Sluggish Performance / Slow Boot After Fresh Install

1) Verify Drive Setup (BIOS AHCI):

• Enter BIOS/UEFI (tap Del or F2 at startup). 
• Find "SATA Mode" or "SATA Configuration" (often under "Storage" or "Integrated Peripherals") and set it to "AHCI."
•  Save & Exit.

 (Note: May cause boot issues if done after Windows install; you might need to change it back or reinstall.)

2) Install Storage Drivers: 

• Go to Device Manager, check "Storage controllers" for missing drivers.
•  Install latest Chipset drivers from your motherboard manufacturer's website.

3) Optimize Power & Startup:

• Power: Search "Power Options" in Start. Set to "High Performance" or "Balanced."
• Startup Programs: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to "Startup" tab.
•  Disable unnecessary programs.

4) Confirm OS on Fast Drive: 

• Open "This PC." Is your C: drive an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive)?
•  If Windows is on a slow HDD but you have a faster SSD, you MUST reinstall Windows onto the SSD for speed.

 (WARNING: Erases everything!)