The first thing we want to do is download Microsoft’s bootvis.exe utility. After downloading, open the self-extracting archive where it’ll be extracted automatically to your TEMP folder. For ease, just copy it to your Desktop.

Start the utility and under File, choose “Next Boot Trace” or, “Next Boot and Driver trace”. A “Trace Repetitions” screen will appear. Just click “Ok’ and you’ll be prompted to re-boot.

When your system comes up again, bootvis will automatically start and generate a file similar to TRACE_BOOT+DRIVERS_1_1.BIN. When it’s done, choose Trace from the menu and select Optimize System. Allow it to re-boot again. This time when your system comes up, wait a few minutes until you see the Optimizing System box appear. Wait a few moments and the process is complete.

How much difference does it really make? Good question! On my system, it shaved about 15 seconds from a cold start.