Test how quickly your computer starts with Boot Racer

Most speed test results for computers are slightly divorced from our actual experience of a computer. They are good for comparing different models but don't tell you much about how they will work in real life. Boot Racer tests how long Windows takes to start.

The real world advantage of Boot Racer is that it measures the time taken to get to the Windows Desktop, not just the log-in screen.

The download is a compressed folder that contains the installer. Installation is simple with no options to choose.

The interface is simple with only three buttons. Click on Start and Bootracer will ask to reboot your computer. That's the whole point of the program so click on yes.

Bootracer will then record the time it takes Windows to reach the desktop when the Start Menu opens. It records the time waiting for your password so it doesn't matter if you are a slow typist. It continues to time after the desktop first appears to let all the software load and the gives your score.

The Speed up! button will launch a web browser to the Boot Racer website to share your experiences with other users and to ask for help.

The History button shows a record of every reboot that has been measured and is very useful if you are trying to check the effects of changes made to the computer to improve the startup time.

The Advanced button can be used to show some basic information about the hardware inside your computer.

Boot Racer is a good way of testing the performance of a computer and the History report shows the effect of any changes you have made.