How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 11

You can choose which programs launch when your computer starts up

By Robert Earl Wells III
Published on November 16, 2022

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.

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 Windows Settings.

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

    Windows Start Menu and Settings in Windows 11

  2. Select Apps in the left sidebar.

    Apps highlighted on the left side of Windows 11 settings

  3. Select Startup.

    Startup highlighted in Windows 11 App settings

  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.

    Off toggle next to Creative Cloud Desktop in Windows 11 Startup settings

How to Disable Startup Apps in Task Manager

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

  1. 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.

    Task Manager highlighted in the Windows 11 taskbar

  2. 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.

    The Startup icon (the gauge) in the Windows 11 Task Manager

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

    Disable at the top and Disable in right-click menu in Window task manager

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

    Disabled highlighted next to the Steam app in Windows Task manager

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.

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?

    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.

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