Changing which programs run when Windows 11 starts is quick and safe. You can turn programs on or off using Task Manager or Settings, add shortcuts to the Startup folder to make apps launch, or change app settings to stop automatic starts. For advanced control you can edit the Registry, but that requires care. Follow the steps below and you will be able to speed up boot times and reduce background clutter.
How To Change Startup Programs in Windows 11 – Step by Step Tutorial
This short tutorial shows several reliable ways to view, enable, disable, add, and remove startup programs in Windows 11. Pick the method that fits your comfort level, from simple toggles to advanced edits.
Step 1: Open Task Manager and go to the Startup tab to enable or disable apps.
Task Manager is the fastest way to see which apps load at startup and their impact on boot time.
Press Ctrl, Shift, and Esc at the same time to open Task Manager, then click More details if needed and select the Startup tab.
Right click any entry to disable or enable it, and you can sort by Startup impact to focus on the heaviest apps.
Step 2: Use Settings, Apps, Startup to toggle startup programs and view their impact.
Settings shows a clear list with simple on and off switches and an impact rating for each app.
Open Settings, choose Apps, then Startup. Toggle the switch next to any app to change whether it starts automatically.
This view is useful for built-in apps and store apps that integrate with Windows.
Step 3: Add or remove shortcuts in the Startup folder to control custom launches.
The Startup folder runs anything placed there when you sign in, so you can add a shortcut to start a program or remove one to stop it.
Press Windows key and R, type shell:startup, and press Enter to open your personal Startup folder.
To add a program, drag a shortcut into this folder. To stop a program, delete its shortcut from this folder.
Step 4: Change an app’s internal settings to prevent or allow auto-start.
Many apps offer an option inside their own settings to start with Windows, which is the safest way to change behavior.
Open the program, look for Settings or Preferences, and find an option labeled Start with Windows, Launch at startup, or similar.
Turning that option off prevents the app from adding itself back to startup lists.
Step 5: Use Registry Editor to remove startup entries only if you are comfortable with advanced changes.
The Registry stores many startup entries, and editing it can remove stubborn items, but it can also harm your system if done incorrectly.
Press Windows key and R, type regedit, and press Enter, then navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run or the same path under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE to find startup strings.
Right click and delete the value only if you are sure it belongs to the app you want to remove, and consider backing up the Registry first.
After you complete these actions, Windows will stop launching the programs you disabled or removed and will start the ones you added.
You should notice faster sign-in times and fewer background processes.
If you disabled an app and need it again, you can reenable it from the same place you used to disable it.
Tips for How To Change Startup Programs Windows 11
- Check the Startup impact column in Task Manager to prioritize disabling high impact apps.
- Backup the Registry before making changes if you use Registry Editor.
- Use the Startup folder to add lightweight helper apps rather than heavy programs.
- Keep security software enabled at startup even if you are trimming other items.
- If an app keeps reappearing, look for an in-app setting that re-enables startup or an updater that recreates the entry.
- Create a restore point before making multiple changes so you can revert easily.
- Uninstall unused programs instead of just disabling them to free disk space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open Task Manager quickly?
Press Ctrl, Shift, and Esc together and Task Manager will open.
If you only see a small window, click More details to view tabs, including Startup.
Will disabling startup programs delete my apps?
No, disabling a startup entry only stops the app from launching at sign-in.
The app remains installed and you can run it manually at any time.
Can I add a program to startup that is not listed?
Yes, place a shortcut to the program in the Startup folder.
Open the folder with shell:startup and drop the shortcut there.
Is it safe to edit the Registry to remove startup items?
Editing the Registry can be safe if you know what you are doing, but mistakes can cause problems.
Always back up the Registry or create a system restore point before deleting values.
Why does an app keep coming back after I disable it?
Some apps have background installers or update services that re-add startup entries.
Look for an option inside the app to stop automatic startup or uninstall the updater if you do not need it.
Will disabling too many startup apps cause problems?
Most user-level apps are safe to disable, but avoid disabling security and system services.
If you are unsure, disable one or two items, then restart and confirm everything works.
Summary
- Open Task Manager, disable or enable.
- Use Settings, Apps, Startup toggles.
- Add or remove shortcuts in Startup folder.
- Change app internal settings to stop auto-start.
- Edit Registry only if you know what to do.
Conclusion
Learning how To change startup programs in Windows 11 is a practical skill that helps your PC boot faster and run cleaner. Controlling startup programs means you decide what runs in the background, not the other way around. The methods in this article cover both beginner and advanced options. If you prefer point-and-click, use Task Manager or Settings to toggle apps off and on. The Startup folder gives you a straightforward way to add custom programs, and changing app settings stops apps from re-registering themselves. The Registry is the last resort, useful for stubborn entries but risky if you are not careful.
Take it slow and make one change at a time. After each change, restart your PC and check if everything behaves as expected. If a critical app stops working, you can re-enable it quickly. For extra safety, create a system restore point before editing the Registry. That way you can roll back if something goes wrong.
If you want more speed, also check for unwanted background services, run a malware scan, and keep Windows updated. For businesses and power users, Group Policy offers centralized control across many machines. For most people, though, Task Manager and Settings are enough to tame startup programs. Now try these steps on your PC and enjoy a cleaner, faster Windows 11 start.
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.