Changing startup programs in Windows 11 is a straightforward process. You can manage which applications run when you start your computer by accessing the settings menu. This helps improve boot time and system performance. Here’s how you can do it:
How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11
We’re going to walk through the exact steps you need to take to change startup programs in Windows 11. By the end of these steps, you’ll know how to manage which applications automatically start when you boot up your computer.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Task Manager is the gateway to managing your startup programs. You can also open it by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager” from the menu.
Step 2: Navigate to the Startup Tab
Once Task Manager is open, click on the “Startup” tab.
The Startup tab lists all the programs that run when Windows 11 boots up. Here, you’ll see the name of the program, its publisher, its status (enabled or disabled), and its startup impact.
Step 3: Select a Program to Change
Click on the program you want to enable or disable.
Choosing a program in the list highlights it, allowing you to take further action. Make sure you select the right program to avoid disabling something important.
Step 4: Enable or Disable the Program
Right-click the highlighted program and select either “Enable” or “Disable”.
Enabling a program adds it to the list of startup programs, while disabling it removes it from automatic startup. This action doesn’t uninstall the program; it merely stops it from running when you start your computer.
Step 5: Close Task Manager
After making your changes, simply close Task Manager.
Your changes will be saved automatically, and the next time you start your computer, only the enabled programs will run.
After you complete these steps, your computer will only start the programs you’ve enabled. This can help speed up startup time and overall system performance.
Tips for Changing Startup Programs in Windows 11
- Identify Necessities: Only keep essential programs enabled to speed up startup time.
- Review Regularly: Check your startup programs periodically to ensure new applications haven’t sneaked in.
- Impact Awareness: Be aware of the startup impact column; high-impact programs can significantly slow down your boot time.
- Use Anti-virus Software: Ensure your anti-virus software is always enabled on startup for security.
- Research Unknown Programs: If you see a program you don’t recognize, look it up to understand whether it’s necessary or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which programs to disable?
You should disable programs that you don’t use frequently or that have a high startup impact. Essential programs like anti-virus software should stay enabled.
Will disabling a startup program delete it?
No, disabling a startup program will not delete it. It will only prevent it from running automatically when you start your computer.
Can I re-enable a program after disabling it?
Yes, you can re-enable a program anytime by following the same steps and selecting “Enable” instead of “Disable.”
What if I accidentally disable an essential program?
If you accidentally disable an essential program, you can re-enable it by going back to Task Manager and selecting “Enable.”
Will this process speed up my computer?
Yes, managing startup programs can speed up your computer’s boot time and overall performance by reducing the number of applications running at startup.
Summary
- Open Task Manager.
- Navigate to the Startup tab.
- Select a program to change.
- Enable or disable the program.
- Close Task Manager.
Conclusion
Managing startup programs in Windows 11 is an easy yet effective way to improve your computer’s performance. By following these steps, you can control which applications run at startup, making your machine boot faster and operate more efficiently. Remember, it’s a good habit to periodically review and manage your startup programs, especially after installing new software. This will ensure that your system remains optimized and that no unnecessary programs are bogging down your startup process.
For further reading, consider exploring more in-depth guides on optimizing Windows 11 performance or learning about other system management tools. If you have any questions or run into issues, don’t hesitate to seek out additional resources or professional help. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.