Computer rules are so simple; the more software you install on your PC, the longer it will take to start up Windows. Why? Many Windows programs add themselves to the list of startup apps, which means when you boot your computer, startup programs will automatically start with it. Generally, startup programs sit on the Windows system tray and remain invisible to most Windows PC users.
Starting with Windows 10, Microsoft has introduced the Settings app, which is also available in the Windows 11 operating system. Using this Settings app, you can control most of the Windows settings, even the Startup app. There are a lot of free tools available over the internet to control the startup applications on Windows 11. However, in this gearupwindows article, we will guide you on enabling or disabling the startup apps using the Windows default options.
How do I Enable or Disable Startup Programs in Windows 11 Settings?
To enable or disable the startup apps or programs in Windows 11 using the Settings app, do the following:-
Step 1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I keys simultaneously.
Step 2. In the Settings app that opens, click on the Apps category from the left side pane. On the right side of it, click on the Startup tab.
Step 3. Now, in the Startup Apps section, you will see a list of all UWP apps and traditional desktop programs that are either turned On or turned Off at present.
Step 4. Here, turn the toggle switch to the On position to enable the startup and turn the toggle switch to the Off position to disable the selected program from the startup. You need to turn Off or turn On the startup program individually.
That’s it! You have now successfully enabled or disabled apps at startup using the Windows 11 Settings. The changes you make will take effect the next time you start your computer.
How to Enable or Disable Apps at Startup using Windows 11 Task Manager?
To enable or disable apps at startup using the Windows 11 Task Manager, follow these steps:-
Step 1. Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen and select “Task Manager” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” on your keyboard to open the Task Manager directly.
Step 2. In the Task Manager window, click on the “Startup apps” tab. This tab lists all the applications and processes that are configured to launch when your computer starts up.
Step 3. Simply right-click on the app or program, and from the options that appear, select “Enable” or “Disable” as per your preference.
Enabling an app will allow it to start automatically at startup, while disabling it will prevent it from starting automatically.
How to Disable Programs at Startup from Startup Folder on Windows 11?
To disable programs at startup from the startup folder on Windows 11, you can follow these steps:-
Step 1. Press the “Windows” key + “R” on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2. Type the following command in the Run dialog box and press Enter:-
shell:startup
Step 3. This will open the Startup folder, which contains the shortcuts to programs that are set to run at startup.
Step 4. In the Startup folder, you will see a list of shortcuts to various programs. To disable a program, simply right-click on the shortcut of the program you want to disable and select “Delete” from the context menu.
How to Disable Programs at Startup Using Windows 11 Registry Editor?
Here are the steps to disable programs at startup from the Registry on Windows 11:-
Note: Modifying the Windows Registry can be risky, so it’s important to proceed with caution and create a backup of your system before making any changes.
Step 1. Open the Startup menu by clicking on the Start button or pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
Step 2. In the search bar, type “regedit” and click on the top result to open the Registry Editor.
Step 3. In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Step 4. Under the “Run” key, you will see a list of programs that start automatically at system startup. Right-click on the REG_SZ key associated with the program you want to disable and select the Delete option. This will disable the program from starting up with Windows.
Step 5. Repeat step 4 to disable other programs from startup.
Step 6. Next, navigate to the following path:-
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartupApproved\Run
Step 7. Right-click on the REG_BINARY key associated with the program you want to disable and select the Delete option. This will prevent the program from starting up with Windows.
Step 8. Repeat step 7 to disable other programs from startup.
Step 9. Finally, navigate to the following path in the Registry Editor:-
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartupApproved\StartupFolder
Step 10. Right-click on the REG_BINARY key associated with the program you want to disable and select the Delete option. This will disable the program from starting up with Windows.
11. Repeat step 10 to disable other programs from startup.
By following these steps, you can disable programs at startup by deleting their entries from the “Run” and “StartupApproved” keys in the Windows Registry. Remember to exercise caution while modifying the Registry, as incorrect changes can lead to system issues.
How to Disable Programs at Startup using Group Policy on Windows 11?
In Windows 11, you can disable programs at startup using Group Policy. Here’s how you can do it:0
Step 1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter. This will open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 3. In the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path:-
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon
Step 4. On the right-hand side, you will see a list of policies. Look for the policy named “Run these programs at user logon” and double-click on it.
Step 5. In the policy settings window, select the “Disabled” option and click on Apply, then OK. This policy will prevent programs from running at startup.
Conclusion
To sum up, managing the startup programs in Windows 11 is a crucial step in ensuring that your PC runs smoothly and efficiently. The more software you install, the more programs get added to the list of startup apps, which can slow down your computer’s startup time. However, with the introduction of the Settings app in Windows 11, controlling the startup apps has become much easier. By following the simple steps outlined above, users can quickly enable or disable the startup programs of their choice. By doing so, users can ensure that their PC boots up faster and runs more smoothly, allowing them to get their work done more efficiently.
