How to See and Change Startup Programs in Windows

Understanding Programs That Start With Windows

To see what programs start on startup, use Task Manager first. Open it with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then choose Startup apps. This list shows most apps that launch when you sign in.

You can also check Windows Settings and two Startup folders. Task Manager gives the clearest view of app status and startup impact. Settings offers a simple on and off switch.

The Startup folders show shortcuts that launch at sign-in. They help when an app does not appear in Task Manager. Some apps also use system settings or the Windows Registry.

• Task Manager: Best for viewing apps and startup impact.
• Settings: Best for quick app control.
• File Explorer: Best for finding startup shortcuts.
• Registry: Useful for advanced checks, but risky to edit.

User startup settings affect one Windows account. System startup settings can affect every account on the computer.

Open Task Manager and Find Startup Apps

Task Manager is the fastest way to see which programs start on startup. It comes with Windows and needs no extra software. Start by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

If Task Manager opens in a small view, select More details. Then select Startup apps in the left panel. Older Windows versions may show a Startup tab across the top.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc together.
2. Select More details if the small view appears.
3. Choose Startup apps on the left.
4. Click an app to view its status and startup impact.

The list shows whether each app is enabled or disabled. It also shows how much start-up time each app may add. Windows groups this impact as low, medium, high, or not measured.

These labels are a guide, not a full speed test. A high-impact app may take more time to load. It may still be vital for your work or security.

Enable or disable an app

Right-click an app, then choose Disable to stop its launch. Choose Enable to let it launch again. The change takes effect after your next sign-in.

Do not disable every item at once. Change one or two items, then restart Windows. This makes problems easier to trace.

Microsoft explains this startup control in its guide to Windows startup applications.

Use Windows Settings to Manage Startup Apps

Settings gives you another answer to how to change what programs start on startup. Open Settings, then choose Apps. Select Startup to view the app list.

Use the switch beside an app to turn startup access on or off. You will also see an impact label for many apps. This page works well when you want a simple change.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Choose Startup.
4. Turn the switch off beside an app you do not need.
5. Restart Windows and check the result.

Settings and Task Manager usually control the same startup app list. Their layouts differ between Windows versions. The app name may also differ from the name shown in its shortcut.

Some apps offer their own startup setting. For example, a chat app may have a launch-at-login switch inside its settings. Turn that option off too if the app keeps returning.

Find Startup Shortcuts in File Explorer

File Explorer can show apps that launch through startup shortcuts. This method helps when an app is missing from Settings. It also explains the difference between user and system startup settings.

Press Windows + R to open the Run box. Type shell:startup, then press Enter. This opens the Startup folder for your current Windows account.

Shortcuts in this folder run only for that user. To view the folder for every user, open Run again. Type shell:common startup, then press Enter.

• shell:startup: Startup items for your account only.
• shell:common startup: Startup items for all accounts.

To stop a shortcut from launching, move it to another folder first. Do not delete it until you know the change works. You can restore the shortcut if an app needs it later.

Some folders need administrator approval. Windows may ask for permission before you move a system-wide shortcut. If access is denied, sign in with an administrator account.

How Startup Apps Affect Performance

Each startup app uses some time, memory, or background processing. Ten small apps can create a noticeable delay. A single large app can also slow sign-in by itself.

Task Manager uses impact groups to help rank these costs. A high-impact label means the app added more load during startup checks. It does not mean the app is unsafe.

Begin with apps you rarely use. Cloud drives, game launchers, update tools, and meeting apps often work well when opened as needed. Keep tools that protect your computer or support key hardware.

App type	Common choice	Why
Security tool	Keep enabled	It may protect the system from the first sign-in.
Music or game launcher	Often disable	You can open it when needed.
Printer helper	Test before disabling	It may support alerts or special features.
Cloud storage tool	Choose by need	It may need to run for file sync.

Startup changes do not add more memory to your computer. They only delay or prevent certain apps from launching. You can still open a disabled app from the Start menu.

Troubleshoot Startup Problems

Startup problems often come from a bad app, a broken shortcut, or an old driver. A recent app update may also change its launch setting. Note what changed before you begin.

First, disable one recent or unknown app. Restart Windows and test the issue. If the problem stops, enable other apps one at a time.

• Check Task Manager for a failed or unknown startup item.
• Check both Startup folders for old shortcuts.
• Update the app that causes the fault.
• Uninstall software you no longer use.
• Run a trusted security scan for unknown entries.

If Windows starts slowly, test with nonessential apps disabled. If Windows fails to start, use Windows recovery tools. A restore point may help reverse a bad system change.

Do not edit Registry settings unless you know the exact entry. A wrong change can stop software from working. Back up the Registry before any advanced edit.

How to Remove Programs From Startup

To change what programs load on startup, disable them in Task Manager or Settings first. This is safer than deleting app files. It also lets you restore the old setting quickly.

1. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Select Startup apps.
3. Choose the app you want to stop.
4. Select Disable.
5. Restart Windows and test your usual tasks.

To remove a startup shortcut, open shell:startup in File Explorer. Move the unwanted shortcut to a backup folder. Repeat with shell:common startup only when the item affects all users.

Uninstall the app if you no longer need it. Open Settings, choose Apps, then select Installed apps. Find the program and choose Uninstall.

That process answers how to change which programs start on startup without harming Windows. Keep a short note of each change. It makes future troubleshooting far easier.