How To Stop Startup Apps In Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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4 min. read

Published on November 9, 2025

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Windows 11, while offering a sleek and modern interface, can sometimes feel sluggish due to the number of applications that automatically launch upon startup. These startup apps consume valuable system resources, impacting boot times and overall performance. Learning how to manage these applications is essential for optimizing your Windows 11 experience.

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to disabling unwanted startup applications in Windows 11, allowing you to regain control over your system’s performance and enjoy a faster, more responsive computing experience. We’ll cover several methods, ensuring you find the most convenient and effective solution for your needs.

How Do I Prevent Programs From Starting Automatically in Windows 11?

Using Task Manager to Disable Startup Apps

Task Manager offers a straightforward way to manage startup applications. Here’s how:

Right-click on the Start button.
Select “Task Manager” from the context menu.
If Task Manager opens in a simplified view, click “More details” in the bottom-left corner.
Click on the “Startup apps” tab.
Select the application you want to disable.
Click the “Disable” button in the bottom-right corner.

Disabling Startup Apps Through Windows 11 Settings

The Settings app provides another avenue for controlling startup applications:

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Click on “Apps” in the left sidebar.
Select “Startup”.
Toggle the switch to the “Off” position for the applications you want to disable.

Utilizing System Configuration (msconfig)

For more advanced users, the System Configuration utility (msconfig) provides a comprehensive view of startup processes:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, click on the “Services” tab.
Check the box “Hide all Microsoft services” to prevent disabling essential system services.
Uncheck the box next to the services associated with the applications you want to prevent from starting up.
Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Understanding Startup Impact

Task Manager displays a “Startup impact” column, which indicates how much each application affects your system’s startup time. This information can help you prioritize which applications to disable.

High: Applications with a high impact significantly slow down startup.
Medium: Applications with a medium impact have a noticeable effect on startup time.
Low: Applications with a low impact have minimal effect on startup time.
Not measured: The impact of the application is not currently being measured.

Tips for Managing Startup Apps

Disable only unnecessary apps: Avoid disabling essential system services or applications you use frequently.
Monitor performance: After disabling startup apps, observe your system’s performance to ensure stability.
Enable apps when needed: If you need a disabled app, you can easily re-enable it using the same methods.

Faster Boot Times Ahead

By taking control of your startup applications, you can significantly improve your Windows 11 boot times and overall system responsiveness.

FAQ

How do I find out what programs are slowing down my computer? Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and check the “Startup impact” column in the “Startup apps” tab.

Is it safe to disable all startup programs? No, disabling essential system services can cause instability. Hide Microsoft services in msconfig to avoid disabling them.

What happens if I disable a program from starting up? The program will not automatically launch when you start your computer, but you can still open it manually.

How do I re-enable a startup program I disabled? Use Task Manager, Settings, or msconfig to re-enable the program.

Should I disable OneDrive from starting up? If you don’t use OneDrive frequently, disabling it from startup can improve boot times.