Changing startup apps on Windows 11 is easier than you might think. All you have to do is access the startup settings, identify the apps you want to disable or enable, and make the necessary changes. This guide will walk you through the process step by step so you can ensure your computer starts up quickly and runs efficiently.
Step-by-Step Guide on Changing Startup Apps on Windows 11
This guide will help you manage which applications open automatically when you start your Windows 11 computer.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Task Manager is your go-to tool for managing many aspects of your system, including startup apps. This simple keyboard shortcut will get you there quickly.
Step 2: Go to the Startup Tab
Click on the “Startup” tab in the Task Manager.
Once Task Manager is open, you’ll see several tabs at the top. The “Startup” tab lists all the applications that start automatically when you boot up your computer.
Step 3: Select the App You Want to Change
Click on the app you want to enable or disable.
In the “Startup” tab, you’ll see a list of apps with their status indicated. Click on the app you want to change. This highlights the app, making it ready for adjustments.
Step 4: Enable or Disable the App
Right-click on the app and choose either “Enable” or “Disable.”
Right-clicking on the app brings up a context menu. Choose “Enable” to allow the app to start automatically or “Disable” to prevent it from starting automatically.
Step 5: Close Task Manager
Close the Task Manager to save your changes.
After you’ve made your adjustments, simply close the Task Manager. The changes take effect the next time you start your computer.
After you complete the action, your computer will start up with only the apps you want running. This can make your system faster and more efficient.
Tips on Changing Startup Apps on Windows 11
- Review Regularly: Check your startup apps regularly to ensure no unnecessary apps have been added.
- Prioritize Essential Apps: Only keep essential apps enabled to speed up your boot time.
- Be Cautious: Disabling critical system apps can affect your computer’s performance. Stick to user-installed apps.
- Use Startup Impact: Look at the “Startup impact” column to decide which apps to disable. High impact means it slows down startup more.
- Consider Alternatives: Some apps can be started manually when needed, rather than at startup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which apps are safe to disable?
Generally, you can disable any app you have installed yourself without causing issues. System apps should be left alone unless you are sure of their function.
Will disabling startup apps make my computer faster?
Yes, disabling unnecessary startup apps can reduce boot time and improve overall system performance.
Can I re-enable a startup app if I change my mind?
Absolutely! You can follow the same steps to re-enable any app you have previously disabled.
What if Task Manager doesn’t show the Startup tab?
If you don’t see the “Startup” tab, you might be in the simplified view. Click “More details” at the bottom to expand the view.
Do these steps work for Windows 10?
Yes, these steps are also applicable to Windows 10 with minor interface differences.
Step-by-Step Summary
- Open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab.
- Select the app you want to change.
- Enable or disable the app.
- Close Task Manager.
Conclusion
Managing startup apps on Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful way to improve your computer’s performance. By controlling which apps run automatically when you start your computer, you can speed up boot time and free up resources for the tasks that matter most to you. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your startup apps can keep your system running smoothly. For further reading, you might look into additional system optimization techniques or explore other features in Task Manager. Don’t let unnecessary startup apps slow you down—take control of your system today!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.