Slow logon times typically indicate issues for system admins and can be very frustrating for end users. There are many reasons why users may experience slow logon times, but some of the most common are profile loading, slow Group Policy Object (GPO) and script processing, and print queue creation for the user. Admins may find workarounds for some of these issues, but there are ultimately more effective solutions to improve the logon process for end users.
Bloated roaming profiles are one of the top reasons for slow logon times. Several profile types exist, but roaming profiles are the most common because they stay consistent across servers and individual sessions while maintaining personalized settings. However, roaming profiles often become bloated and lead to significant slowdowns during the logon process.
Roaming profiles take all user information and copy it from the server. Any time a user attempts to log onto a desktop, the information located on the server creates a local account for the user. When multiple users log on to a shared virtual server, the storage system and network must process many files simultaneously. All of these processes compound the time it takes for users to logon.
Tricerat's ScrewDrivers® solves the issue of slow logons by addressing slow profile loading directly. Our patented technology uses a slimmed-down local or mandatory profile, with user customizations and personal settings layered on top. This method results in a much faster logon process and allows users access to personal settings. All the settings are available in a database designed to deliver users personalized settings efficiently.
Another issue that adds to slow logon times for users is the processing of GPOs and scripts intended for printer creation and print driver installation. GPOs can be difficult for sys admins to keep track of, and they can quickly become bulky. The processing of these GPOs and scripts upon logon can significantly add to wait times. This process involves copying the policies from the domain controller, parsing each file, and applying the settings to the session. At scale, these complexities can add valuable seconds to the logon process for each user.
Tricerat can help eliminate GPOs and scripting. ScrewDrivers makes printer creation and print driver installation much quicker than loading bulky scripts or numerous GPOs. Printers are created separately from the logon process so users can get into their session more quickly and securely. When a user goes to print after logging on, the printers will be available with all necessary print driver installations completed.
The printer mapping process during user logons can also slow down the desktop or application loading. Windows network printers download and install the print driver and then connect to the printer. This process is iterated for the number of printers and often slows down the user's perceived logon time. When utilizing Citrix printers, staff must wait while their device evaluates printing policies and creates print queues.
ScrewDrivers solves these problems by using several methods. First, printers are built asynchronously with the logon process, allowing the desktop or application to load while creating the printers. Users do not notice a delay as the printers appear in the session shortly after the applications load. ScrewDrivers also implements database queries to determine what printers must be created for the user, offering the fastest possible processing.
Finally, the only required driver is already loaded on the system, drastically reducing any time needed to copy and load the driver. Every print queue utilizes this one driver creating a more efficient process regardless of the number of printers built.
The Windows logon process is complex and can have long wait times for end users. Solutions like ScrewDrivers optimize the logon process and provide a more efficient alternative to the built-in Windows methods. By utilizing these solutions, administrators gain more control over the user logon process and improve the experience for end users. Check out ScrewDrivers in action with our recorded demo below.