Clean Windows start-up programs

Cleaning Windows startup programs is one of the easiest ways to squeeze more performance out of Windows. When Windows loads multiple programs at startup, not only does it make the actual startup of Windows slower than necessary, it also drains your computer’s resources – and you haven’t even yet started using your computer! By cleaning out the startup list, you’ll have more resources available, your computer will boot faster, and you won’t lose access to the cleaned out programs because the programs are only removed from startup, not from the computer itself. Three different startup cleaning options are available: manually removing shortcuts from the Startup folder, using the System Configuration utility, and using Windows Defender (if installed).

The Startup Folder

When you install a new program on your computer, the program may prompt you to install a shortcut for automatic startup with each Windows reboot. It may automatically do so without a prompt, too. Unless the program is essential (such as antivirus protection) or unless you use the program day in, day out, you shouldn’t dedicate valuable system resources to it. One of the first places to look for startup programs is the Windows Startup folder. Keep in mind that this folder may not show all programs, so this is only a first step. Go to Start, right click it, and choose Explore. Now, navigate to Users > Your Name > Roaming > Microsoft > Windows > Start Menu > Startup. Remove any shortcuts to non-essential programs.

The System Configuration Utility

The System Configuration Utility has a tab dedicated to startup items. This is a more comprehensive solution for managing startup programs. Go to Start > Run and type msconfig into the box. Click Enter. Now, go to the Startup tab. You’ll see a list of checkbox items. Removing the checkmark removes the item from startup. Some entries may be difficult to determine. If you are unsure, research the listed item to make sure that you are not disabling a critical system program.

Windows Defender

Windows Defender, which comes pre-installed on Windows Vista and is available as a free download for Windows XP, is a computer security tool that has a startup program cleaner built into it. This startup program manager is easier to use than the System Configuration utility in that it groups each startup program by developer and provides more information about the program’s purpose. To use it, launch Windows Defender, click on Tools and then click on the Software Explorer link. Make sure that the Category dropdown box says “Startup Programs” and then view the list of programs that are, or have been, marked as startup items. You’ll see a name and classification such as disabled or permitted in the left pane and details about the selected program in the right pane. Click each item and review its details before deciding to disable it from startup.

No matter which method that you choose, the program is still on your computer. Rather than giving it resources when you aren’t using it, you can simply remove it from startup and launch it as needed.

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