How to Change Startup Programs in Windows GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows
How to Change Startup Programs in Windows
Make your computer run faster so you can get to work or play
By Karen Marcus Karen Marcus Writer University of Colorado at Denver Colorado State University Karen Marcus is a former Lifewire writer who has also written for companies like HP, Intel, IBM, Samsung, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 2, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide What to Know
Win 10 and 8: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc > select Startup tab and Status column.To disable any application, right-click anywhere in its row > Disable. Exit Task Manager and reboot.Win 7: Launch msconfig.exe > go to Startup tab > uncheck programs you don't want. This article explains how to change your Windows startup programs if too many startup programs are slowing down your Windows PC. Instructions cover Windows 10, 8, and 7. Change Startup Programs in Windows 10 and 8
To change the Windows 10 and Windows 8 startup programs, you’ll use Task Manager. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. At the top of the application, select the Startup tab. Select the Status column to sort the applications into Disabled and Enabled. Disabled means the program doesn’t run when you start your computer; Enabled means it does. Examine the list to see if there are any enabled applications you don’t need running all the time. If you’re unsure, leave them running. To disable any application, right-click anywhere in its row and select Disable. When finished, select the X in the upper right corner to exit Task Manager. Reboot your computer to allow the changes to take effect. How to Change Windows 7 Startup Programs
To change the Windows 7 startup programs, you’ll use MSConfig. Open the Start menu. In the search box, type msconfig.exe. Select msconfig.exe. In the System Configuration window, select the Startup tab. You should see a list of every program that runs when the computer starts. Review the list and determine if there are any applications you don’t need running all the time. For those you identify, ensure the checkbox next to the program name is unchecked. If in doubt, leave the program enabled. When finished, select OK. A dialog box prompting you to restart will appear. Select Restart. Why Change Your Windows Startup Programs
When your computer boots up, it starts a number of programs before it’s ready to use, like Adobe Reader, Skype, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Office. Many of them may be useful, but the more programs your computer runs during this process, the longer it takes to start; too many programs running could also slow down your computer’s overall performance, including other programs you’re trying to use. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Disable Startup Programs on Windows 10 How to View Windows Uptime in Windows 10 How to Access the Windows 10 Startup Folder Why Your Computer is So Slow and 16 Ways to Fix It How to Add Programs to Startup in Windows 10 Startup Settings (What It Is and How to Use It) How to Improve Startup Time in Windows 10 How to Open Disk Management From Command Prompt Task Manager (What It Is & How to Use It) How to Fix It When Windows 11 Is Slow LogiLDA.dll: What It Means and How to Fix It What's Conhost.exe in Windows? What Does it Do? How to Check Computer Specs Windows 11 Search Not Working? Try These Fixes How to Open an Elevated Command Prompt in Windows What Is IAStorIcon.exe? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies