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7 Ways to Enable or Disable Startup Apps on Windows 11
Take control of your startup programs with these easy methods
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
When you switch on your computer, ittakes some time for Windows to boot up. This is mainly because the applications perform their tasks in the background. These applications are called startup apps.
While they make work easier, they can be disabled if they do not benefit your computer. If you have been wondering how to improve your boot time, we share which apps to disable and how to disable them.
Why should I enable/disable startup apps?
When you turn on your PC, it launches several applications automatically. Startup apps can be either good or bad for your computer. So, what are the advantages of enabling startup apps?
Now, onto the disadvantages:
Disabling will helpreduce memory usageon your computer and improve its overall speed and performance by making available more memory for other programs that need it urgently.
How do I change what programs run at startup?
1. Use the Task Manager
2. Use Settings
If you are unsure which apps to disable, you can sort by high impact. The difference between a high-impact and low-impact app is the amount of resources they use.
High-impact apps are programs that require a lot of resources to run. These programs can slow down your computer if you have too many running simultaneously.
Low-impact apps are lightweight applications that don’t take up much space on your hard drive or require much power from your computer’s CPU or RAM.
You can, therefore, balance between the two categories and only enable the necessary apps.
3. Use app built-in settings
If you want to remove the app from your computer completely, we have a great guide toremove apps using PowerShellto get the work done using a single command.
4. Use a third-party app
Although Windows offers a handful of options to change startup programs in Windows 11, you may have noticed that these steps are somehow cumbersome and can take a significant amount of time, especially if you have a lot of programs.
You don’t have to go through this excruciatingly painful process when installing a third-party tool.Startup managersare incredibly helpful in managing your startup apps, so you should consider installing one.
CCleaneris our recommended fighter, and this is how to go about it.
5. Use the Startup folder
Should you find out that yourStartup folder is not working, we have an excellent article on how to bypass this issue.
6. Use System Configuration
7. Use the Registry Editor
As a disclaimer, changing any portion of the Registry can have unpredictable effects on your computer. The scary thing is that some may not even be immediately apparent.
If you aren’t comfortable making Registry changes, don’t do it. However, if necessary,create a restore pointfirst to act as a safety net. This way, should anything happen, you can revert to an earlier time when your PC was functioning correctly.
You can also look at ways tooptimize your startupto minimize the excessive use of resources. Also, check out how todisable startup apps in Windows 10.
And that’s how to change startup programs in Windows 11. Let us know of any additional thoughts you may have on this topic down below.
More about the topics:startup apps,Windows 11
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
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Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
