How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11

This article explains how to change startup programs in Windows 11.

Using Task Manager (Quickest Method)

Step 1: Open Task Manager:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, or right-click the Start Menu and select Task Manager.

Step 2: Go to the Startup Apps tab.
Step 3: Right-click any app and choose:

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• Enable: Let it run at startup.
• Disable: Stop it from launching automatically.

Key Notes:

• Check the “Startup Impact” column to identify resource-heavy apps.
• Disable apps like OneDrive, Spotify, or Discord if you don’t need them running at boot.

Using Windows Settings

Step 1: Open Settings (Win + I) > Apps > Startup.
Step 2: Toggle apps On or Off to control their startup behavior.

Limitations:

• Only shows apps installed via the Microsoft Store or traditional .exe programs.
• System services or background processes may not appear here.

Using the Startup Folder

Add or remove shortcuts to/from the Startup folder to control user-specific startup apps.

For Current User

Path:

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup  

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter.
2. To add a program:

• Right-click > New > Shortcut > Browse to the app’s .exe file.

1. To remove a program:

• Delete the shortcut from the folder.

For All Users

Path:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp  

• Requires administrative privileges to modify.

Using the Registry Editor (Advanced)

Use this method for apps not listed in Task Manager or Settings.

Step 1: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to these keys:

• Current User:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• All Users:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Step 3: To disable a startup app:

• Right-click the entry and select Delete.

Step 4: To add a startup app:

• Right-click the right pane > New > String Value.
• Name it the app’s title and set its value to the app’s .exe path (e.g., "C:\Program Files\App\app.exe").

⚠️ Caution: Incorrect edits can destabilize your system. Back up the registry first (File > Export).

Third-Party Tools

Use tools like CCleaner or Autoruns for advanced control:

• Autoruns (Microsoft Sysinternals):
• Download: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns
• Shows all startup entries (services, drivers, scheduled tasks).

What to Disable?

• Safe to Disable:
• Cloud storage apps (e.g., Dropbox, OneDrive).
• Media players (e.g., Spotify, Steam).
• Manufacturer bloatware (e.g., HP, Dell utilities).
• Avoid Disabling:
• Antivirus/firewall software.
• Critical drivers (e.g., graphics, touchpad).

Summary Table

Tips

• Test changes: Disable one app at a time to avoid conflicts.
• Delay startup: Use tools like Startup Delayer to stagger resource-heavy apps.
• Check background processes: Some apps run services even if disabled in Task Manager.