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Windows takes a long time logging in

Ilias Kslr 185 Reputation points
2025-10-23T20:03:11.5033333+00:00

SOLUTION: Disable "Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in"

So, there's this weird thing I've noticed: When powering on my PC and get past the DELL logo, the Windows sign in appears. Now, two things can happen:

  1. If I leave it untouched for a few seconds, the time format converts from 12 hour to 24 hour and the lock screen widgets appear (all this with a delay). Later, I hit enter, type my PIN and the log in happens instantly.
  2. f I hit enter before any of the stuff mentioned before happen, the log in is very slow and the spinning dots sometimes freeze.

Also, night light takes a bit to be enabled.

I also have the event viewer logs to see which apps cause startup delay.

Is this time format change and widgets delay and the corresponding slow log in normal?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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Answer accepted by question author

Restee Miranda 14,060 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-10-27T21:34:30.0166667+00:00

That's a great observation Ilias!

I have upvoted your solution so that others can see the fix you tried. Feel free to mark my answer as helpful/accepted, it might make it easier for others to find the solution too.

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  1. Ilias Kslr 185 Reputation points
    2025-10-27T21:31:24.2666667+00:00

    You won't believe what was the root cause: I had to disable "Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in"!!!

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  2. Restee Miranda 14,060 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-27T01:48:06.36+00:00

    Hi Ilias,

    I'm sorry for the late response.

    Have you checked your Task Manager to see which apps or process uses high usage?

    You can do this once your desktop fully loads. A screenshot will help.

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  3. Restee Miranda 14,060 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-25T03:49:01.7833333+00:00

    Hi Ilias,

    Thanks for the reply. How about the specifications of your PC? Try performing a TRIM on your SSD. Perform cleaning on it as well.

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  4. Restee Miranda 14,060 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-23T22:16:17.2933333+00:00

    No, that behavior isn’t normal. It means Windows is still finishing background setup before the login screen is fully ready.

    What’s happening

    The time format change and widget delay show that LockApp.exe and the Shell Experience Host are still loading settings and services.

    If you press Enter too early, Windows tries to log in while these processes are still starting, causing the slow or frozen login. The Night Light delay happens for the same reason, and it depends on shell services that load last.

    Tips on how to fix it.

    1. Disable lock screen widgets:
      Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Widgets > None.
    2. Limit startup apps:
      In Task Manager > Startup Apps, disable what you don’t need.
    3. Check Event Viewer > Diagnostics-Performance > Event IDs 100–103 for slow boot entries.
    4. Update BIOS and drivers, especially chipset and storage.
    5. Try disabling Fast Startup:
      Control Panel > Power Options > “Choose what power buttons do” → uncheck Turn on fast startup.
    6. Run sfc /scannow and DISM /restorehealth to repair system files.

    Waiting a few seconds before logging in just lets Windows finish initializing but the lag can be fixed by cleaning up startup and lock screen items.

    Are you using a desktop or a laptop? Does it have an SSD?

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