Disable programs at startup Windows 10, 8 and 7: The step-by-step guide!

windows startup program

If you experience a big slowdown when you turn on your computer, it is recommended to remove several unwanted programs from windows startup.

Here is an explanatory guide for Windows 10 and 8 and 7! We recommend that you watch the videos below to better understand the steps to follow.

Good to know: There are multiple solutions to speed up your computer. Here we have presented solutions to repair a slow PC , accessible to beginners.

Disable programs at startup in Windows 10

windows 10

Method 1:

In Windows 10:

  • Step 1: Go to the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
  • Step 2: Right-click.
  • Step 3: Then click on “Task Manager”.

   A Window appears with several tabs.

  • Step 4: You can click Startup.

In this window, you can see the Program Name, its Publisher, its status (Disabled or Enabled), as well as its Impact on startup.

  1. A “High” impact means that the program uses a lot of resources at startup.
  2. A “Low” impact means that the program uses very few resources at startup.
  • Step 5: Select a software, then click “Disable” at the bottom right.

It is therefore preferable to deactivate programs which have a strong impact on startup. For each software, if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to search for information on Google. You will learn many things there.

Along the same lines, if you want to reactivate a program, you can follow the same procedure. But, you will have understood that…

Warning : You should avoid disabling things like Antivirus, for example. Since PCs are constantly connected to the Internet, they would be exposed. Of course, if your computer is not connected to the internet, you can ignore this warning.

Method 2:

You can display the Task Manager like this:

  • Step 1: Press the key combination: ALT + CTRL + Del.

   You must press these 3 keys on your keyboard at the same time.

A screen appears with a list of possible choices (Lock, Change user, Log out, etc.)

  • Step 2: Choose “Task Manager”
  • Step 3: Click “Startup”
  • Step 4: Select a software, then click “Disable” at the bottom right.

Method 3:

You can go through the Settings:

  • Step 1: Click the “Start” Button (or Windows Button).
  • Step 2: Select “Settings”
  • Step 3: Choose “Applications”
  • Step 4: Click “Startup”
  • Step 5: Select “Startup Apps” 
  • Step 6: Choose the program you want to disable and click “Disable”

Disable programs at startup in Windows 8

To deactivate a program when Windows 8 starts, simply follow the same procedure as for Windows 10. I therefore invite you to read the part on Windows 10 or watch the video below:

Disable programs at startup in Windows 7

In Windows 7:

  • Step 1: Click Start > Run

A window appears at the bottom right.

  • Step 2: Type “msconfig”

Another window appears with the title “System Configuration”.

  • Step 3: Click Start

A list appears with the names of the programs that launch at startup. There we find the Name of the program (Startup Element), the Name of the Manufacturer, the Command which is executed at startup, the Location in the Registry and the Date of deactivation.

  • Step 4: Choose the Program you want to disable. You will always have the option to launch it after startup, if necessary.

To reactivate a program, you can do the same. Simply, instead of Disable, you will be able to Activate the program.

windows 7

In Windows 7, you have the option to Disable all programs at once or Enable all. We do not recommend this unless you are an experienced user.

In fact, you should avoid deactivating your antivirus, for example, when the computer is connected to the Internet.

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Hello me, it's François :) Editor in my spare time who loves sharing his passion: TT High tech! 😍 Whether it's hardware, software, video games, social media and many other areas on the site. I share with you my analyses, my tests, tutorials and my favorites on various media. I am a knowledgeable and demanding technophile, who does not just follow fashion, but who seeks to guide you towards the best solutions. So stay tuned!