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How to disable startup programs in windows

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Mar 29, 2026

Disable startup programs to speed up Windows 10 boot time!

Well, if you have been using Windows 10 operating system for a while, then you might know that the operating system is full of bugs. Even if your PC has the best possible hardware, Windows 10 will still show you signs of slowness.

Although Windows 10 is not optimized properly for performance & stability, there are few things that you can do to improve your PC’s performance. For example, you can disable the startup apps to speed up the startup time.

Certain apps run at the startup automatically. Windows 10 does allow you to control startup apps & processes, and you can disable unnecessary startup apps to improve Windows 10’s startup time.

Methods to Disable Startup Programs in Windows 10

So, in this article, we are going to share three different ways to disable Startup apps on Windows 10. Let’s check out.

1. Using Task Manager

Well, Windows 10’s task manager can be used to disable startup apps. Task manager provides you essential information about startup apps like app publisher, app properties, startup impact, etc. Here’s how to use Task Manager to disable startup apps.

Step 1. First of all, right-click on Taskbar and select ‘Task Manager’

How to disable startup programs in windows

Step 2. This will open the Task Manager.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Step 3. On the Task Manager, select the ‘Start-up’ tab.

Step 4. It will show you the list of all applications that loads at the startup.

Step 5. To disable the Startup app, right-click on the app and select ‘Disabled’

How to disable startup programs in windows

That’s it! You are done. This is how you can disable startup on Windows 10 via Task Manager.

2. Using Windows Settings

In this method, we are going to use Windows Settings app to disable the Startup items. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1. First of all, click on the Start button and select ‘Settings’

How to disable startup programs in windows

Step 2. On the Settings page, select the ‘Apps’ option.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Step 3. From the left-hand side pane, select ‘Startup’

How to disable startup programs in windows

Step 4. Use the toggle button to enable/disable Startup apps.

How to disable startup programs in windows

That’s it! You are done. This is how you can disable startup apps via Windows Settings.

3. Remove App shortcuts from the Startup Folder

Well, if you are still unable to disable a startup item, then you need to follow this method. In this method, we are going to delete the App Shortcuts from the Startup folder.

Step 1. First of all, search for ‘Run’ on the Windows search and open the first one from the list.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Step 2. This will open the Run Dialog box.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Step 3. On the dialog box, enter ‘shell:startup’ and hit the enter button.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Step 4. This will open the Start-up folder. Just delete the app shortcuts that you don’t want to run at the Windows start.

That’s it! You are done. This is how you can disable the startup app on Windows 10.

So, this article is all about how to disable startup apps on Windows 10. You can follow any of the three methods to disable startup apps. I hope this article helped you! Please share it with your friends also.

Many programs are set to start with Windows when you install them, and usually without your permission. Skype, CCleaner, and uTorrent are some of the popular examples. However, not always you may need services of such programs as soon as Windows starts. These programs will slow down boot time, open in your face as soon as your desktop shows up and force you to close them every time you restart the PC.

So yes, unnecessary startup programs are really bad for your overall Windows experience. Fortunately, you can easily disable Startup programs in Windows using different methods and in this post, we will show each one of them.

1. Disable Startup Programs in Windows 7, Vista, and XP

In older versions of Windows, system configuration windows is the best place to locate and disable startup items. To access system configuration, press Windows+R keys and type “msconfig” in the “Run” dialog.

System configuration will open up when you will press the Enter key. Here move to the “Startup” tab and you will see all your startup items listed. Simply uncheck the checkbox next to all the startup programs that you don’t want to start with Windows. After that, click on “OK” to apply the settings. Now all the startup programs that you unchecked will not start with Windows.

2. Disable Startup Programs in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10

In the newer versions of Windows, the startup programs manager has been moved to the task manager. To open the task manager, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys.

In the Task Manager, move to the “Startup” tab and you will see all the programs that can be set to launch at Windows startup. Programs that are set to open at startup will have a status of “Enabled”. Right-click on those programs and select “Disable” to disable them.

3. Disable Startup Programs From Windows Registry

Above are the easiest ways to disable startup programs in Windows, but if you are looking for other options with different use cases; here are some.

Similar to the other things, startup items also create an entry in Windows registry. You can remove this entry to stop that program from starting at startup.

Warning: Before making any tweaks in the Windows Registry, make sure you create a backup of it. Any wrong tweak in the Registry could lead to corrupting Windows.

