How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11 (2024)

Use the Settings app or Task Manager to choose which programs launch when your computer starts up

Updated on October 3, 2023

In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Change Startup Programs

  • Disable Startup Apps in Task Manager

  • Reasons to Change Startup Programs

  • Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Startup and select the toggle next to each app to turn it On or Off.
  • Or, open Task Manager, go to the Startup apps tab, right-click an app, and select Disable or Enable.
  • Removing unneeded startup apps can help your PC boot up faster.

This article explains how to change startup programs in Windows 11.

How to Change Windows 11 Startup Programs

The quickest way to change your startup programs is through the Settings app.

  1. Select the Start menu from the taskbar and open Settings. If you don't see a link for it, you can search for it using the search bar.

    How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11 (1)

  2. Select Apps in the left sidebar.

    How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11 (2)

  3. Select Startup.

    How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11 (3)

  4. Select the toggle next to each app to turn it On or Off. The next time you start up your computer, only the apps you've chosen will launch.

    How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11 (4)

How to Enable or Disable Startup Apps in Task Manager

You can also manage your current startup programs in Task Manager.

  1. Right-click the Start menu from the taskbar and select Task Manager.

    Another way to open Task Manager in Windows 11 is through the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keyboard shortcut.

    How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11 (5)

  2. Select the Startup apps tab.

    If you don't see it, select the Gauge icon. The next time you update Windows, the Startup apps tab should be available.

    How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11 (6)

  3. Right-click an app and select Disable to turn it off, or Enable to turn it on.

    How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11 (7)

  4. Make sure it says the status you prefer — Disabled or Enabled — next to the app. Close Task Manager when you're done.

    How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11 (8)

Should I Change My Startup Programs in Windows?

Startup programs are applications that launch automatically when you boot up your computer. These include background services like Microsoft OneDrive, but any program can be assigned as a startup app.

Having apps that you use every day open automatically can save you time, but too many startup programs can slow down your computer. If your PC is slow when booting up, removing unneeded startup apps can help.

FAQ

  • How do I enter Windows BIOS on startup?

    To access BIOS on a Windows PC, you have to press a specific key during startup (usually F2, F10, or Delete). Newer computers have UEFI BIOS which you can boot into from Windows Settings.

  • Can I change the Windows 11 startup sound?

    Yes. You can change the Windows 11 startup sound with a third-party program. Or, to turn it off, uncheck thePlay Windows Startup soundcheckbox in the Sound settings window.

  • Where is the startup folder in Windows 11?

    To access the Windows startup folder, press Windows+R and type shell:startup in the text box. The Startup folder will open. To add a program, right-click in the Startup folder and select New > Shortcut > Browse.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for letting us know!

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

Subscribe

Tell us why!

How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11 (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jerrold Considine

Last Updated:

Views: 6745

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jerrold Considine

Birthday: 1993-11-03

Address: Suite 447 3463 Marybelle Circles, New Marlin, AL 20765

Phone: +5816749283868

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Air sports, Sand art, Electronics, LARPing, Baseball, Book restoration, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Jerrold Considine, I am a combative, cheerful, encouraging, happy, enthusiastic, funny, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.