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

What to Know

  • 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 tab, right-click an app, and select Disable or Enable.Removing unneeded startup apps can help your PC boot up faster.

How to Change Windows 11 Startup Programs

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

  • Select the Start Menu in the Windows taskbar and open Settings.
  • Select Apps in the left sidebar.
  • Select Startup.
  • 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 Disable Startup Apps in Task Manager

You can disable your current startup program in the Windows Task Manager.

Select the Start Menu in the Windows taskbar and open Settings.

Select Apps in the left sidebar.

Select Startup.

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.

  • Right-click the Start Menu in the Windows taskbar and select Task Manager.
  • Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Windows Task Manager.
  • Select the Startup tab in the Task Manager.
  • If you don’t see Startup, select the Gauge icon. The next time you update Windows, the Startup tab should be available.
  • Right-click an app and select Disable to turn it off.
  • Make sure it says Disabled next to the app. Close the Task Manager when you’re done.

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 and Cortana, but any program can be assigned as a startup app.

Right-click the Start Menu in the Windows taskbar and select Task Manager.

Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Windows Task Manager.

Select the Startup tab in the Task Manager.

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

Right-click an app and select Disable to turn it off.

Make sure it says Disabled next to the app. Close the Task Manager when you’re done.

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.

  • 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?
  • No. While you can change the Windows 11 system sounds, there’s no option to change the startup sound. You can turn it off, however, by unchecking the Play Windows Startup sound checkbox 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.

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.

No. While you can change the Windows 11 system sounds, there’s no option to change the startup sound. You can turn it off, however, by unchecking the Play Windows Startup sound checkbox in the Sound settings window.

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.

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