Quick Guide: "how to check startup programs in Windows 10" & Speed Up Boot Time

Is your PC taking forever to boot up? Over time, Windows tends to load unnecessary apps during startup that slow down your computer. This guide will show you "how to check startup programs in Windows 10" and disable the ones you don’t need—giving your PC a noticeable speed boost.

Why Do Startup Programs Matter?

Startup programs are the apps that automatically launch when you turn on your computer. While some are essential—like antivirus software or drivers—many are not. Apps like Spotify, Discord, Steam, Adobe, or Skype can significantly slow down your startup without offering any real benefit.

Learning "how to check startup programs in Windows 10" helps you manage these background apps and regain control of your system’s boot time and performance.

Method 1: Using Task Manager

Here’s the easiest way to check and manage your startup programs using Task Manager:

1. Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. If it opens in compact mode, click "More details".
3. Navigate to the Startup tab.
4. You’ll see a list of startup programs with their Status (Enabled/Disabled) and Startup Impact (Low, Medium, High).
5. Right-click any unnecessary app and choose Disable.

This simple method allows you to directly act on the items slowing down your system.

Method 2: Using Windows Settings

You can also check and disable startup programs through Settings:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Startup.
3. Toggle OFF the apps you don't want to launch at startup.

This view also shows the impact rating of each program, helping you decide what to keep.

Method 3: Using Autoruns (Advanced)

If you want even deeper control, download Autoruns from Microsoft Sysinternals. It reveals hidden startup entries like drivers, services, and scheduled tasks.

⚠️ Only recommended for advanced users. Be cautious before disabling anything you don’t recognize.

What Should You Disable?

Not all startup programs are harmful, but here’s a quick guide:

• Safe to Disable: Spotify, Skype, Discord, OneDrive, Google Drive, Adobe Acrobat, Steam
• Usually Keep Enabled: Antivirus software (Windows Defender, Avast, etc.), Audio drivers, Touchpad control (for laptops)

Disabling safe apps will not uninstall them; they’ll just not start automatically. You can still open them manually when needed.

Extra Tip: Delay or Schedule Startup Apps

Instead of disabling, you can use task schedulers or startup managers to delay app launches by a few minutes, improving boot time while still having apps load later in the background.

Common Problems and Fixes

• Startup Tab Missing: Make sure Task Manager is in “More Details” mode.
• Disabled App Still Launches: Check for auto-start settings within that app or scheduled tasks.
• Nothing Shows in Startup: Use Autoruns to dig deeper or check for malware.

My Experience

I used to wonder why my laptop was so slow after just six months of use. It would take nearly two minutes to become usable after boot. Once I learned "how to check startup programs in Windows 10", I found over 10 non-essential apps starting up—like Zoom, Adobe Updater, and even Spotify.

After disabling them via Task Manager and Settings, my boot time dropped to 30 seconds! Not only did it improve speed, but my RAM usage also dropped by 25%. Ever since, I regularly check and manage startup apps—it's a simple trick that makes a big difference.

Conclusion

Knowing "how to check startup programs in Windows 10" is essential for any Windows user. Whether you’re a gamer, a student, or just browsing the web, managing startup programs can make your PC feel brand new again.

Don’t let unnecessary apps steal your system resources. Take 5 minutes today and go through your startup list—you’ll be surprised by the results!

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