Enable or Disable Startup Programs in Windows

Startup programs are apps that launch automatically when you sign in to Windows. They can speed up your workflow, but too many of them slow down boot time and drain system resources. This guide shows you how to view, enable, and disable startup apps using the built-in Task Manager and Settings app—no third-party tools needed.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC
Administrator rights (not required for most actions, but helpful for some apps)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Using Task Manager (Recommended)

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. If it opens in compact mode, click More details at the bottom.
Click the Startup tab (Windows 10) or Startup apps tab (Windows 11). You’ll see a list of programs that run at startup, along with their publisher and status.
To disable a program, click it to select it, then click the Disable button in the bottom-right corner. Alternatively, right-click the program and choose Disable.
To enable a program later, follow the same steps and click Enable.

Method 2: Using Settings (Windows 11)

Open Settings (press Windows + I).
Go to Apps > Startup.
You’ll see a list of apps with toggles. Switch any app On or Off as desired.

Method 3: Using the Startup Folder (for legacy apps)

Press Windows + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter. This opens the Startup folder for your user account.
To disable a program, right-click its shortcut and choose Delete (this only removes the shortcut, not the program itself).
To enable a program, create a shortcut to its executable file and place it in this folder.

After making changes, restart your PC to see the effect. You can also check the Last BIOS time in Task Manager’s Startup tab to measure boot time changes.

Common Mistakes

Disabling essential system apps: Some startup entries are required for Windows to function correctly (e.g., security software, audio drivers). Only disable programs you recognize and don’t need.
Deleting shortcuts instead of disabling: In the Startup folder, deleting a shortcut is permanent. If you think you might want the app later, move the shortcut to another folder instead.
Ignoring the Startup Impact column: Task Manager shows a “Startup impact� rating (High, Medium, Low). Disabling a high-impact app gives the most benefit, but don’t disable a high-impact app just because it’s high—some are necessary.
Disabling everything: Stripping all startup apps can break features you rely on, like cloud sync or keyboard shortcuts. Be selective.

Tips

Check the Publisher column to verify the source of each startup item. If you don’t recognize a publisher, search online before disabling.
Use the Startup impact column to prioritize. Disable high-impact apps you don’t need, and leave low-impact ones alone.
If an app keeps re-adding itself to startup, look for its own settings—most apps have a “launch at startup� toggle in their preferences.
For advanced control, you can use the Task Scheduler to manage startup tasks, but it’s more complex and not necessary for most users.
After disabling, test your system for a few days. If something stops working, re-enable the app you suspect.

Troubleshooting

Problem: The Startup tab is empty or missing.
Solution: Make sure you’re using the built-in Task Manager, not a third-party one. If it’s still empty, some apps may be registered as services—open the Services app (services.msc) and look for “Startup Type� set to “Automatic�.

Problem: I disabled a startup app, but it still runs at login.
Solution: The app may be launched via Task Scheduler or a registry entry. Check the app’s own settings for a “run at startup� option. You can also use the Startup tab in Task Manager to see if it’s still listed—if so, disable it again. For stubborn apps, use Autoruns from Microsoft Sysinternals (a free tool) to see all startup locations.

Problem: My PC boots slower after disabling startup apps.
Solution: This is unlikely—disabling apps should speed up boot. If it’s slower, you may have disabled a driver or service that Windows needs. Re-enable the apps you disabled one by one and test after each.

Problem: I can’t find the Startup tab in Task Manager.
Solution: In Windows 10, the tab is called “Startup�. In Windows 11, it’s “Startup apps�. If you don’t see it, you might be in “Compact mode�—click “More details� at the bottom of the Task Manager window.

Problem: I accidentally deleted a shortcut from the Startup folder.
Solution: You can recreate it by finding the program’s executable (usually in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86)), right-clicking it, and choosing “Send to� > “Desktop (create shortcut)�. Then move that shortcut to the Startup folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to disable all startup programs?

No. Some are essential for Windows to work correctly, like your antivirus or graphics driver. Disable only the ones you recognize and don’t need at startup.

How do I know which startup programs are safe to disable?

Look at the publisher and the program name. If you don’t recognize it, search online. Also, check the “Startup impact� column—high-impact apps that you don’t need are good candidates.

Will disabling a startup program uninstall it?

No. Disabling only prevents it from launching at startup. The program remains installed and can be opened manually.

Can I enable a disabled startup program later?

Yes. Go back to the same list and click “Enable�. It will take effect the next time you sign in.

Why does my antivirus keep re-enabling itself in startup?

Security software often protects itself from being disabled to ensure your system stays protected. Check the antivirus’s own settings for an option to turn off auto-start, or leave it as is.

Does disabling startup programs improve gaming performance?

It can, indirectly. Fewer background apps free up RAM and CPU, which can reduce stuttering and improve frame rates, especially on systems with limited resources.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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