How to disable startup programs on Windows 11

• To disable apps from running at startup on Windows 11, you can use the Settings app, Task Manager, Startup folder, and Registry.
• The easiest way to disable startup apps, open Settings > Apps > Startup and turn off the programs you don’t want running at startup.

On Windows 11, you have multiple ways to stop apps from launching automatically at startup, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the most effective methods to control this behavior.

A lot of applications are designed to start as soon as you sign in, helping you access them faster. However, this convenience often comes at a cost. Too many startup apps can significantly slow down boot times, reduce overall system responsiveness, and unnecessarily consume processor, memory, and battery power in the background.

As a general rule, only essential apps should run at startup. If your computer is taking longer to boot, feels sluggish shortly after signing in, or keeps opening apps you didn’t ask for (yes, apps like Spotify are common offenders), it’s time to take control.

Windows 11 makes this process straightforward. You can disable startup programs using four main methods, including the Settings app, Task Manager, the Startup folder, and even the Registry for more advanced control.

In this guide, I will teach you how to stop programs from running automatically on startup on Windows 11.

• Stop programs from running at startup on Windows 11 
• Stop programs from running at startup from Task Manager on Windows 11
• Stop programs from running at startup from Startup folder on Windows 11
• Stop programs from running at startup from Registry on Windows 11
• FAQs about disabling apps at startup on Windows 11

Stop programs from running at startup on Windows 11

To disable startup apps on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Apps.

3. Click the Startup page.

4. (Optional) Select the Startup impact option from the “Sort by” setting.

5. Turn off the toggle switch for each program to stop it from running at startup.

   

Once you complete the steps, the apps will no longer run automatically on startup, speeding up the startup process and overall system performance.

It’s important to note that there’s no specific list of apps you should disable. Instead, you should turn off the apps that have a greater impact on performance and disable as many as possible.

Stop programs from running at startup from Task Manager on Windows 11

To stop programs from launching automatically at startup from Task Manager, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search from Task Manager and select the top result to open the app.

3. Click on Startup apps.

4. Select the app affecting performance.

5. Click the Disable button.

   

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to disable other apps causing startup impact.

After you complete the steps, the programs will stop launching every time the computer starts.

Stop programs from running at startup from Startup folder on Windows 11

To remove apps from the Startup folder to prevent them from starting automatically, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Run and click the top result to open the app.

3. Type the following command and click the OK button:

   shell:startup

4. Select the shortcut to the app and click the Delete button from the command bar.

   

5. Repeat step 4 to disable other apps during startup.

Once you complete the steps, the applications will no longer impact the startup experience of Windows 11.

Stop programs from running at startup from Registry on Windows 11

Alternatively, it’s possible to disable startup programs from the Registry by deleting their entries from the “Run” and “StartupApproroved” keys.

To disable programs at startup from the Registry on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry.

3. Navigate to the following path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

4. Right-click the REG_SZ key for the app and select the Delete option to disable it at startup.

   

5. Repeat step 5 to disable other apps.

6. Navigate to the following path:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartupApproved

7. Click on the Run key.

8. Right-click the REG_BINARY key for the app and select the Delete option to disable it at startup.

   

9. Repeat step 8 to disable other apps.

10. Click on StartupFolder.

11. Right-click the REG_BINARY key for the app and select the Delete option to disable it at startup.

    

12. Repeat step 9 to disable other apps.

After you complete the steps, the programs will be disabled at startup, speeding up the startup process of Windows 11.

Modifying in-app settings

If none of these methods work, you may need to disable the option in the application settings rather than in the Settings app. Since each application differs, you may need to check the developer’s documentation for more specific details.

In addition to startup programs, Windows 11 includes a feature that automatically restarts apps to restore your last session and help you pick up where you left off quickly. If you don’t want apps to restart automatically, disable the feature using these instructions.

How are you disabling apps on your computer at startup? Let me know in the comments.

FAQs about disabling apps at startup on Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about disabling apps at startup on Windows 11.

What are startup apps on Windows 11?

Startup apps are programs configured to launch automatically when you sign in to Windows 11. These apps run in the background or open on the desktop to provide quick access, but too many can slow boot times, reduce performance, and consume system resources like CPU, memory, and battery.

How do I disable startup apps on Windows 11?

The easiest way to disable startup apps on Windows 11 is through Settings. Open Settings > Apps > Startup, then turn off the toggle for each app you don’t want launching automatically. This method lets you quickly reduce startup load and improve overall system performance without advanced tools.

Does disabling startup apps improve performance on Windows 11?

Yes, disabling startup apps can significantly improve performance. Fewer apps launching at startup reduce boot time, lower processor and memory usage, and help the system remain responsive after sign-in. This is especially noticeable on devices with limited hardware resources or many background applications.

Why do some apps still start after disabling them in Windows 11?

Some apps may still start because they use their own internal startup settings or scheduled tasks. In these cases, you must disable the startup option within the app itself. Certain apps also use background services that bypass standard startup controls in Windows 11.

Is it safe to disable startup apps on Windows 11?

Yes, it is generally safe to disable most startup apps, especially non-essential ones like media players or chat apps. However, you should avoid disabling critical system or security-related programs. When unsure, review the app’s purpose before turning it off to prevent unintended issues.

How do I remove startup programs using the Startup folder on Windows 11?

To remove startup programs from the Startup folder, open “Run,” type shell:startup, and press Enter. Then delete the shortcut for any app you don’t want to launch automatically. This method works for traditional desktop apps that rely on shortcuts to run at sign-in.

How do I check which startup apps have the biggest impact on performance?

You can check startup impact using Task Manager. Open Task Manager, open the “Startup apps” tab, and review the “Startup impact” column. Apps are labeled as High, Medium, Low, or Not measured. Focus on disabling high-impact apps first to achieve the most noticeable improvement in boot time and responsiveness.

What startup apps should I not disable on Windows 11?

You should avoid disabling essential system and security apps, such as antivirus software, hardware drivers (audio, graphics, touchpad), and system utilities. Disabling these can cause instability or limit functionality. When in doubt, research the app name or leave it enabled if it’s related to system operations or security.

How do I stop apps from reopening automatically after restarting Windows 11?

Windows 11 can automatically restart apps after sign-in to restore your session. To disable this, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and turn off the “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” option. This prevents apps from reopening even after a reboot or update.

Update March 20, 2026: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.