Troubleshooting Windows Startup Settings and Performance Issues
Recently (past few weeks), application performance has been affected, as seen when Rstudio Startup time ~40 seconds. The same happens with restarting RStudio. You might need to change Windows startup settings to troubleshoot issues, optimize startup processes, or alter the system’s boot behavior for specific tasks. For example, a common troubleshooting option is to enable Safe Mode, which starts Windows in a limited state, where only the bare essentials services and drivers are started.
Diagnostic Report and System Data
Before modifying settings, you can run a diagnostic report and send the output to identify the cause. Here is the relevant system information based on the diagnostic report:
| System Property | Configuration Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 Enterprise version 6.1.7601 (Service Pack 1) |
| R Version | R version 3.5.3 (2019-03-11) |
| Processor Architecture | AMD64 |
| Number of Processors | 8 |
| R Home Directory | C:/Users/user/DOCUME~1/R/R-35~1.3 |
How to Change Startup Settings
This article describes how to modify the Windows startup behavior and the available options. Note: If you’ve encrypted your device, you’ll need your BitLocker key to complete this task.
- Access the Windows Recovery Environment.
- Once in Windows RE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Select Restart.
- Once the device reboots, in the Startup Settings screen pick one of the available options, or press Enter to boot Windows normally.
Available Startup Settings List
Here's a list of startup settings that you can choose from. To select one, use the number keys or function keys F1-F9:
- Enable debugging: Starts Windows in an advanced troubleshooting mode intended for IT professionals and system administrators.
- Enable boot logging: Creates a file, ntbtlog.txt, that lists all the drivers that are installed during startup and that might be useful for advanced troubleshooting.
- Enable low-resolution video: Starts Windows using your current video driver and using low resolution and refresh rate settings.
- Enable Safe Mode: Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. If a problem doesn't happen in safe mode, this means that default settings and basic device drivers aren't causing the issue.
- Safe Mode with Networking: Adds the network drivers and services you'll need to access the internet and other computers on your network.
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Starts Windows in safe mode with a command prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface.
- Disable Driver Signature Enforcement: Allows drivers containing improper signatures to be installed.
- Disable early launch anti-malware protection: Early launch anti-malware protection (ELAM) ensures that the system starts securely by allowing anti-malware software to start before third-party components.
If a problem doesn't reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings, basic device drivers, and services as possible causes. Observing Windows in safe mode enables you to narrow down the source of a problem and can help you troubleshoot problems on your device.
