To disable startup programs on Windows 11 and improve your computer’s performance, follow these steps. Disabling unnecessary startup apps can significantly enhance boot speed, free up system resources, and prevent sluggish performance over time. Windows 11 offers several ways to manage these programs, and I will cover them here.
Why Disable Startup Programs?
Startup programs automatically run when you turn on your computer and sign in to your account. While this feature helps you access certain apps faster, having too many applications running at startup can cause your system to slow down. These programs often consume memory and CPU resources, negatively affecting your computer’s overall performance.
Disabling non-essential apps ensures your system starts up faster, reduces the number of background tasks, and optimizes system performance. Now, let’s dive into the methods you can use to stop these programs from running at startup.
Method 01: Disable Startup Programs via Settings
Step 01: Open the Settings App
Click on the Start button or press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 02: Access Apps Settings
Once the Settings window is open, click on Apps from the left-hand menu.
Step 03: Navigate to Startup Settings
Next, select the Startup option. This page lists all the apps that can run automatically when your computer starts.
Step 04: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Here, you will see a toggle switch next to each application. To stop a program from running at startup, turn the toggle Off for that specific app. You can also sort programs by their Startup impact, indicating how much they affect startup time. Disabling high-impact programs is a good place to start.
Method 02: Disable Startup Programs via Task Manager
Step 01: Open Task Manager
Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager from the context menu. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open it directly.
Step 02: Switch to Startup Tab
In Task Manager, click on the Startup tab. This section shows a list of programs that are enabled to run at startup, as well as their Startup impact (low, medium, or high).
Step 03: Disable Startup Programs
Right-click on the program you want to disable, then click Disable from the context menu. This will prevent the application from running the next time you boot up your computer.
Method 03: Disable Startup Programs via the Startup Folder
Step 01: Open the Startup Folder
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type shell
and press Enter. This will open the Startup folder.
Step 02: Remove Program Shortcuts
In the Startup folder, you’ll find shortcuts to the programs that are set to launch at startup. To stop an app from running, simply delete its shortcut from this folder.
Method 04: Disable Startup Programs via the Registry
Warning: This method involves modifying the Windows Registry. If done incorrectly, it could cause system instability. Ensure you back up your registry before proceeding.
Step 01: Open Registry Editor
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 02: Navigate to the Startup Key
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Step 03: Remove Startup Entries
On the right side, you’ll see a list of programs set to start with Windows. Right-click on the program entry you want to disable and select Delete. Confirm any prompts.
Advanced Tips for Managing Startup Programs
Startup Impact: Apps with high startup impact tend to slow down boot time the most. Disabling these should noticeably improve performance.
Regular Maintenance: Periodically check your startup apps. Some newly installed programs may automatically add themselves to the startup list without notifying you.
Task Manager Monitoring: You can monitor your system’s overall performance, including CPU, memory, and disk usage, in the Performance tab of Task Manager. This helps identify resource-heavy applications.
By following these methods, you’ll ensure that only necessary programs run at startup, ultimately speeding up your computer and improving system efficiency.


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