Press Windows+R keys to open Run dialog and enter “regedit” to launch Windows registry. Here you will find startup items in the below-mentioned locations:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Move to these locations and look for the program that keeps starting up with Windows. Once found, double click on it and remove all the text written in its “Value data” section. You can also delete the entry to stop that program from starting up.

Why It’s Useful: Disabling startup programs from Windows Registry is a good option for programs that keep enabling themselves to start with Windows every time you use them, such as CCleaner. This will disable their entry in the Registry and stop them from adding it again automatically in the future.

4. Use a Third-party App to Disable Startup Programs

There are many third-party apps available that will let you manage startup programs. Ironically, CCleaner is one of the best tools to disable startup items with just a click of a button. Download and install CCleaner and run the program.

Move to the “Tools” section on the left-hand side and then click on “Startup”. You should see all of the startup programs here. Simply select any of the programs you would like to disable and select “Disable” on the right side to disable it.

Why It’s Useful: A third-party program like CCleaner loads all types of startup programs, both from the registry and Windows startup folder. The built-in Windows startup manager may skip on some of the programs.

5. Disable Startup Programs from Windows Startup Folder

This is not one of the best ways to disable startup programs, but it is definitely the quickest and sometimes necessary. Programs added in the Windows startup folder are automatically set to launch when Windows start. Although many programs create a registry entry instead of adding their shortcut in Windows startup folder, but there are still programs that add a shortcut in the startup folder.

Furthermore, if you have manually added a program or script in the startup folder to make it start with Windows, then you will have to disable it from here instead of the built-in Startup manager.

To open the Windows startup folder, press Windows+R keys and type “shell:startup” in the Run dialog. This command will open the startup folder with all the startup programs/files listed. Simply delete the shortcut of the program to stop it from starting up with Windows.

Why It’s Useful: As pointed above, some programs do make an entry in the startup folder; you can quickly disable them from here. Additionally, manually added programs will also need to be handled from here.

Wrapping Up

If you are looking to speed up boot time and stop programs from eating your PC’s precious resources, then you should disable unnecessary startup programs. However do keep in mind that disabling all of the startup programs isn’t necessary, some programs are helpful (and sometimes compulsory) when starting up with Windows. For example, your antivirus program must start with Windows to ensure you are always protected or may be you can enable a program like Skype if you use it heavily.

To operate your computer for a long time, you need to keep it in good condition. Your PC must run fast and responsive. If your PC gets slow, your operating system only lives a short life. When you start your computer, and along with that, many programs or apps get start automatically, it makes your computer slow and unresponsive. The startup programs affect the boot process of the computer. The reason why the apps start when you start the computer is can be the auto-update option. When you turn on the auto-update option, it runs any app or program. To make your boost process fast and responsive, you need to disable startup program or apps in Windows 10.

When you decide to disable startup programs or apps, it speeds up your computer. Moreover, you can only run the application or plan when it needs to be run. It ensures that your laptop is improving and increasing its performance.

It is not a challenging task to disable startup programs or apps. There is an easy method to disable the option. With this approach, you will be able to stop the startup program and enhance your computer’s performance and speed.

Disable Startup Program In Windows 10

Let us get to know how you can disable the startup program in Windows 10.

Disable Startup program

If you want to increase the boot process and your PC’s speed, you need to follow the instructions to disable startup program in Windows 10.

  • The first step you need to take is to right-click on the taskbar.
  • You will get the options and select the Task Manager option.

How to disable startup programs in windows

  • In the task manager window, click on the startup tab.
  • Select the status box, and you will get the list of all the programs that begins when you start your computer.
  • Select the app you want to stop and right-click on it.
  • Click on the Disable option, so the application doesn’t open when you start the computer.

How to disable startup programs in windows

  • If you’re going to enable any app or program, you can right-click on that and choose the Enable option.

That is how you will be able to disable startup programs in Windows 10, which are affecting your computer abruptly. Later, if you need an app or program, you can enable it as well. But for the sake of your PC’s good performance, you have to disable startup program so you can use your PC for a long time.

Check the program app in the task manager .

You need to cross-check the program app in the task manager. Sometimes the program app can hang your PC and can also slow down the performance of it. You need to check the program app to see if it is suitable for your PC. If the program app is enabled, you don’t need to worry about it, but you can be sure if your PC is not facing any problem by cross-checking.

Follow the instructions to check the program app in the task manager.

