How to Stop Apps from Opening Automatically on Windows 11: A Guide

By / September 11, 2025

Do you ever turn on your Windows 11 PC, only to be greeted by a flood of apps launching on their own? One moment you’re waiting to check your email, the next you’re staring at Spotify, Microsoft Teams, or even game launchers loading without your permission. Frustrating, right?

The good news: you don’t have to put up with it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to stop apps from opening automatically on Windows 11, step by step. We’ll cover multiple methods so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Why Do Apps Start Automatically in Windows 11?

Windows 11 allows apps to configure themselves to run at startup. This is convenient for apps like antivirus software but annoying for things you don’t use daily.

Common reasons include:

  • Apps set themselves to run on startup (e.g., Teams, Zoom, Spotify).

  • Windows automatically reopens previously open apps.

  • Some background services are configured to launch at boot.

Stopping them frees up system resources, speeds up boot time, and gives you a clutter-free start.

Method 1: Disable Startup Apps from Settings

The easiest way to control auto-start apps is directly from Windows Settings.

Steps

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Apps > Startup.

  3. You’ll see a list of apps with toggles.

  4. Switch Off any app you don’t want starting automatically.

👉 Tip: Windows even shows you the impact level (Low, Medium, High) on startup performance.

Method 2: Use Task Manager to Disable Startup Apps

Task Manager gives you another layer of control.

Steps

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Click on the Startup apps tab (on the left sidebar).

  3. You’ll see apps set to open at startup.

  4. Right-click any app > select Disable.

This prevents it from launching the next time you restart your PC.

Method 3: Stop Windows from Reopening Apps Automatically

By default, Windows 11 likes to reopen apps you had running before shutdown. This can feel like apps are auto-launching even when you didn’t set them.

Steps

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.

  3. Scroll down to Restart apps.

  4. Toggle it Off.

Now, Windows won’t reload your previously open apps at startup.

Method 4: Disable Apps from the System Tray

Some apps don’t appear in Task Manager but still sneak into startup.

Steps

  1. Look at the system tray (bottom-right corner of taskbar).

  2. Right-click the app icon (e.g., OneDrive, Discord).

  3. Open Settings/Preferences within the app.

  4. Find the option like Start with Windows or Launch on startup.

  5. Uncheck it.

Method 5: Use File Explorer Startup Folder

Windows has a Startup Folder that automatically runs shortcuts placed inside it.

Steps

  1. Press Windows + R, type shell:startup, and hit Enter.

  2. A folder will open—this contains programs set to launch at startup.

  3. Delete any unwanted shortcuts.

This method is useful for apps that add themselves silently.

Method 6: Disable Background Apps

Some apps keep running in the background even when you don’t open them.

Steps

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.

  3. Click the three dots next to the app > Advanced options.

  4. Under Background apps permissions, choose Never.

This stops them from auto-launching background services.

Method 7: Use Registry Editor (Advanced)

If an app refuses to go away, you can remove its startup entry via the Registry.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause system issues.

Steps

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

  3. On the right side, you’ll see startup app entries.

  4. Right-click an unwanted entry and select Delete.

Method 8: Use Group Policy Editor (Pro & Enterprise)

If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use Group Policy.

Steps

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon

  3. Look for settings related to startup apps.

  4. Disable or configure them as needed.

When Should You Allow Apps at Startup?

Not all startup apps are bad. Some are essential:

  • Antivirus/security software (e.g., Windows Security, Norton).

  • Cloud storage services (if you rely on OneDrive/Google Drive sync).

  • Hardware drivers (like audio or GPU utilities).

The rule of thumb: if you use it daily, keep it; if not, disable it.

Benefits of Disabling Unwanted Startup Apps

  • Faster boot times.

  • Less memory and CPU usage.

  • Longer battery life on laptops.

  • Cleaner, distraction-free desktop.

Think of it like cleaning out your backpack—you only carry what you actually need.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to stop apps from opening automatically on Windows 11 is one of the easiest ways to speed up your PC and reduce clutter. From the simple Settings method to advanced Registry tweaks, you now have a complete toolkit to take back control of your startup.

Remember: disable what you don’t need, but keep security and essential apps enabled. Your PC will thank you with smoother performance.

FAQs

1. Why do some apps keep starting even after I disable them?
They may have settings within the app itself that re-enable startup. Check the app’s preferences.

2. Will disabling startup apps make my PC faster?
Yes, it usually improves boot times and frees up system resources.

3. Can I disable Microsoft Teams auto-start?
Yes—open Teams > Settings > General > uncheck Auto-start Teams.

4. What if I accidentally disable an important startup app?
No worries—you can re-enable it from Task Manager or Settings.

5. Is it safe to edit the Registry to remove startup apps?
Yes, if you’re careful. Always back up the Registry before making changes.

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