Is your computer slow to start?
You log in, and a dozen programs launch before you even open your browser.
Many apps set themselves to run at startup — often without asking.
Here’s how to stop them and speed up your boot time.
✅ 1. Why startup programs matter
Every startup app:
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Uses memory before you open anything
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Increases boot time
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May slow down overall system performance
Some are useful (antivirus, cloud sync),
but most can be delayed or removed.
✅ 2. Disable startup apps on Windows
Method 1 – Task Manager
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Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc→ Go to Startup tab -
Right-click any app → Click Disable
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Restart to confirm
Method 2 – Settings app (Windows 11)
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Go to Settings → Apps → Startup
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Toggle off what you don’t want
✅ Tip: Leave security tools ON. Disable only what you recognize.
✅ 3. Disable startup items on macOS
Method 1 – System Settings (macOS Ventura+)
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Go to System Settings → General → Login Items
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Click the app → Remove or disable
Method 2 – Legacy macOS (pre-Ventura)
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Go to System Preferences → Users & Groups
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Click your user → Login Items tab → Select app → Click minus (–)
✅ Some apps still sneak into startup via background processes — see next step.
✅ 4. Use Autoruns (Windows, advanced)
For deep startup cleaning:
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Download Autoruns by Sysinternals (Microsoft)
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View all programs, services, drivers that run on boot
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Uncheck unwanted entries
⚠️ Be cautious — don’t disable Microsoft or system services.
✅ 5. Prevent apps from adding themselves again
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During installation, uncheck “Run at startup”
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Inside app settings, look for “Launch on boot” toggle
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Some apps (like Zoom, Spotify) sneak this in by default
Key points to remember
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Too many startup apps = slow boots and heavy memory use
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Disable safely via Task Manager or System Settings
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Use Autoruns for deep control (advanced users)
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Don’t disable essential services (firewall, antivirus, drivers)
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A clean boot equals a faster computer