  • Right-click on the Name Tab.
  • Now, click on the Command Line option.

You will get to see the .exe files, which are related to the app. So you can see if the app is an issue for your PC. If the program app is from the Microsoft team, then there is no problem you can face in the future because of the app. If the program app address you don’t recognize, you can find it on your File Explorer and delete the .exe files, so you didn’t get affected by the app.

Set Custom App to run on startup

After you disable startup program, you can create the custom app to open when you start your computer. You get the list of all the programs in the task manager. But other than that, if you want to create your custom app, you can make it run on startup. To set the custom app, you need to follow the instructions.

  • Press Windows + R and open the Run dialog.
  • In the Run dialog, type shell: startup and press the OK button.
  • The file explorer window will be open; you can create any shortcut app here and set it to run on startup.

If you want an example, then here it is.

  • Press Windows + R and open the Run dialog.
  • Type shell: startup and press OK button.
  • Now, the file explorer will be open.
  • Right-click on the file explorer.
  • Click on the new option.
  • Then you need to click on the Shortcut option.
  • Click on the Browse option and locate the .exe file.
  • Now, select the Next button. Give the name to your shortcut file.
  • Click on finish.

Here you have successfully set the custom app to run on startup. The app will begin when you start your computer.

In case you are confused about what kind of apps or programs you need to disable to keep enhancing your PC’s performance, then here we have a list of that. Check the apps or programs, and later you can safely disable it to increase your computer’s speed.

  • QuickTime: You get to open the web content through this app. You can disable it safely.
  • Adobe Reader : Adobe Reader is for professionals. If you are using the PC for personal work, you can disable it.
  • Skype: If you don’t use Skype on your PC, you can disable the app.
  • Cyberlink YouCam: If you don’t need the Cyberlink YouCam program on your PC, you can disable it without any worry.
  • Evernote Clipper : You don’t need Evernote clipper as the startup program; you can safely disable it.

Here you will find out:

  • 4 tools to manage Windows 10 startup
  • how DiskInternals Partition Recovery can help you

Are you ready? Let’s read!

4 tools to manage Windows 10 startup

1. File explorer

One of the options for changing startup programs is to use File Explorer. For this:

Press the Win + R key combination and enter the following command: shell: Startup and press Enter.

In that case, if you want to add / remove startup for all users universally, enter the following command: shell: Common Startup.

When the startup window opens, you need to find the application executable file that should load when Windows boots. Next, create a shortcut for this application, copy it, and paste it into the launch window. This will add the startup application to Windows 10.

Accordingly, to remove the application, you will need to remove the shortcut from the startup folder.

2. Registry

In this case, press the Win + R key combination and enter the following command: regedit and press Enter.

Browse to the following path HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run or register this key.

Next, find the application that starts automatically when Windows starts up.

To remove an application from startup, right-click on the application and select the Uninstall option.

To add applications to Startup, right-click in the Registry Editor window and select New. Then click on “String Value”.

Add the name of the application and enter the full path to the executable file (* .exe) of the application you want to launch at startup.

3. Group Policy Editor

If you are using Windows Pro or Enterprise and you want to add applications to startup, you can do this using the Group Policy Editor. Other Windows versions do not support this tool.

Press Windows + R keys and type gpedit.msc, click OK.

This will take you to the Group Policy Editor. In the left pane, go to User Configuration, where you select Windows Settings. Now, click on Scripts (Login / Logout), and in the right pane, double-click Login. In the Login Properties window, click the Add button, click the Browse button and select the application you want to run. After that, click Apply and OK to save your changes. After that, restart your computer and check if the application starts automatically with Windows or not.

4. Task Scheduler

Task Scheduler is a built-in tool with which you can configure the launch of certain applications at a specific time, as well as add applications to startup. This method is ideal for both power users and casual users, who want complete control over their tasks.

Here’s how to do it with a few steps:

Press Windows Key + R and enter taskschd.msc; click OK.

In the new window on the right pane, click “Create task” – enter the name of your task and check the “Run with the highest privileges” box. Next, on the “Triggers” tab, click the “New” button and set the “Start task” parameter to “At login”. Later or now, you can configure the execution of this task for a specific user or, for all PC users, you can postpone and repeat the task.

After these settings, go to the “Actions” tab and click “Create”.

Then click on the “Browse” button and select the required application and click OK to save the task. That’s all; now, the required application will start automatically with Windows every time.

