Why does my computer work better in Safe Mode?

Safe Mode loads only basic Windows drivers and a small set of services. Most startup programs, third-party services and advanced drivers are disabled. If the computer works much better there, the problem is probably something that loads during a normal startup rather than the processor or memory itself.

The best way to identify it is a clean boot:

1. Press Win + R, enter msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Open the Services tab.
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services. Do not skip this step.
4. Select Disable all.
5. Open the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
6. Disable all enabled startup applications.
7. Restart Windows normally and test the computer.

If performance is now normal, re-enable half of the disabled services and startup apps, then restart and test again. Continue enabling smaller groups until the slowdown returns. The last group you enabled contains the likely cause; test those items one at a time.

While the slowdown is happening, also open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and sort the Processes list by CPU, Memory and Disk. This may immediately reveal an application using excessive resources.

If a clean boot does not help, look at the drivers that Safe Mode replaces or disables. Start with the graphics, storage, chipset and network drivers. Install them from the computer manufacturer rather than using a general driver-update program. If the problem began immediately after a driver update, use Device Manager > device properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver, when available.

After testing, return to msconfig and select Normal startup, then re-enable the startup items you want to keep. Avoid disabling Microsoft services permanently.