How To Change Startup Programs In Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Home » How-To

5 min. read

Published on October 16, 2025

Fix Windows errors with Fortect:
Fortect can repair common computer errors by scanning your entire system for damaged or missing OS files and replacing them with the original, working versions. Optimize your PC in 3 simple steps:

Download and Install Fortect on your PC
Use the PC Scan feature to look up any Windows issues (including drivers)
Right-click on Repair, and fix it within a few minutes.

Besides that, it helps you clean up junk files, fix stability problems, and get rid of annoying programs and malware traces.

Managing startup programs in Windows 11 is crucial for optimizing your computer’s boot time and overall performance. Unnecessary programs launching automatically can significantly slow down your system. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to easily control which applications launch when you start your Windows 11 computer.

By disabling or enabling startup programs, you can free up valuable system resources, improve boot speeds, and ensure a smoother user experience. This process is straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced technical skills. Let’s explore the different methods available for managing your startup programs in Windows 11.

How Do I Change Startup Programs in Windows 11?

Using Task Manager to Manage Startup Programs

The Task Manager is the most common and user-friendly way to manage startup programs in Windows 11.

Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously. Alternatively, right-click on the Start button and select “Task Manager”.
Navigate to the Startup Apps Tab: In the Task Manager window, click on the “Startup apps” tab.
View Startup Programs: You will see a list of programs that are configured to launch at startup. The “Startup impact” column indicates how much each program affects your system’s boot time.
Enable or Disable Programs: To disable a program, select it from the list and click the “Disable” button in the bottom right corner of the window. To enable a disabled program, select it and click “Enable”.

Managing Startup Programs in Settings

The Settings app provides another way to control startup programs, offering a slightly different interface.

Open Settings: Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to Apps: In the Settings app, click on “Apps” in the left sidebar.
Select Startup: Click on “Startup” from the list of options.
Toggle Programs On or Off: You will see a list of programs that can launch at startup. Use the toggle switch next to each program to enable or disable it.

Using System Configuration (msconfig)

The System Configuration utility (msconfig) is an older, but still functional, method for managing startup programs.

Open Run Dialog: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type msconfig: Type msconfig and press Enter.
Navigate to the Startup Tab: In the System Configuration window, click on the “Services” tab.
Hide Microsoft Services: Check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services.” This prevents you from accidentally disabling essential system services.
Disable Startup Items: Uncheck the boxes next to the programs you want to disable from starting up.
Apply Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK”. You may be prompted to restart your computer.

Tips for Managing Startup Programs

Identify Unnecessary Programs: Review the list of startup programs carefully and identify any programs that you don’t need to launch automatically. Common culprits include software updaters, utilities, and programs you rarely use.
Consider Startup Impact: Pay attention to the “Startup impact” column in Task Manager. Programs with a high impact are the most likely to slow down your boot time.
Disable with Caution: Be cautious when disabling startup programs, especially if you are unsure of their purpose. Disabling essential programs can cause system instability. If in doubt, research the program online before disabling it.
Monitor Performance: After making changes to your startup programs, monitor your computer’s performance to see if there is an improvement in boot time and overall responsiveness.

Comparing Methods for Managing Startup Programs

Here’s a quick comparison of the three methods discussed:

Feature	Task Manager	Settings	System Configuration (msconfig)
Ease of Use	High	High	Medium
Accessibility	High	High	Medium
Granularity	Medium	Medium	High
System Services	No	No	Yes (with caution)

Optimizing Windows 11 startup programs can significantly improve your PC’s speed and responsiveness. By following these steps, you can easily manage which applications launch when your computer starts, ensuring a faster and more efficient computing experience.

Streamlining Your Windows 11 Startup

FAQ

How do I find out what programs are slowing down my computer’s startup? The Task Manager’s “Startup apps” tab shows the “Startup impact” of each program, indicating how much it affects boot time.

Can disabling startup programs cause problems? Yes, disabling essential programs can cause system instability. Be cautious and research programs you’re unsure about before disabling them.

Is it better to disable or uninstall programs to improve startup time? Uninstalling programs you don’t need is generally better, as it frees up disk space and system resources. Disabling startup programs only prevents them from launching automatically.

How often should I review my startup programs? It’s a good practice to review your startup programs every few months or after installing new software.

What if I accidentally disable a critical startup program? You can re-enable the program using Task Manager, Settings, or msconfig. If you’re unsure which program you disabled, consider restoring your system to a previous restore point.