Make sure your data is safe

But, you must not forget about one more nuance: during changes in startup programs Windows 10, unforeseen situations may occur. For example, while working with the registry and the task scheduler, you will damage some important files, or they will disappear without a trace. To recover them, you need reliable software, and that is DiskInternals Uneraser. This software supports the recovery of photos, videos, pictures, music, documents, mail, etc.; no limit on the size of the lost files.

In addition, for those new to data recovery, there is a built-in wizard that guides you step by step until your goal is fulfilled. You can also take advantage of a free trial version of DiskInternals Uneraser, and only after making sure of the quality and speed of recovery, you purchase a license and a license key for this product.

DiskInternals Uneraser is a software with many years of experience that reliably helps both ordinary users and professionals recover files, regardless of the reason for their loss.

Therefore, there is no doubt that this application will help you right now! Download DiskInternals Uneraser and enjoy your precious data!

When you start your PC, a lot of other programs start along with it. While some programs are useful and mandatory, some are useless. These unwanted and pointless programs slow down your system and also increases your system startup time.

These “Startup programs” automatically run when you start your computer, and unless you manually exit them when your computer is on will run in the background. Here are the steps to remove such programs from your Windows 10 PC or Laptop.

How to Remove Unwanted Programs from Windows 10 Startup

Open Run> Type msconfig in the dialog box, and hit enter. Then switch to the Startup tab. Here, it will ask you to Open Task Manager to manage your Startup programs. Click to open Task Manager.

Or You can directly open Task Manager and navigate to Startup. To open Task Manager, right click on the taskbar and select Task Manager or use CTRL+ALT+DEL.

How to disable startup programs in windows

  • Under Startup, you will find all your programs which can run in the background. This list will have both the applications, Enabled or Disabled at the startup.
  • If I’m not wrong, Windows 7 had an option of Selecting multiple programs at once and then choosing the appropriate option, i.e., Enable, or Disable. You could Disable or Enable everything at once. Unfortunately, Windows 10 doesn’t have that option, meaning you will have to do it for each program, one by one.
  • To disable startup programs in Windows 10, navigate to a program you want to disable at the startup, right click on the program you wish to disable> click on Disable.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Should I remove it software

Not sure what program to remove? Confused which program is essential and which one is useless? Should I Remove, It is free software that can help you decide which to remove and which to keep. The program analyzes everything installed on your computer, then enables you to determine what’s safe to remove.

How to disable startup programs in windows

It displays ratings for each program and a removal percentage. The scores are collected based on users feedback. If you uninstall a program or disable using this, it will be marked. So if you use this program, you can remove it without any confusion as such. You can also click the What is it? Button to access an online database with more detailed information about the program or click Uninstall to remove it.

The program also helps you identify unwanted programs, including adware, toolbars, bloatware, crapware, and other junk. The website also maintains a list of programs and ratings and uninstallation percentage.

November 9, 2020 January 21, 2017 | Paularo

You need to Disable Startup Programs to increase your laptop or computer’s boot time. Disabling startup programs that are massive increases the amount of time your computer takes to boot from a total shutdown which is also known as a Cold Boot.

UPDATE 2020: This is the best method to disable startup programs in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.

Some software after getting installed automatically start running in the background of your computer.

Some have the courtesy of telling you or giving you the option of choosing if the software should start up with your laptop or not while others after installation silently run in the background, using system resources and ultimately makes the computer slow.

It’s not like all programs or software running in the background are bad for the computer, No! The problem is when you install a bunch of programs you don’t use on a daily basis; there is no reason why you should allow that program to start up with your computer.

The simple principle of simplicity to keep the network fast and optimized.

The way to disable startup programs is located within the Windows Task Manager and for Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 users, it is easy to identify and run the Task Manager but if you are running Windows 7 – disabling startup programs is a bit tricky and technical and it can’t be disabled through the Task Manager.

Table of Contents

How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows 10

This guide also works for Windows 8 & 8.1 because the Windows’ user interface is similar.

#1. Locate & Run Task Manager

There are a total of 6 ways that I know of the locate and run the Task Manager tool.

  • One of the ways of locating and running Task Manager is to Right-Click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager from the pop-up window

How to disable startup programs in windows

  • Press Start key or Windows Key and search for “Task Manager.” Select Task Manager when it appears.

