To change startup programs in Windows 11, open Settings > Apps > Startup and switch apps on or off. You can also manage them in Task Manager on the Startup apps page. Turning an app off doesn’t uninstall it; it just stops it from launching automatically when you sign in. To add an app to startup, put a shortcut to it in your Startup folder.
Method 1: Use Settings
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Apps, then Startup.
- Use Sort by to order the list by Startup impact, so the apps that slow sign-in most appear first.
- Turn the switch off for apps you don’t need right away, or on for apps you want to launch automatically.
Method 2: Use Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Select Startup apps in the left menu (the speedometer icon).
- Select an app and choose Disable or Enable at the top, or right-click it.
Task Manager shows extra details, such as the publisher and a Startup impact rating (High, Medium, Low, or Not measured). Right-click an app and choose Open file location if you’re not sure what it is.
Method 3: Add a program to startup
To make an app that isn’t listed start automatically:
- Press Windows + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter. Your personal Startup folder opens.
- In another File Explorer window, find the app’s shortcut or .exe file. For Start menu apps, right-click the app, choose More > Open file location, and copy the shortcut.
- Paste the shortcut into the Startup folder.
The app launches the next time you sign in. To start an app for every user on the PC, use shell:common startup instead (requires administrator rights). Our Windows 10 guide to adding a program to startup works the same way.
Method 4: Check the app’s own settings
Many apps, like Spotify, Discord, Teams, and OneDrive, have a “Start automatically” or “Open at login” option in their own settings. If you disable an app in Windows but it keeps coming back, turn off that option inside the app too. For example, see how to stop Discord from opening on startup in Windows 11.
What’s safe to disable?
- Usually safe: chat apps, music players, game launchers, cloud storage you don’t need instantly, updaters for apps you rarely use.
- Keep on: your antivirus, touchpad or audio drivers from your PC maker, and anything you rely on right after signing in (like a password manager).
- Not sure? Disable one item, restart, and see whether anything you need stops working. You can turn it back on at any time.
Troubleshooting
- The app still opens: it may be launched by a scheduled task or its own settings. Check the app’s preferences first.
- The Startup page is empty: no apps are registered to start, or your organization manages startup apps.
- Startup is still slow: other factors matter, like a nearly full drive or pending updates. See how to improve Windows 11 performance.
Frequently asked questions
Does disabling startup apps make Windows faster?
It mostly speeds up the time between signing in and being able to use the PC, and frees memory used by apps running in the background.
Is Startup Repair the same thing?
No. Startup Repair fixes problems that stop Windows from loading. See how to run Startup Repair in Windows 11.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.