Ever noticed your PC taking forever to start? One of the biggest culprits is unnecessary programs launching automatically at startup. The good news? You don’t have to live with that sluggish boot. With a few quick tweaks, you can stop unwanted apps from running when your PC starts.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through several methods to manage startup programs in Windows 11 so your system boots faster and runs smoother.
Why Do Programs Run at Startup?
Some apps are designed to start automatically so they can be ready when you need them — like antivirus tools or cloud storage apps. But not all of them are essential. Over time, this list grows, making your PC slower.
Benefits of Disabling Startup Programs
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Faster boot time – Your PC will start up more quickly.
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Better performance – Fewer background apps mean more free memory.
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Improved focus – Less clutter when you log in.
Think of it like clearing unnecessary clutter off your desk — only keep what you need.
Method 1 – Disable Startup Programs via Task Manager
The simplest and most direct way.
Steps:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Click the Startup apps tab.
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Review the list of apps with Startup impact ratings.
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Right-click the unnecessary app and choose Disable.
That’s it — the app won’t launch next time you start your PC.
Method 2 – Manage Startup Apps via Settings
Another beginner-friendly way.
Steps:
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to Apps > Startup.
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Toggle off apps you don’t want at startup.
This is great if you prefer a more visual interface.
Method 3 – Remove Startup Items from Startup Folder
Some apps add shortcuts to the startup folder.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
shell:startup, and hit Enter. -
Delete any unnecessary shortcuts from the folder.
Simple and effective for older-style startup entries.
Method 4 – Use System Configuration (MSConfig)
A more advanced method for deeper control.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
msconfig, and press Enter. -
Go to the Startup tab (this redirects to Task Manager in Windows 11).
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Disable unnecessary apps from there.
Method 5 – Disable Startup Apps via Registry Editor (Advanced)
Only if you know what you’re doing.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run -
Delete entries for apps you don’t want at startup.
Always back up your registry before making changes.
Which Apps Should You Disable?
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Messaging apps you rarely use
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Updaters for software you manually update
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Music players, unless you want them at boot
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Game launchers (Steam, Epic, etc.) if not always needed
Avoid disabling: antivirus tools, drivers, or system utilities.
Can Disabling Startup Programs Cause Problems?
Not usually. Most apps are safe to disable. But if something stops working, you can always re-enable it.
How to Check Startup Impact
Windows 11 shows how each app affects startup time in Task Manager > Startup apps:
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High impact – Slows boot the most.
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Medium impact – Minor delay.
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Low impact – Barely noticeable.
Start with high-impact apps.
How to Delay Startup Programs (Instead of Disabling)
If you still need certain apps but not immediately:
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Use third-party tools like Autoruns or Startup Delayer.
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Schedule their launch a few minutes after boot.
Will This Make My PC Faster?
Yes — especially if you have many unnecessary apps running. Disabling them frees up RAM and CPU for what you actually need.
Do These Changes Affect All Users?
No. Each user account has its own startup app settings.
How Often Should You Review Startup Apps?
Check every few months — or whenever your PC feels slow to boot.
Conclusion
Stopping unnecessary programs from running at startup in Windows 11 is one of the easiest ways to speed up your PC. Whether you use Task Manager, Settings, or advanced methods like the Registry Editor, the goal is the same: keep only the essentials and ditch the rest. Your computer (and your patience) will thank you.
FAQs
1. Will disabling startup apps uninstall them?
No, it only prevents them from launching automatically.
2. Can I undo these changes?
Yes, just re-enable the app in Task Manager or Settings.
3. Do startup apps affect gaming performance?
Yes, fewer background apps mean more system resources for games.
4. Is it safe to disable all startup programs?
No, leave critical ones like antivirus or system tools enabled.
5. How many apps should run at startup?
Ideally, only those you need immediately after boot — 3 to 5 is common.