Too many startup apps can make a PC feel slow long after the desktop appears. Each enabled startup item can add boot time and use memory in the background.
These steps apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11 using Task Manager, Settings, and the Startup folder.
Does This Affect You?
If your PC takes a long time to become usable after signing in, disabling high-impact startup apps is one of the fastest cleanup wins. It does not uninstall the apps; it only stops them from launching automatically.
Disable Startup Programs in Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Open the Startup tab, or Startup apps on Windows 11. Click More details first if needed.
- Review Status and Startup impact.
- Right-click apps you do not need immediately and choose Disable.
- Start with High impact items. Leave antivirus, backup, security, and apps you truly use every session enabled.
Use Settings for Startup Apps
- Open Settings > Apps > Startup.
- Review each app and its impact rating.
- Turn off anything you prefer to open manually.
- Restart to feel the change.
Add a Program to Startup
- Press Windows key + R, type
shell:startup, and press Enter. - Find the program shortcut you want to launch automatically.
- Copy the shortcut into the Startup folder.
- The app will launch the next time you sign in. Delete the shortcut later to remove it from startup.
More Startup Locations
Background Apps
Some Microsoft Store apps run in the background even if they are not listed as startup items. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, open an app’s advanced options, and adjust background permissions if available.
Scheduled Tasks
Some programs use Task Scheduler instead of the Startup list. Search for Task Scheduler, open Task Scheduler Library, and look for triggers set to At log on or At startup.
Services Are Different
Services can run before sign-in and are managed from the Services console. Do not disable services unless you know exactly what they do.
Measure the Improvement
Compare startup time before and after disabling apps, or watch the Startup impact column to see which changes matter most.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Change startup apps in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Windows Update FAQ
- Microsoft Learn: Use Task Manager