How to Reduce Startup Delay to Run Desktop Apps Faster in Windows 7/8/8.1

Windows 8/8.1 has this built-in feature of delaying the launch of apps as the windows boots i.e. start-up apps. Desktop applications, shortcuts or start menu folders, all are launched with a delay of few seconds as the windows starts. This was introduced first time in Windows 8/8.1 probably because it was launched for both desktop as well as touch screen mobile devices.
This startup delay can be reduced to launch desktop apps instantly by doing some registry editing. Open registry editor (type regedit in Run dialogue box). Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Serialize

Note that if Serialize key does not exist in the above mentioned path, create it yourself.



Now create and new DWORD and name it as StartupDelayInMSec and set its value to 0 (zero).


You need to reboot your computer in order for these settings to take effect. Now place some shortcuts of applications in your Start-up folder and notice the difference.  You can open start-up folder by typing shell:Startup in Run Dialogue box.
This tweak will not eliminate the delay but you will certainly notice the difference as apps will be launched instantly.