One of the better ways to improve Windows boot time is to stop unwanted programs from loading with Windows operating system. Programs like Skype, Evernote, and TeamViewer automatically start with Windows operating system with default settings.
In previous Windows 7 previous versions, the option to remove or disable startup entries was present under System Configuration utility. In Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10, the same has been moved under Task Manager.
In this guide, we will see the top four easy ways to remove programs from the startup in Windows 10.
Method 1 of 4
Disable startup programs using Task Manager
Step 1: Open Task Manager by simultaneously pressing Ctrl, Shift, and Esc keys. Alternatively, right-click on the empty spot of the taskbar and then click Task Manager to open the same.
Step 2: If the Task Manager is launched with a minimal view, click More details button to view the actual Task Manager.
Step 3: Click on the Startup tab to switch to the same.
Step 4: Here, right-click on the program entry that you want to stop from loading with Windows 10 and then click Disable option to remove it from the Windows 10 startup folder. That’s it!
Method 2 of 4
Disable startup programs via the Settings app
The Settings app now supports managing startup items.
Step 1: Navigate to Settings app > Apps > Startup.
Step 2: Turn off apps that you don’t want to load with Windows 10 by moving the slider to the off position.
Method 3 of 4
Delete startup programs from Startup folder
As said before, shortcuts of programs that start with Windows 10 are mostly saved in a folder called Startup. You can delete a program shortcut from this folder to stop the program from starting with Windows 10. Here is how to do it. Note that you might not be able to find all applications that startup Windows under the Startup folder. If you can’t find the program shortcut that you’re looking for, please follow the instructions in other methods.
Step 1: Open Run command box by simultaneously pressing the Windows logo and R keys.
Step 2: In the field, type shell:startup, and then press Enter key to open the Startup folder.
Step 3: Select the program shortcut that you want to remove from Windows 10 startup, and then press Delete key.
Method 4 of 4
Remove startup programs using CCleaner
Many of the popular Windows optimization utilities like CCleaner and Glary Utilities help you remove programs from Windows startup. In this guide, we will see how to remove startup programs using the popular CCleaner (free).
Step 1: Download CCleaner and install the same, if not installed already.
Step 2: Launch CCleaner, click Tools and then click Startup.
Step 3: Under the Windows tab, select the entry of the program that you want to remove from startup, and then click the Disable button.
That’s it!
How to add apps installed from Store to startup in Windows 10 guide might also interest you.
Nsikak Umoh says
Thanks a lot!
This was really helpful.
dbaDoug says
Excellent article. Direct, to the point and well documented. Thank you.
Rick Hughes says
The first option Shell:startup does not work
JESSICA DREIER says
The program isn’t showing in my startup folder but is showing in my Task Manager – Startup tab.
fabrice says
none worked for me
after disabling 2 entries in startup’s task manager, I wanted to delete the disabled entries without succes because I can’ t find them anywhere. not in ccleaner, not in autorun, not in regedit, not in startup windows folders.
I really can’t understand why is it so difficult for windows to add a delete context menu option in its startup tab of task manager.
thanks anyway
Shubham Vilankar says
Thanks For Your Suggestion of CCleaner It permanantly deleted my windows startup programs which i was trying to delete a couple of months before.
Thanks
jhonny Adeniyi says
On my Acer / Aspire 15 laptop’s Startup, (it’s installed Windows 10) it attempts preparing automatic repair by itself, but turns off within few seconds.
I’ve already tried F4 in order to boot into safe mode, though unsuccessfully – It looks like the laptop cannot read F4 at that early stage; the same thing happens with Shift F8, Shift F10 and Win R.
It happens to be, that F2 & F12 are enabled; so, for example this way, I can now access the Windows Boot Manager’s first screen. However, after I select Option #1, the system attempts that, but again the laptop turns itself off within few seconds.
I can see the battery looks OKAY !
So, please, do you know any tip, (or have any suggestions maybe) that may help me boot my laptop into Safe mode with Command Prompt or boot it from USB or boot it to any other advanced Startup option? Also, do you think there might be a virus in the Windows 10 Startup Folder?
In advance, thank you so much for your time and help.
Sasa says
thank you, did not know how to remove leftovers from speedfan app at startup, very nice how to