Why is SQL Server Managment Studio so slow to open?

Solution 1:

In Tools - Options, go to the Environment - General section and for the At Startup option, select Open empty environment. See if that improves anything.

Solution 2:

I hate using SSMS because it is slow and cumbersome. The older Enterprise Manager in SQL 2000 was quick to load and much snappier in reponse to actions. That's progress for you.