How to disable startup programs Windows 11

How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows 11

If your Windows 11 computer feels slow to start, you're not alone. Many users experience sluggish boot times due to unnecessary startup programs running in the background. Fortunately, disabling these programs can significantly improve performance. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through multiple methods to manage startup apps effectively. Additionally, I’ve embedded my step-by-step YouTube tutorial for those who prefer watching over reading.

Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

Why Disabling Startup Programs Matters

Disabling startup programs is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost your computer’s performance. When I first bought my current laptop, it was lightning fast. However, over time it began to slow down significantly. Programs like Telegram Desktop, Discord, OneDrive, and even Spotify were launching automatically and eating up RAM right from the start. After disabling unnecessary startup apps, my boot time dropped from over a minute to just under 20 seconds. That’s a huge difference you can feel immediately.

1. Using Windows Settings

To begin with, the most user-friendly method is through the Windows Settings interface:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Click on Apps, then select Startup.
3. Review the list and toggle Off for any program you don’t want launching at boot.

This method is ideal for beginners and gives a clear visual representation of each app’s startup impact.

2. Disabling Through Task Manager

Next, for those who prefer a quicker method:

1. Right-click on the Taskbar or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Right-click each app and choose Disable.

From personal experience, this is often enough to improve startup speed dramatically. In fact, the first time I used Task Manager for this, my system’s boot time was halved.

3. Using MSConfig (System Configuration)

For more advanced users, MSConfig offers further control:

1. Press Win + R and type msconfig, then hit Enter.
2. Go to the General tab and uncheck Load startup items.
3. In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and disable those you don’t need.
4. Click Apply and restart your computer.

This was the step that pushed my laptop into near-instant startup territory. Although it's slightly riskier, the reward is worth it if you know what you're doing.

4. Managing the Startup Folder

Another simple yet overlooked method involves the Startup folder:

1. Press Win + R and type shell:startup.
2. Delete shortcuts of apps you don't want to start with Windows.

For global startup programs, use shell:common startup instead. This folder-based approach is fast and effective, especially for older apps that rely on shortcut-based launching.

5. Task Scheduler Method

Moreover, some programs use the Task Scheduler to launch silently:

1. Press Win + R and type taskschd.msc
2. Go to Task Scheduler Library and browse for unnecessary startup tasks.
3. Right-click and choose Disable.

I once found an old cloud backup tool launching via Task Scheduler. Disabling it helped reduce both startup time and background CPU usage.

6. Registry Editor (Advanced)

In addition, advanced users can use the Registry Editor for deeper control:

1. Open Run dialog (Win + R), type regedit.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
3. Delete any entry you don’t want launching with Windows.

Be cautious: incorrect changes to the registry can cause system issues. Always back up the registry first.

7. Using Microsoft Autoruns (Expert Method)

Finally, for those who want full control:

1. Download Autoruns from Microsoft’s Sysinternals website.
2. Run it as Administrator.
3. Review all tabs, especially Logon, and uncheck unwanted entries.

This tool revealed startup entries I didn’t even know existed. After cleanup, my boot time improved further, and background tasks were cut in half.

Before and After: My Boot Time Comparison

• Before Optimization: ~90 seconds boot time
• After Using Settings & Task Manager: ~45 seconds
• After MSConfig & Task Scheduler Cleanup: ~25 seconds
• Final Tweak Using Autoruns: ~18 seconds

Quick Comparison Table

Method	Ease	Control Level
Settings > Apps > Startup	Easy	Basic
Task Manager	Very Easy	Moderate
MSConfig	Moderate	Advanced
Startup Folder	Easy	Moderate
Task Scheduler	Moderate	Advanced
Registry Editor	Hard	Expert
Autoruns	Hard	Expert

Conclusion

To sum it up, disabling startup programs in Windows 11 is one of the most effective ways to improve performance. Depending on your comfort level, you can use the built-in Settings menu or dive deep into Autoruns for total control. Personally, the gradual optimization of my system made a world of difference in both boot times and overall responsiveness. I encourage you to try these methods and see the improvement for yourself.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more tutorials, and feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or tips of your own.