Resolving Slow Boot Issues on Windows Client and Server Systems

Overview

This lab demonstrates how to identify and troubleshoot slow startup issues on both Windows 10 Client and Windows Server machines. The client method involves Task Manager diagnostics, while the server-side approach uses Group Policy Objects (GPO) for centralized configuration.

Skills Demonstrated
Identifying startup impact of applications using Task Manager
Disabling unnecessary startup programs to improve boot time
Creating and linking Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to Organizational Units
Disabling non-essential Windows components (e.g., Windows Search) via GPO
Structuring and applying performance tuning policies across domain users
Using Active Directory OU design for targeted policy deployment
Tools Used
Windows 10 Client VM
Windows Server (Active Directory Domain Services)
Task Manager – Startup Tab
Group Policy Management Console (gpmc.msc)
Active Directory Users and Computers (dsa.msc)
Group Policy Management Editor

Troubleshoot Slow Boot - Client

1. Steps to Diagnose

  • On the Windows 10 Client, open Task Manager
  • Click "More Details" to expand the view
  • Navigate to the Startup tab to view applications and their startup impact

2. Identify High Impact Programs

  • In the Startup tab, observe the Startup Impact column
  • Example applications with High startup impact:
    • FileZilla
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Microsoft OneDrive

3. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

  • To prevent a program from launching at startup:
    • Right-click the application (e.g., Microsoft OneDrive)
    • Select "Disable"

Troubleshoot Slow Boot - Server

1. Environment Setup

  • Installed a Windows Server VM
  • Created an Administrator account
  • Installed Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
  • Promoted the server to a Domain Controller with domain name: lab.local
  • Created a user:
    • Name: John Doe
    • Logon Name: j.doe

2. Create OU and Link GPO

  • Created a new Organizational Unit in Active Directory Users and Computers: TestUsers
  • Moved j.doe into TestUsers

3. Configure Group Policy to Improve Boot Performance

  • Opened Group Policy Management
  • Created a new GPO: FixSlowBoot
  • Linked the GPO to TestUsers OU

4. Edit GPO Settings

  • Opened Group Policy Management Editor
    Navigated to:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components
  • Disabled non-essential services like Windows Search to improve boot time (not necessarily a best practice, just disabling this service for the example)