Slow launching apps from Start up windows

[Pachomius]

I have just four shortcuts to an Access database, my mailbox in File Explorer, a "Send to OneNote" and the FreeFileSync app in my Start Up windows, and Windows used to launch them very quickly but since about a month ago, it has taken nearly two minutes to launch them.  Please help.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Pachomius 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for laying out the situation so clearly—I'm really sorry you're facing this slowdown. It must be frustrating to wait for apps that used to launch instantly, especially when your workflow depends on them. 

Let’s walk through a few steps to help restore that snappy startup experience:

Step-by-Step Fix for Slow Startup App Launch on HP Envy 17

1. Check for Background App Conflicts Sometimes background processes can delay startup app execution.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab and disable any non-essential apps.
• Restart your PC and observe if the launch speed improves.

2. Clean Boot Your System This helps isolate third-party services that may be interfering.

• Type msconfig in the Start menu and open System Configuration.
• Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all items.
• Restart your PC and test the startup behavior.

3. Run HP Hardware Diagnostics This checks for performance bottlenecks or hardware lag.

• Visit the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics page.
• Download and run the tool, selecting System Tests > Extensive Test.

4. Update BIOS and Chipset Drivers Outdated firmware can cause timing delays during startup.

• Go to the HP Envy 17-cw0000 driver page.
• Download and install the latest BIOS and Chipset drivers for Windows 11.

5. Check for Windows Updates Microsoft patches often resolve performance issues.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
• Install all available updates and restart.

6. Scan for Corrupted System Files Corruption can delay app execution.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run: sfc /scannow
• Let the scan complete and follow any repair instructions.

7. Rebuild Startup Shortcuts Sometimes shortcuts themselves become sluggish.

• Delete the existing shortcuts from the Startup folder (shell:startup in Run).
• Recreate fresh shortcuts for each app and place them back in the folder.

Please try these steps and let me know how the system responds. I’m hopeful this will bring back that crisp, responsive startup you’re used to. If the delay persists, we can fine-tune further.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Pachomius]

Hi Hawks_Eye,

Thanks for you kind and prompt reply.  I did all that you suggested but none worked.  Solution 2 sped thing up a bit but caused other program such as HP Assistant stop working.  Solution 6 found no problem.  Solution 7 now launches only the Access database while ignoring the other two although I can launch them all from Start Up folder. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Thanks for the update @Pachomius, and I really appreciate how clearly you’ve described the results of each step. It’s understandable to feel frustrated when only partial improvements show up, especially after trying multiple solutions.

Since Solution 2 (Clean Boot) helped slightly but interfered with other programs like HP Support Assistant, and Solution 7 (Rebuilding Shortcuts) only launches one of the intended apps, here are a few additional steps you can try to fine-tune the startup behavior:

 

What Might Be Happening

• Startup timing conflicts: Windows may be prioritizing certain apps and delaying others.
• Shortcut dependencies: Some apps (like FreeFileSync or OneNote) may require background services that aren’t ready at startup.
• UAC or permission restrictions: If a shortcut needs elevated privileges, it may silently fail during startup.

Advanced Fixes to Try

 

1. Use Task Scheduler Instead of Startup Folder

This gives you more control over launch timing and permissions:

• Open Task Scheduler.
• Click Create Basic Task.
• Name it (e.g., “Launch FreeFileSync”).
• Set trigger: When I log on.
• Set action: Start a program → browse to the app or shortcut.
• Check “Run with highest privileges” under the General tab.
• Repeat for each app that’s not launching.

This method often bypasses startup delays and permission issues.

 

2. Delay Launch Using a Script

If apps are competing for resources, a short delay can help:

• Open Notepad and paste
  timeout /t 10
  start "" "C:\Path\To\FreeFileSync.exe"
  start "" "C:\Path\To\OneNoteShortcut.lnk"
• Save as launch_apps.bat.
• Place this batch file in the Startup folder instead of individual shortcuts.

 

3. Check Shortcut Properties

• Right-click each shortcut → Properties.
• Under Compatibility, check Run as administrator if needed.
• Ensure the Target and Start in paths are correct.

You're clearly committed to solving this, and I admire your persistence. If you'd like help building the Task Scheduler entries or scripting the delayed launch, I’d be happy to walk you through it. 

Let’s get all your apps launching smoothly again.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Pachomius]

Hi Hawks_Eye,

Thank you very much for you prompt and kind response.  I need your help building the Task Scheduler entries and scripting the delayed launch for I have never done it and do not know how.

Best Regards,

Pachomius

[Hawks_Eye]

You are Welcome @Pachomius.

This might require one-on-one interaction via remote assistance to fix the issue. 

These requests are best addressed over the phone with our dedicated support team for your region. 

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye