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How to Manage Startup Programs in Windows

Tap a step to see how to manage startup programs in Windows.

  1. Open Task Manager with "Ctrl + Shift + Esc"

    Press this shortcut to launch Task Manager instantly.

  2. Click the "Startup apps" tab

    Select "Startup apps" from the left-hand menu or the top tabs of Task Manager.

  3. Check the "Startup impact" column for heavy programs

    Programs marked "High" have the biggest effect on how long your computer takes to boot.

  4. Select unnecessary programs and click "Disable"

    Select any program you do not need launching automatically at boot, then click "Disable" in the bottom right.

  5. Why it helps

    When several unnecessary programs launch automatically every time you turn on your computer, boot time slows down β€” keeping only what you actually need noticeably speeds up startup.

If your computer is taking longer and longer to boot

Installing programs over time often registers them to launch automatically at startup without you realizing it. Cleaning up unnecessary startup programs can make your computer noticeably faster every time you turn it on.

You can also check startup apps from Settings

Task Manager is not the only place to manage this. In Windows Settings, going to "Apps β†’ Startup" shows the same list of startup programs with a simple on/off toggle for each one, which some people find more convenient than Task Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I disable a startup program, does it get uninstalled?

No. Disabling it only stops it from launching automatically β€” the program itself stays installed and runs normally whenever you open it manually.

Is it okay to disable antivirus software too?

Security software needs to keep running for real-time protection, so it is safer to leave it enabled even if its "Startup impact" is listed as high.