Expert in
PC Health Solution
All-in-one PC health solution: clean, optimize and secure
Comprehensive PC cleaning, optimization and protection
Keep drivers always up-to-date
More stable performance with less system crashes
Protect millions of computers against malware
Top computer security with full-round protection
Protect against viruses & boost PC performance
Clean: 420 billion traces removed & 85 EB junk files cleaned
Protect: 80 million unauthorized access blocked & 20 million bugs fixed
Speed Up: 6 million hours of startup time saved & Turbo boost
Optimize: Auto clean and auto care your PC with AI mode
How to stop apps from opening on startup? Discover the best optimization software and six Windows built-in settings to disable startup apps easily.
Beling Luara
Many Windows users experience the same problem over time, that is, their computers become slower during startup and take much longer to boot. Why does this happen? One of the biggest reasons is that too many apps and background programs launch automatically when Windows starts. These startup apps increase boot time, consume RAM, and reduce overall system responsiveness. But worry not. This guide will introduce 7 efficient methods for Windows PC. Just read on to learn how to stop apps from opening on startup for improved speed!
Locating and disabling each startup program can be time-consuming, especially for beginners. So, how to stop an application from opening at startup easily? All you need is IObit Advanced SystemCare. This powerful software can help you instantly disable unnecessary startup programs, optimize system resources, and improve boot speed with just one click!
First things first, let’s see how to stop apps from opening on startup Windows 11/10 with simple steps.
Step 1. Free download and install the IObit Advanced SystemCare on your Windows PC.
Step 2. From the main interface, go to Speed up > Startup Optimizer panel.
Step 3. Under the Quick Optimization tab, click on the Optimize button to improve your PC boot time in one click.
Step 4. After that, you can see your boot time greatly reduced.
Meanwhile, IObit Advanced SystemCare allows you to customize the startup options. Here’s how to stop an application from opening at startup manually.
Step 1. Still in the same Speed up > Startup Optimizer feature.
Step 2. Go to the Startup items to see all the apps launching when booting.
Step 3. Choose unwanted items/services/scheduled tasks/browser startups and disable them.
Auto Stop Startup Apps with Quick Optimization
IObit Advanced SystemCare automatically stops unnecessary startup apps and frees up system resources, reducing overall boot time. You can run a PC performance test before and after to instantly see the difference in speed and responsiveness!
Remove Custom Startup Apps as You Need
How to stop programs from running at startup with customization? IObit Advanced SystemCare has got you covered. You can choose your unwanted items/services/scheduled tasks/browser startups from opening and disable them as per your needs.
Speed up Your Windows with AI PC Clean
The software also acts as a powerful PC cleaner that automatically scans your system to remove junk files, temporary data, and unnecessary clutter. By clearing up disk space, it optimizes system performance so your PC runs faster and more efficiently.
Turbo Boost to Boost PC in Multiple Modes
How to boost internet speed on PC based on your current activity? Try its Turbo Boost in various modes(Work, Game, Economy, etc.). It intelligently stops unnecessary background programs and reallocates system resources, ensuring your PC delivers maximum performance.
Real-Time Tuneup for Top PC Performance
The software is also the RAM optimizer Windows 11/10. Its Real-Time Tune up feature continuously monitors and optimizes memory usage, which provides ongoing maintenance to keep the PC fast and responsive.
Windows Settings provides a simple built-in option quickly, without third-party software. Here’s how to stop apps from opening on startup Windows step by step.
Step 1. Right-click on Start and select Settings > Apps.
Step 2. Go to Startup on the left. Disable the apps to stop them from opening when launching.
You May Like: [Solved] 9 Ways on How to Fix Windows 11 100 Disk Usage Easily in 2026 >>
On Windows, Task Manager is where you can view all startup programs and their system impact. You can have more control over which apps launch automatically at Windows startup.
Step 1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager instantly.
Step 2. Choose the Startup tab. Click on the app you want to stop and select Disable.
System Configuration (MSConfig) provides a classic Windows tool to manage startup items, including services and programs. Here’s how to stop programs from opening on startup with it in simple steps.
Step 1. Search for the “System Configuration” on Windows and open it.
Step 2. You will be led to a panel. Choose Startup > Open Task Manager.
Step 3. Then, in the same Task Manager window as shown in the previous steps. Choose any app to disable it.
The Startup Folder stores shortcuts for applications that launch automatically when Windows boots. By removing unwanted shortcuts, you can easily control which programs start with your system.
Step 1. Press Windows + R, type “shell:startup” and press Enter. You can use “shell:common startup” for all users.
Step 2. The Startup folder will open in File Explorer. You can find shortcuts for startup programs.
Step 3. Right-click on the shortcut to delete the application you do not want to launch automatically when Windows starts.
If you are a tech-savvy user who wants to have advanced control over startup programs, Registry Editor is a handy tool. However, it’s advised to edit it with caution to avoid affecting system stability.
Step 1. Search for “Registry Editor” on your Windows and open it.
Step 2. Navigate to the following keys to locate startup entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Step 3. Find any unwanted entry, right-click it, and select Delete to remove the application from startup.
Some applications are set to launch automatically through scheduled tasks. You can use the Task Scheduler to disable these hidden startup triggers. Here's how to remove app from startup:
Step 1. Search for “Task Scheduler” to open the tool. In the left panel.
Step 2. Browse the Task Scheduler Library. Right-click any unwanted task and select Disable to prevent the application from launching automatically.
You should disable unnecessary startup apps to reduce boot time, free up RAM, and improve overall system responsiveness. It is also one of the easiest ways to speed up a PC efficiently.
No. Disabling a startup program only prevents it from launching automatically when Windows starts. The application remains installed on your computer and can still be opened manually anytime.
On macOS, open System Settings, go to General > Login Items > Open at Login section. You can delete any app here to stop it from opening when launching your macOS.
Some startup apps are hidden in Task Scheduler, Registry Editor, or background services. You can try the previous steps to manually disable them. Alternatively, IObit Advanced SystemCare is an excellent choice. You can use it to detect hidden startup items and disable unnecessary programs with just one click!
How to stop apps from opening on startup? This guide introduced 7 tested methods, from Windows built-in tools to powerful optimization software. Among them, IObit Advanced SystemCare stands out as the most effective solution, allowing you to disable startup apps and optimize system performance in one click. It is also an excellent Windows optimizer that helps keep your system running smoothly at all times. Try it to disable unwanted startup apps effortlessly and enjoy a more responsive PC experience from now on!
Beling Luara
Beling is accomplished SEO writer specializing in PC-related content, she brings a strong blend of technical knowledge and content strategy to every project. With experience covering software, hardware, and gaming topics, she crafts clear, engaging, and search-optimized articles.
All-in-one PC health solution.
Free Download
