Why is Windows "stuck" on the Welcome screen for so long?

Logon Scripts

One cause of this (that I experience myself) is certain scripts that are executed on log on. You can see these with Autoruns.

As you can see, there is a group policy script referenced in my system configuration. Sadly, I connect to that domain through VPN which isn't active when I log on.

So, the script is never found and causes a noticeable delay on the Welcome screen.

I noticed this after I joined the SBS domain.

Even if this is not your problem, Autoruns should help you track down what is causing the delay.

Network Shares

After reading the blog post The Case of the Veeerrry Slow Logons, I learned that similar issues can result from having mapped network shares that aren't available when logging on.

The problem is the desktop background.

If it is set to a solid color, it takes about 30 seconds to login. If I set it to a picture, the login takes about 3 seconds.

It is the strangest behavior, but I have tested it on two computers and it fixes the problem. If I put it back to a solid color, it goes back to 30 seconds to login.

Several people on another Windows Seven Forums website also confirm this.

If you are looking for a very quantitative way of measuring what is taking up all of this time, I would recommend getting the soluto beta.

After a boot, it will tell what is in boot, in addition to how much time each program contributed to the boot (in tenths of a second) in addition to giving you a way to remove that program or other item from your boot (in most cases).