How to manage startup apps using Settings on Windows 10

Windows 10 adds new settings page to make it easier to configure which apps run at startup — Here's how to use the new settings.

Startup apps settings on Windows 10
Startup apps settings on Windows 10

On Windows 10, when you have many applications registered to run at startup, you’ll notice that your device will take longer to start, the experience may feel sluggish, and battery life won’t last long. 

If this happens, you can use the Startup page in the Settings app to control which Microsoft Store and traditional (Win32) desktop apps are allowed to run at startup. Of course, you can continue to use Task Manager to manage these settings, but moving forward the preferred method would be using Settings.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to configure which apps are allowed to run at startup on Windows 10.

How to disable apps at startup on Windows 10

To disable apps at startup, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

  2. Click on Apps.

  3. Click on Startup.

  4. Turn the toggle switch off for the apps you want to disable at startup.

    Disable apps at startup on Windows 10
    Disable apps at startup on Windows 10

Once you complete the steps, the apps you have disabled will no longer run at startup.

If you’re not sure which ones to turn off, on each app in the list, you’ll notice a label letting you know how the app is impacting the startup process.

How to enable apps at startup on Windows 10

To allow app to run at startup, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Apps.

  3. Click on Startup.

  4. Turn the toggle switch on for the apps you want to run at startup.

    Enable apps at startup on Windows 10
    Enable apps at startup on Windows 10

After you complete the steps, the apps will open automatically at startup.

Update May 25, 2020: This guide was originally published in 2017, but it’s been revised to make user the content still accurate. 

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He's also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ & Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.