7 Ways to Clean Up Windows Startup Programs

Why Clean Up Windows Startup Programs?

Cleaning up Windows startup programs is crucial for maintaining your computer's performance and speed. When numerous programs run automatically at startup, they can consume significant system resources, leading to slower boot times and overall system sluggishness. Here are seven effective ways to clean up your Windows startup programs.

1. Spring-Cleaning the Startup Folder

Many Windows apps automatically start during system boot-up by adding themselves to the Startup folder. To disable these apps:

• Open the Run App: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Access the Startup Folder: Type shell:startup and press OK.
• Remove Unwanted Shortcuts: Select the apps you want to disable and press Delete on your keyboard. This will remove the shortcut but not the program itself.

2. Halt Them Using Task Manager

Task Manager is a powerful tool for managing startup programs:

• Open Task Manager: Right-click on the Start menu and select Task Manager.
• Navigate to the Startup Tab: In Task Manager, go to the Startup tab.
• Disable Unwanted Programs: Highlight any program you don't want to start automatically and click Disable. This will prevent the program from starting at boot time.

3. Using Windows Settings

Windows Settings provides an easy way to manage startup apps:

• Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
• Access Startup Options: Go to Apps > Startup on the left side.
• Turn Off Unwanted Apps: Toggle off any startup apps you want to disable for your account.

4. Modify Registry

For advanced users, modifying the registry can be an effective method:

• Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and click OK.
• Navigate to Startup Paths: Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run or HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run for all users.
• Delete Unwanted Entries: Right-click on the program you want to disable and select Delete. Be cautious, as deleting registry values can cause system instability.

5. Modify Services

Disabling unnecessary services can also help:

• Open Services Console: Go to the Start menu, type services, and select it.
• Identify and Disable Services: Right-click on a service you want to disable, select Properties, and change the Startup Type to Disabled or Automatic (Delayed Start).

6. Using System Configuration

The System Configuration tool (msconfig) is another method:

• Open System Configuration: Press Win + R, type msconfig, and click OK.
• Navigate to the Startup Tab: Go to the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
• Disable Unwanted Programs: In Task Manager, disable any programs you don't want to start automatically.

7. Activate Fast Startup

While not directly related to disabling startup programs, enabling Fast Startup can improve overall boot times:

• Open Power Options: Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
• Choose What the Power Buttons Do: Click on Choose what the power buttons do on the left side.
• Change Settings: Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Enable Fast Startup: Check the box next to Turn on fast startup (recommended).

By following these methods, you can significantly improve your computer's startup speed and overall performance.