Method 1: Remove Startup Programs via Windows Settings
Probably the easiest way to disable or manage startup apps in Windows 11 is via the Settings app. Here are the steps for the same.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and head to Apps > Startup.
Step 2: Locate the app you want to stop from opening at startup and turn off the toggle next to it.
You can use the sort option to list apps based on their startup impact. Windows classifies startup impacts into three types—Low impact, Medium impact, and High impact. Identify the apps with higher impact and disable them to improve boot times on Windows 11.
Method 2: Use Task Manager to Disable a Startup Program
Task Manager is a powerful tool for force-closing apps, configuring system services, and monitoring your PC’s performance. It also has a “Startup apps” section from where you can allow or disallow apps from opening at startup. Here’s how.
Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager quickly.
Step 2: Switch to the Startup apps tab to view a list of apps along with their startup impact. Select the app you don’t want to run at startup and click the Disable button.
Method 3: Stop Apps Using Startup Folder
The Startup folder in Windows can help you launch programs, run scripts, and even open your favorite websites on boot. Occasionally, applications will add their app shortcuts to the Startup folder to automatically launch themselves whenever your PC starts up.
To disable such apps, you will need to access the Startup folder on Windows and delete unwanted app shortcuts from there. Here’s how.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box. Type shell:startup in the box and press Enter.
Step 2: Select the program shortcut you don’t need to run at startup and click the trash icon at the top to delete it.
Method 4: Modify In-App Settings to Stop Applications From Opening
Some apps like Spotify, Telegram, Messenger, and more, let you modify their startup behavior directly from the in-app settings menu. You can dig through an app’s settings menu to locate its startup settings and disable it from there.
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Last updated on 07 August, 2024
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