Hard drive corrupted or fragmented
  • The computer is infected with a Virus or Malware
  • Hardware conflicts and outdated drivers
  • Too many background programs
  • Computer or processor is overheating
  • Windows version or programs are out of date
  • Hardware failure
  • The computer is too old
  • ...

Why is it taking so long for my computer to start up?

A slow Microsoft Windows startup (boot up) can be caused by many different issues. First of all, the slow boot up can be caused by the full system drive. If you have run out of disk space on C drive, the Windows system will start up very slowly.

Then, too many programs or services that run automatically in the background when Windows boot. Also, viruses or spyware infection, poor performance in the old computer, Windows is installed on an HDD, system file damage, slow CPU, or any other unspecific causes may result in Windows 10 apps take long time to open.

Was This Page Helpful?

 

Updated by Brithny

Brithny is a technology enthusiast, aiming to make readers' tech lives easy and enjoyable. She loves exploring new technologies and writing technical how-to tips. In her spare time, she loves sharing things about her game experience on Facebook or Twitter.

Read full bio

Totalav antivirus software

EaseUS Data Recovery Services

Request a free evaluation >>

EaseUS data recovery experts have uneaqualed expertise to repair disks/systems and salvage data from all devices like RAID, HDD, SSD, USB, etc.