Does the computer start slowly? Do you have limited RAM and want to speed up Windows 10 or 11? You probably have too many programs running at startup. See how and which programs you can safely disable so that they do not boot with Windows.
A slow computer startup is probably the most annoying thing Windows users face. There can be many reasons for this behavior of your machine. One reason for the slow start is the many programs and services that run once Windows 10 loads.
Let's take a closer look at some common programs that slow down Windows 10/11 after booting with them and how you can safely disable them.
In addition, we will consider how to manage startup programs and how you can determine which programs should or should not be allowed to start with Windows.
Table of Contents
Why should you turn off startup programs?
If your computer is slow to boot, you probably have too many programs and services trying to start them all at once. But since you have not added any programs to your startup, how do they get there?
See: Clean your Windows computer. The ultimate advanced list
Often, these programs are added automatically in a variety of ways. Either with their installation, or they come with Windows. Therefore, it is advisable to be careful when installing software and occasionally remove bloatware.
Of course, not all programs add themselves to the startup. Let's see what common programs have this bad habit, and where there is a good chance you have them too.
ITunes Helper
If you have an Apple device (iPod, iPhone, etc.), this process will start iTunes automatically when the device is connected to the computer. It's an unnecessary process, as you can start iTunes manually whenever you want, and it is especially unnecessary if you do not have an Apple device at all.
2. QuickTime
QuickTime lets you play and open multiple media files. The program is often required to view web content, especially videos. But why start with Windows?
3. Zoom
We all more or less installed Zoom with the coronavirus quarantine. However, it does not have to be a startup program, as you can start it manually when you need to attend a meeting. In addition, disabling it at startup does not affect Zoom updates.
4.Adobe Reader
You probably know Adobe Reader as the most popular PDF reader on your PC. Although you do not need it as there are excellent alternative PDF readers, Adobe Reader is still the program of choice for many users. Why it "needs" to start automatically exceeds us. Clear the selection.
5. Skype
Skype is a great video chat program, no one disagrees with it. But do you need to start it and log in as soon as you open Windows? Probably not.
6. Google Chrome
Did you know that to keep Google Chrome up to date, you do not need its other services to get started? All it does at startup is consume system resources that Windows could use to boot faster.
7. Spotify Web Helper
Spotify is a great way to discover new music and with the new Spotify web player, you do not even have to install it. However, if you have it installed, you may find this little app on your boot.
It simply allows the Spotify desktop application to communicate with your browser. When you click on a Spotify song somewhere on the web, it automatically opens in the desktop application. Is this feature worth the extra weight at start-up time? No.
8. CyberLink YouCam
If you have a webcam, you probably have CyberLink's YouCam for your software. Its manufacturers believe that it should start automatically. So what does he do when he starts? Nothing, except the addition of unnecessary procedures. Clear the selection.
9.Cortana
If you're not using the Microsoft Cortana Assistant, which you probably do not, since it only speaks English, you'll do well to turn it off.
When Microsoft enriches it with other languages, we speak again…
10. Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is the most popular office suite. But what good is a web site if it simply "blends in" with everything else out there? If you turn it off, can you still open files? Yes. Can you start one of its programs manually? Yes. Are there any features you can not take advantage of? No. Allowing it to start is just a burden on your system.
Management of startup programs and services
System Configuration is a great local tool for managing startup applications and services. You can access it by typing msconfig in the search bar of the Start menu and selecting the best match.
Alternatively, press Windows + R to open the Execute dialog box, type msconfig, and press Enter.
As a Windows user, you will also notice that the "Startup Items" tab in System Settings no longer displays boot applications. Instead, there is a link that takes you to the "Startup" tab of the "Task Manager", which you can also access by right-clicking on the Windows taskbar or by pressing the key combination: Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Once you see the "Start" tab, you can sort the items by name, publisher, status (on / off) and Startup effect (high, medium, low, none, no count).
There you can simply right-click on as many applications as you do not want to start automatically and then click "Disable" to declare them disabled.
You should also prevent the corresponding services from starting. It can be done either through the "System Parameters" since the "task manager" will stop them only at that moment and will start again when the system is restarted.
Alternatively you can terminate them from the "Services" of Windows. To get there, first go to the task manager, go to the Services tab and click on the link at the bottom of the tab called "Open Services".
Windows Services will open where you will need to change the boot type from "Automatic" to "Disabled" for those services.
Which applications to stop
The above list is limited to standard applications and services that you should remove if they are installed on your computer.
You may have more or less of these, depending on the programs you have installed. For example, Steam, the popular gaming software, is another program that can run perfectly without having to be added at system startup. There are also many bloatware that you can remove in Windows 10.
Suggestions for what you need to allow to get started
The challenge is to determine which programs and services, other than those mentioned in this article, should be enabled or disabled at startup. Here are some instructions:
- Keep quiet about anything related to your antivirus (eg Avast, Avira, ESET, etc.).
- Services, applications for audio, wireless, touchpad (for laptops) should not be disabled.
- Be careful when disabling Microsoft services. You need to know exactly what you are doing.
- Applications and services for Intel and AMD should generally be enabled as they are used for critical hardware updates.
- Cloud synchronization programs like Dropbox, SugarSync, Google Drive, etc. should start (if you use them).
- Everything you want is executed automatically, without asking your permission every time.
Are you curious about some programs if you should let them start other than the ones mentioned above? Keep in mind that you want to get as few startups as possible, but you also want to take advantage of your computer's ability to run various programs without having to do it manually.
Websites to help evaluate a program
Due to the constant changes in technology, one can not rely on a single article to identify all the unnecessary startup elements.
Even with given instructions, sometimes a service or program is unrecognizable or unclear in the description. For these, you should go to websites that have application and service databases that show you what they are, who builds them, and if they are necessary for your computer to function properly. Below is a list of suggested websites:
Speed up your computer by disabling startup programs
The automatic launch of "junk" or unnecessary applications consumes resources from the system and at the same time delays its startup. Our computer on the other hand has the ability to automatically run many useful applications and services, making your digital life easier.
Which of these will allow you to run automatically is a bit of a personal matter as it relates to how you use your machine.
It is important to understand that there is a risk in removing services and programs from launching them automatically. Although many are not needed, many more are needed. If you remove something important to start your computer, there may be negative consequences.
We can not simply pass on the experience to you. You need to find out for yourself what each application does that you do not recognize and with friction you will be able to gain knowledge.
