Having too many apps opening on startup can slow down your Windows 11 computer. It’s easy to stop this from happening with just a few steps. You can manage which apps start automatically by accessing the Task Manager. It’s a simple process, and you’ll notice a quicker startup time once you’ve finished.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Stop Apps from Opening on Startup in Windows 11
Before we jump into the steps, let’s get a clear picture of what we’re doing. We’re going to access the Task Manager, where you can see a list of all the apps that open when you start your computer. From there, you can disable the ones you don’t need right away.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager.
Task Manager is a powerful tool that shows you what programs are running on your computer. It’s not just for closing programs that have crashed; it’s also where you can manage startup apps.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Startup’ Tab
In the Task Manager window, click the ‘Startup’ tab to see a list of all the apps that start automatically.
The ‘Startup’ tab lists all the apps and tells you their impact on your startup time. High impact apps slow down your startup the most.
Step 3: Disable Apps You Don’t Need on Startup
Right-click on any app you don’t need at startup and select ‘Disable’.
Disabling an app doesn’t uninstall it; it just stops it from opening when you turn on your computer. You can still use the app like normal by opening it from the Start menu.
After completing these steps, the next time you start your computer, the apps you disabled won’t open automatically. Your system should boot up faster, giving you a smoother and quicker start to your computing session.
Tips on How to Stop Apps from Opening on Startup in Windows 11
- Check the ‘Startup impact’ column to see which apps affect your startup time the most.
- Don’t disable apps that you use regularly and need immediately after your computer starts.
- Some apps are designed to start with Windows; consider whether you need these before disabling them.
- Be careful not to disable any system apps or processes unless you’re sure about what they do.
- Revisit the ‘Startup’ tab periodically to manage any new apps that may have set themselves to start on boot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘Disable’ mean?
Disabling an app stops it from automatically opening when you start your computer.
Will disabling an app delete it from my computer?
No, disabling an app only stops it from opening on startup. You can still use the app by opening it manually.
Can I enable an app again after disabling it?
Yes, you can re-enable an app at any time by following the same steps and selecting ‘Enable’.
What if I can’t find the Task Manager?
You can also open the Task Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting ‘Task Manager’ from the menu.
Do I need to restart my computer for the changes to take effect?
No, changes are effective immediately, but you will only notice the difference the next time you start your computer.
Summary
- Open Task Manager
- Click on the ‘Startup’ tab
- Disable apps you don’t need on startup
Conclusion
There you have it—stopping apps from opening on startup in Windows 11 is a piece of cake! Not only does it help your computer to boot up faster, but it also means you can jump into your work or play without waiting for unnecessary programs to load. Remember, the key is to disable only those apps you don’t need right away; there’s no need to disable everything. And don’t worry, you can always change your mind and enable them again if you find you need them. Now that you know how to manage your startup apps, it’s time to enjoy a more efficient computing experience with Windows 11. Keep this guide handy, and feel free to share it with friends or family who might be struggling with slow startup times. Happy computing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.