Bolt performance

WebContainer Slow Startup - App Takes Time to Boot

Your Bolt WebContainer takes a long time to start - 30+ seconds before seeing the dev server running. Development workflow is slow due to startup delays.

This happens consistently, making every new session wait.

Error Messages You Might See

WebContainer initialization timeout Node modules taking 2+ minutes to install Dev server not starting after 5 minutes Spinning loader never completes

Common Causes

  1. Large node_modules size slowing file system
  2. Many dependencies causing npm install to take forever
  3. Post-install scripts (build, setup) in package.json taking time
  4. WebContainer downloading dependencies on first run
  5. Heavy TypeScript compilation on startup

How to Fix It

Minimize dependencies: remove unused packages, audit with npm ls

Use npm ci instead of npm install for faster, deterministic installs

Remove unnecessary postinstall scripts or make them optional

Pre-compile TypeScript if possible, or disable strict mode in dev

Clear npm cache in Bolt: might be cached from previous run

Consider using pnpm instead of npm (faster for monorepos)

Real developers can help you.

zipking zipking I am a technologist and product builder dedicated to creating high-impact solutions at the intersection of AI and specialized markets. Currently, I am focused on PropScan (EstateGuard), an AI-driven SaaS platform tailored for the Japanese real estate industry, and exploring the potential of Archify. As an INFJ-T, I approach development with a "systems-thinking" mindset—balancing technical precision with a deep understanding of user needs. I particularly enjoy the challenge of architecting Vertical AI SaaS and optimizing Small Language Models (SLMs) to solve specific, real-world business problems. Whether I'm in a CTO-level leadership role or hands-on with the code, I thrive on building tools that turn complex data into actionable value. Nam Tran Nam Tran 10 years as fullstack developer rayush33 rayush33 JavaScript (React.js, React Native, Node.js) Developer with demonstrated industry experience of 4+ years, actively looking for opportunities to hone my skills as well as help small-scale business owners with solutions to technical problems Victor Denisov Victor Denisov Developer MFox MFox Full-stack professional senior engineer (15+years). Extensive experience in software development, qa, and IP networking. Omar Faruk Omar Faruk As a Product Engineer at Klasio, I contributed to end-to-end product development, focusing on scalability, performance, and user experience. My work spanned building and refining core features, developing dynamic website templates, integrating secure and reliable payment gateways, and optimizing the overall system architecture. I played a key role in creating a scalable and maintainable platform to support educators and learners globally. I'm enthusiastic about embracing new challenges and making meaningful contributions. Taufan Taufan I’m a product-focused engineer and tech leader who builds scalable systems and turns ideas into production-ready platforms. Over the past years, I’ve worked across startups and fast-moving teams, leading backend architecture, improving system reliability, and shipping products used by thousands of users. My strength is not just writing code — but connecting product vision, technical execution, and business impact. Basel Issmail Basel Issmail ’m a Senior Full-Stack Developer and Tech Lead with experience designing and building scalable web platforms. I work across the full development lifecycle, from translating business requirements into technical architecture to delivering reliable production systems. My work focuses on modern web technologies, including TypeScript, Angular, Node.js, and cloud-based architectures. I enjoy solving complex technical problems and helping teams turn product ideas and prototypes into working platforms that can grow and scale. In addition to development, I often collaborate closely with product managers, business analysts, designers, and QA teams to ensure that solutions align with both technical and business goals. I enjoy working with startups and product teams where I can contribute both as a hands-on engineer and as a technical partner in designing and delivering impactful software. Pratik Pratik SWE with 15+ years of experience building and maintaining web apps and extensive BE infrastructure Prakash Prajapati Prakash Prajapati I’m a Senior Python Developer specializing in building secure, scalable, and highly available systems. I work primarily with Python, Django, FastAPI, Docker, PostgreSQL, and modern AI tooling such as PydanticAI, focusing on clean architecture, strong design principles, and reliable DevOps practices. I enjoy solving complex engineering problems and designing systems that are maintainable, resilient, and built to scale.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is WebContainer slow on first run?

Downloading node_modules, dependencies, and setting up environment. Subsequent runs are cached

Should I commit node_modules?

No, Bolt installs fresh. Keep package-lock.json committed for reproducible builds

How do I speed up dependencies?

Use pnpm (faster), audit and remove unused packages, use npm ci instead of install

Related Bolt Issues

Can't fix it yourself?
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