How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows 11 to Improve Performance
Is your Windows 11 PC slow when starting up? One of the most common reasons is too many startup programs running in the background. Disabling unnecessary startup apps can significantly improve boot time, reduce CPU and RAM usage, and make your system feel faster overall.
What Are Startup Programs in Windows 11?
Startup programs are applications that automatically launch when Windows starts. Some are essential, such as system services and security software, while others are optional and often unnecessary. Too many startup programs can slow down your system before you even start using it.
Benefits of Disabling Startup Programs
- Faster Windows 11 boot time
- Lower CPU and RAM usage
- Reduced disk activity
- Smoother overall system performance
How to Disable Startup Programs Using Task Manager
This is the easiest and most recommended method.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Click the Startup tab
- Review the list of startup applications
- Right-click unnecessary apps and select Disable
Focus on programs with a High startup impact unless they are essential.
Disable Startup Apps via Windows Settings
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps → Startup
- Toggle off apps you don’t need at startup
Which Startup Programs Are Safe to Disable?
Common applications that are usually safe to disable include:
- Game launchers (Steam, Epic Games Launcher)
- Chat apps (Discord, Skype)
- Cloud sync tools (if not used constantly)
- Third-party updaters
Avoid disabling antivirus software, drivers, or system-related services.
Startup Programs and High CPU or RAM Usage
Many users experience high CPU or RAM usage immediately after boot. This often happens because too many background apps load at once. If you are experiencing persistent CPU issues, read this guide on Windows 11 high CPU usage fixes .
Improve Startup Speed for Better Overall Performance
Disabling startup programs works best when combined with proper system optimization. You may also want to adjust system settings for maximum efficiency. Check out this guide on best Windows 11 settings for better performance .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Disabling system-critical services
- Turning off security-related applications
- Disabling drivers or hardware utilities
Final Thoughts
Disabling unnecessary startup programs is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve Windows 11 performance. With fewer background apps running, your system will boot faster, use fewer resources, and respond more smoothly during daily use.
If your PC is still slow after optimizing startup apps, you may want to explore additional solutions for slow Windows 11 startup issues .