Windows 11 Lengthy Boot

Brian, Establish a Clean Boot to get rid of Startup freeloaders that can hog resources and cause issues by conflicting:

https://www.makeuseof.com/clean-boot-windows-11/

In msconfig itself, on Services tab, check the box to Hide all MS Services (VERY IMPORTANT!) and then post back a screenshot of what's still checked.

Do the same in Settings > Apps > Startups and Task Manager > Startups.

I tried a different troubleshooting technique. I used msconfig to boot in Diagnostic mode with only basic services and startup apps started. The system ran fine - no hiccups. I reset the Ethernet adaptor and rebooted sand everything was still good. Then I rebooted normally and the problem reappeared. So it's some service/process that isn't part of the basic stuff.

There are probably several hundred processes on this machine. How do I troubleshoot? The startup programs apparently are not the issue.

Ok - remember that this problem started in Windows 10 and persisted through the Windows 11 upgrade, so a repair immediately after I did an upgrade a few days ago doesn't seem warranted.

I completed all the steps above, which were primarily aimed at viruses or other malware or other system integrity issues. I have Acronis Cyber Security installed, Windows Defender and now Malwarebytes and none of those have detected anything including the Malwarebytes scan I just ran. I also verified that the dllhost.exe executable was in the proper place, and none of the many many websites about COM Surrogate have mentioned symptoms like I have. Auggie was on track of something with the Process Explorer data for the process which initiates during the graphics freeze, dllhost.exe. I provided the data but after he had left the thread. Over the last couple of days I've taken a lot of time to capture Process Explorer data during the time of the graphics freeze. So I would appreciate it if you could take a look closely at my last few entries in the other thread and also take a look at the PE data I posted on the Google Drive.

You said we must continue in this thread, but all my information is in the other thread. Do I have to copy and paste or how does this work?

Thanks!

OK - I appreciate your help and I'll perform the steps you listed.

We need to keep the help in this thread now. I have reviewed the other thread again.

There are fixes here for Com Surrogate issues, including possible infection:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/fix-program-exee...
(Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially DO NOT INSTALL Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/how-to-fix-...  
To check for infection most thoroughly, Download, install and run a full scan with the most powerful on-demand free scanner Malwarebytes: https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ Make sure to only choose the Free version. In the Malwarebytes Settings (gear icon) > Security tab set it to include scanning for Rootkits.

If necessary run it in Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean. Then download, install and run a full scan with AdwCleaner: https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner

Remove whatever it finds. Check for anything found but is still left over in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, and C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files(86) to uninstall or delete them. I can guide you how to do this if there are problems. Also in each of your browser's Extensions, Home Page settings, Search service or Add-On's as shown here: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001411.htm to disable anything you didn't add yourself and are sure you need. Ask back if in doubt.

Run System File Checker/DISM in WIndows 11: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-system-file-c...

If that doesn't fix it then you can do a Windows 11 Repair Upgrade which reinstalls Windows while saving your files and apps in place, brings it up to the latest version by the most stable method, takes about an hour and resolves most problems: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/repair-install-wi...

If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can turn off its Real Time trial version using the slider buttons on it's front panel. I recommend it as the #1 tool for your toolbox.

For best WIndows performance, use built-in Defender which gives adequate real-time protection.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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