At a Glance
- Startup apps like antivirus, OneDrive, Slack, and games slow Windows 11 boot times.
- Task Manager shows each app’s startup impact; high-impact items delay launch by using >1 s CPU or >3 MB disk.
- Three built-in tools-Task Manager, Settings, and File Explorer-let you disable unwanted apps in seconds.
- Why it matters: Faster startup means less waiting and smoother everyday use without extra software.
Windows 11 laptops that take forever to reach the desktop are often bogged down by programs that launch automatically. These startup applications can include antivirus suites, Microsoft OneDrive, Slack, gaming clients, backup utilities, or webcam software. The more that load, the longer the wait-even after the system appears ready.
Ethan R. Coleman reported for News Of Los Angeles that users can reclaim boot speed by disabling the apps they rarely use. The process is reversible and needs no extra downloads.
Check Startup Impact First
Task Manager offers the clearest view. Right-click the Start icon, open Task Manager, then click the hamburger menu and choose Startup apps. Each entry lists a startup impact rating: high, medium, low, none, or not measured.
Microsoft flags an app as high impact when total CPU usage exceeds one second or disk usage tops three megabytes. Disabling these heavy items yields the biggest time savings.
Three Ways to Disable Startup Apps
1. Task Manager
- Open Task Manager → Startup apps.
- Right-click any program and choose Disable.
- Re-enable later with Enable if needed.
2. Settings App
- Right-click Start → Settings → Apps → Startup.
- Toggle off unwanted apps.
- If you see “We couldn’t find this app,” the file may sit on a removable drive or was already uninstalled.
3. File Explorer Folders
Some apps hide from Task Manager and Settings. Use two File Explorer windows:
- Press Win + R, type
shell:appsfolder, hit Enter. Keep this window open. - Press Win + R again, type
shell:startup(for your account) orshell:common startup(for all users), hit Enter. - Drag desired shortcuts from the first window into the second to add them to startup.
- Delete shortcuts from the second window to remove them from startup.
What to Keep Enabled
Keep security software such as Microsoft Defender, Norton, or McAfee active. Core system components and certain hardware drivers should also stay enabled. When in doubt, right-click an entry and select Search online to learn its purpose.
Disabling a startup app rarely harms the computer. If boot issues appear, re-enable the app using the same tool.
Third-Party Alternatives
Power users can try Autoruns (from Microsoft), Startup Delayer, Starter, StartupLite, or WhatInStartup. These utilities expose browser extensions, scheduled tasks, drivers, and services that also run at log-in.
Older Windows Versions
The same methods work on Windows 10 and earlier builds, though Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 for the latest features.
Key Takeaways
- High-impact startup apps are the biggest drag on boot time.
- Task Manager, Settings, and File Explorer provide built-in control.
- Disable unused chat, game, or sync apps; keep security tools active.
- Changes are reversible, so experiment without fear.