How to disable startup programs in windows

  • Press the Keyboard Shortcut (Windows Key + X) to access the Power User Access

How to disable startup programs in windows

  • Press Ctrl+R keyboard shortcut to start the RUN tool. Type “taskmgr” and press Enter.
  • Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc keyboard shortcut to instantly open the Task Manager tool.
  • Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete keyboard shortcut and select Task Manager. This is the most popular method.

#2. Launching the Task Manager

Good, we just located the Task Manager. Let’s start it now. If this is your first time of using the Task Manager, it will open up in a small mini view. To view all the tabs and features of the Task Manager, Click on More details at the left bottom of the window.

How to disable startup programs in windows

The full Task Manager view opens, quickly click on the Startup tab to bring out the windows startup options.

How to disable startup programs in windows

#3. Disable Startup Programs

We are in the most critical part of this guide; here you can see the list of all the startup programs, manufacturers, status and startup impact.

To disable startup programs, Right click on the program and click Disable or click on the program and at the bottom of the window, click on Disable. Both ways work well.

I strongly suggest disabling any startup program with a high start-up impact because it has a very high effect on your startup speed. Disabling them should be our priority.

How to disable startup programs in windows

PLEASE NOTE: Before you disable any program, make sure it’s not a system program that is compulsory for startup. I would give you a list of mandatory programs you shouldn’t disable.

Compulsory Startup Programs

These programs from my experience shouldn’t be disabled because they play an essential role in your computer. You need all module programs because they are intel programs, Realtek is for audio while the defender is your antivirus.

  • Persistence Module
  • Hkcmd Module
  • IgfxTray Module
  • Realtek Audio
  • Windows Defender or your Antivirus programs

How to disable startup programs in windows

Reboot your computer for changes to take effect.

November 9, 2020 January 21, 2017 | Paularo

You need to Disable Startup Programs to increase your laptop or computer’s boot time. Disabling startup programs that are massive increases the amount of time your computer takes to boot from a total shutdown which is also known as a Cold Boot.

UPDATE 2020: This is the best method to disable startup programs in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.

Some software after getting installed automatically start running in the background of your computer.

Some have the courtesy of telling you or giving you the option of choosing if the software should start up with your laptop or not while others after installation silently run in the background, using system resources and ultimately makes the computer slow.

It’s not like all programs or software running in the background are bad for the computer, No! The problem is when you install a bunch of programs you don’t use on a daily basis; there is no reason why you should allow that program to start up with your computer.

The simple principle of simplicity to keep the network fast and optimized.

The way to disable startup programs is located within the Windows Task Manager and for Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 users, it is easy to identify and run the Task Manager but if you are running Windows 7 – disabling startup programs is a bit tricky and technical and it can’t be disabled through the Task Manager.

Table of Contents

How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows 10

This guide also works for Windows 8 & 8.1 because the Windows’ user interface is similar.

#1. Locate & Run Task Manager

There are a total of 6 ways that I know of the locate and run the Task Manager tool.

  • One of the ways of locating and running Task Manager is to Right-Click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager from the pop-up window

How to disable startup programs in windows

  • Press Start key or Windows Key and search for “Task Manager.” Select Task Manager when it appears.

How to disable startup programs in windows

  • Press the Keyboard Shortcut (Windows Key + X) to access the Power User Access

How to disable startup programs in windows

  • Press Ctrl+R keyboard shortcut to start the RUN tool. Type “taskmgr” and press Enter.
  • Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc keyboard shortcut to instantly open the Task Manager tool.
  • Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete keyboard shortcut and select Task Manager. This is the most popular method.

#2. Launching the Task Manager

Good, we just located the Task Manager. Let’s start it now. If this is your first time of using the Task Manager, it will open up in a small mini view. To view all the tabs and features of the Task Manager, Click on More details at the left bottom of the window.

How to disable startup programs in windows

The full Task Manager view opens, quickly click on the Startup tab to bring out the windows startup options.

How to disable startup programs in windows

#3. Disable Startup Programs

We are in the most critical part of this guide; here you can see the list of all the startup programs, manufacturers, status and startup impact.

To disable startup programs, Right click on the program and click Disable or click on the program and at the bottom of the window, click on Disable. Both ways work well.

I strongly suggest disabling any startup program with a high start-up impact because it has a very high effect on your startup speed. Disabling them should be our priority.

How to disable startup programs in windows

PLEASE NOTE: Before you disable any program, make sure it’s not a system program that is compulsory for startup. I would give you a list of mandatory programs you shouldn’t disable.

