solution Contentsolution Content

HP PCs - Computer is slow when used for the first time (Windows)

During the setup of your new computer, performance might be slow due to automatic updates performed by the Windows Update tool, Microsoft Store, HP Support Assistant, or McAfee LiveSafe. The size and number of updates required can impact new computer performance during download and installation.

If your computer is not new but performance has slowed over time, see HP PCs - Improving PC performance (Windows).

HP recommends actively checking for and completing all available updates to make sure that performance is not affected.

Run Windows Update

Update your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer using Windows Update.

For more information, see HP PCs - Updating drivers using Windows Update (Windows 11, 10).

  1. In Windows, search for and open Check for updates.

    If there are any available updates, they begin automatically.

    Note:

    To download and install optional updates, use the following instructions for your operating system:

    • In Windows 11, select Advanced options, select Optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download & install.

    • In Windows 10, select View all optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download and install.

  2. After the updates install, restart your computer when prompted.

Update Microsoft Store apps

Open the Microsoft Store app to check for and download app updates.

  1. On the taskbar, click the Microsoft Store icon. If there is no icon in the taskbar, search for and open Microsoft Store in Windows.

  2. Click the More Options icon, and then click Downloads and updates. Apps requiring updates begin to download and install. Up to 3 updates can be downloaded and installed at the same time.

    Microsoft Store downloads and updates window

Update HP drivers and BIOS

HP driver and BIOS updates are recommended to improve performance, particularly after Windows updates. Use HP Support Assistant to download and install driver and BIOS updates.

Update HP Support Assistant

Download the latest version of HP Support Assistant.

  1. Go to HP Support Assistant.

  2. Install the latest version.

Update the PC with HP Support Assistant

Use HP Support Assistant to find and install updates, including BIOS updates, for your computer with Windows.

Note:

HP Support Assistant is not available for Windows 10 in S mode. If your computer is running Windows 10 in S mode, use Windows Update to check for updated software and drivers. For more information, see HP PCs - Frequently Asked Questions about Windows in S Mode (Windows 11, Windows 10).

  1. In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant, or click the app icon in the taskbar.

    Note:

    Make sure that you are using HP Support Assistant version 8 or later. If this version of the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.

  2. On the My Dashboard tab, find your computer, and then click Updates.

  3. Wait while HP Support Assistant analyzes the system.

  4. After the analysis completes, select the listed updates, download and install the updates, and then follow any on-screen instructions.

  5. If prompted, restart the computer, and then close the tool.

Update McAfee LiveSafe

McAfee LiveSafe is preinstalled on your computer to protect against malware or other malicious attacks. System performance might be affected while updates are installing.

Check for updates manually using the following steps:

  1. Right-click the McAfee LiveSafe icon.

    Note:

    If you do not see the icon, click the up arrow icon on the taskbar to display any hidden icons.

  2. Select Check for updates.

    McAfee LiveSafe menu

  3. The app downloads and installs any available updates.

Additional support options

Try one of our automated tools or diagnostics
Ask a question on our HP Support Community page
Get in touch with one of our support agents

Enter a topic to search our knowledge library

What can we help you with?