Question:

What causes a Windows 11 computer to have a delayed startup and show an update screen?

I have a Windows 11 computer that is about 3-4 years old and has low disk space. Lately, when I turn on my computer, the desktop appears but the taskbar is missing. After about 20 seconds, it switches to a screen that looks like the one after a new update is installed (the one with the white and blue background and some settings options). It then loads for a while and closes, and the computer finally starts up normally. This is not a major problem, but it is annoying. How can I fix this issue?

Answer:

If you have a Windows 11 computer that is experiencing a slow startup and showing an update screen every time you turn it on, you might be wondering what is causing this problem and how to fix it. In this article, we will explain the possible reasons for this issue and provide some solutions to speed up your computer and avoid the update screen.

Possible causes

There are several factors that can affect the startup time and performance of your Windows 11 computer, such as:

• Low disk space: If your computer has low disk space, it might not have enough room to store temporary files and cache data, which can slow down the boot process and the overall performance of your system. Windows 11 requires at least 64 GB of free disk space to run smoothly.
• Corrupted or outdated drivers: Drivers are software components that allow your computer to communicate with hardware devices, such as the keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. If your drivers are corrupted or outdated, they might cause conflicts or errors during the startup process, which can result in a delayed boot or a blue screen of death (BSOD).
• Malware infection: Malware is malicious software that can harm your computer or steal your personal information. Some malware can infect your startup programs or registry entries, which can make your computer take longer to boot or show unwanted pop-ups or ads. Malware can also damage your system files or settings, which can cause your computer to show an update screen or fail to start properly.
• Pending updates: Windows 11 automatically downloads and installs updates to keep your system secure and up to date. However, sometimes these updates might not be completed or installed correctly, which can cause your computer to show an update screen every time you turn it on. This can also happen if you have turned off your computer before the updates were finished or if you have interrupted the update process.

Possible solutions

Depending on the cause of your problem, there are different ways to fix it and improve your computer’s startup time and performance, such as:

• Free up disk space: To free up disk space on your Windows 11 computer, you can use the Storage Sense feature, which automatically deletes temporary files, downloads, recycle bin items, and other unnecessary data. You can also uninstall apps or programs that you don’t use or need, or move some files to an external drive or cloud storage. To access the Storage Sense feature, go to Settings > System > Storage and click on Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
• Update or reinstall drivers: To update or reinstall drivers on your Windows 11 computer, you can use the Device Manager, which allows you to manage and troubleshoot your hardware devices. To access the Device Manager, go to Settings > Devices > Device Manager and expand the category of the device that you want to update or reinstall. Then, right-click on the device and select Update driver or Uninstall device. You can also use a third-party tool or the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers for your devices.
• Scan and remove malware: To scan and remove malware from your Windows 11 computer, you can use the Windows Security app, which provides built-in protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other threats. To access the Windows Security app, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security and click on Open Windows Security. Then, select Virus & threat protection and click on Scan options. You can choose a quick scan, a full scan, or a custom scan, depending on your preference. You can also use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan and remove malware from your computer.
• Complete or reset updates: To complete or reset updates on your Windows 11 computer, you can use the Windows Update feature, which allows you to check for and install the latest updates for your system. To access the Windows Update feature, go to Settings > Windows Update and click on Check for updates. If there are any pending updates, you can download and install them. If the updates are causing problems or showing an update screen, you can try to troubleshoot them or reset them. To troubleshoot updates, go to Settings > Windows Update > Troubleshoot and select Windows Update. To reset updates, go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Reset.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explained what causes a Windows 11 computer to have a delayed startup and show an update screen, and how to fix it. By following the steps above, you can improve your computer’s startup time and performance, and avoid the update screen. We hope this article was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.

: [Free up drive space in Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/free-up-drive-space-in-windows-11-0f6a11e9-895c-4d43-b9a8-864c0755e6ca) : [Update drivers in Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/update-drivers-in-windows-11-ec62f46c-ff14-bc88-037e-bc92f174fcad) : [Stay protected with Windows Security](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/stay-protected-with-windows-security-2ae0363d-c1c7-38ad-8a0a-1f989f52e9d9) :

[Update Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/update-windows-11-2a9c6a0f-8b0f-4c5c-8f0a-0f0c2f0f0c0a)