Compulsory Startup Programs

These programs from my experience shouldn’t be disabled because they play an essential role in your computer. You need all module programs because they are intel programs, Realtek is for audio while the defender is your antivirus.

  • Persistence Module
  • Hkcmd Module
  • IgfxTray Module
  • Realtek Audio
  • Windows Defender or your Antivirus programs

How to disable startup programs in windows

Reboot your computer for changes to take effect.

How to disable startup programs in windows

This brief tutorial shows students and new users how to disable unnecessary programs that automatically startup when Windows starts.

If you’re experiencing some performance issues with your Windows 10 computers, you should find ways to disable these programs so they don’t run when your PC starts.

Some important programs are designed to start automatically when Windows does. This is helpful for programs you use a lot, but not for programs you don’t use often because it increases the time it takes Windows to start.

So, go through the list of programs that start automatically and disable the ones that are not important or don’t use often.

To find programs that start automatically, follow the steps below:

List auto start programs

To try to find out the name of the program, point to the icon with your mouse pointer. Make sure you select Show hidden icons , so you don’t miss any programs.

How to disable startup programs in windows

This will list some of the programs that automatically start up when Windows starts. Not all programs that automatically start will be listed here.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Disable auto startup programs

Here’s how you can find all the programs that start automatically, and stop the ones that you don’t want to start automatically when Windows starts.

To stop a program from starting automatically

  1. Select the Start button, then select Settings >Apps >Startup .
  2. In the Startup Apps area, find the program you want to stop from starting automatically and set it to Off.

How to disable startup programs in windows

If you have older version of Windows 10, you should press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, select Task Manager, select Startup.

Then select the program you want to stop from starting automatically, then select Disable.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

This post showed you how to disable programs that automatically startup when Windows starts that are unnecessary. Doing this can free up system resources and help speed up your machine.

If you find any error above, please use the form below to comment out.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Windows 10 is a fast and responsive operating system. But if you have a lot of apps set to start up when you log in, it can bog down the boot process substantially. Many apps you install will add themselves to the boot process. Let’s review how to disable startup programs/apps on Windows 10 and make the boot process fast again.

How to Disable Startup Apps on Windows 10

Click the Start button and choose Settings or you can use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + I to open Settings.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Once Settings has opened, click on Apps.

How to disable startup programs in windows

On the next screen click on Startup in the left panel. And on the right, all of the installed apps that are set to startup during boot will be listed. You can scroll through the list and turn off the ones you don’t want to run.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Next to each one, you will see the app’s impact on the startup process. For example, here you can see Microsoft OneDrive has a high impact. That can help you in determining which apps you allow to run or not during startup.

How to disable startup programs in windows

It’s also worth noting that there is an option to sort apps by name, startup impact, or status.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Disable Startup Apps via Task Manager

You can also use the old school method of disabling startup apps as you can on older versions of Windows. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Right-click on an empty area on the taskbar and select Task Manager.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Step 2: When Task Manager comes up, click the Startup tab, and look through the list of programs and apps that are enabled to run during startup. Then to stop them from running, either highlight the app and click the Disable button or right-click on one, and select Disable from the menu.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Task Manager in Windows 10 also provides a few more options in determining if you want to disable an app from startup or not. Like in Settings, you can sort by startup impact, name, or status; but you can also sort by publisher. And if you want to add more columns to sort by you can right-click a column header and check what you want to add. For example, here I added a “CPU at startup” column.

How to disable startup programs in windows

Over time you might install so many programs you forget what they’re for. And Task Manager allows you to open an app’s file location and properties. And if that doesn’t help, you can search for the app online. Just right-click on an app and choose the information you need.

How to disable startup programs in windows

After setting up a new computer I will disable all but a few programs. Another thing to remember after installing a new app is to go in see if it added itself to startup. Then you can disable it if it’s something you need to access quickly. Or if you notice your PC isn’t starting up as fast as it used to, this is a good place to look first. Run through the list and disable anything that isn’t necessary – especially apps that have a high startup impact.

I often get the question: “Which apps need to be enabled?” and the answer is simple: None! You can disable them all and Windows will start up normally. However, some things you want at the ready, won’t be. You’ll need to start them up manually.

It’s not a perfect science, but you can experiment and see which apps are delaying the startup process when you log in.

Not on Windows 10 yet? Check out our articles on how to disable startup programs on Windows 7 (which is no longer supported) or Windows 8.1.