How to Disable Startup Applications in Windows 11
Last update: 11-29-2024
How to Manage Startup Applications in Windows
If you've been using Windows for a while, chances are you have applications that start automatically when your computer does. These are called startup applications, and they can be useful if they're apps you use all the time. For example, having frequently-used apps ready as soon as your computer turns on saves you from starting them manually.
However, too many startup applications can slow down your computer’s boot time. As a general rule, only add apps you use frequently to the startup list. If an app is rarely used, it’s better to remove it from the list.
How to Check Your Startup Applications
Luckily, it’s very simple to check which applications start when your computer boots. Let me show you how:
- Open the Windows Start Menu and type Startup.
- Select Startup Apps, which should be the best match.
Understanding the Startup Apps List
Once you open the Startup Apps list, you'll see all the applications that are set to run on system startup. The list also includes an "Impact" column showing how much each app slows down your system’s startup:
- High Impact: Apps that cause significant delay during startup.
- Medium Impact: Apps that cause moderate delay.
- Low Impact: Apps that have minimal effect on startup time.
For example, if you see apps with a high impact on your system, you might want to toggle them off to speed up your computer’s startup. Simply click the toggle switch next to the application you want to disable.
Conclusion
By managing your startup applications, you can significantly improve your computer's boot time. Only keep the apps you use frequently on the startup list, and disable the rest. The next time you restart your computer, you'll notice the difference!