How do I disable autostart apps on Windows 11?

I tried to manually disable autostart apps on my Windows 11 laptop but it didn't work. 

Sometimes, even you have disabled the app from auto starting at login, the app still runs automatically at the background. Here are a few suggestions to fix this:

1. Check All Startup Locations

Task Manager → Startup tab (basic level)

Settings → Apps → Startup (Windows 10/11)

MSConfig (System Configuration) → Startup tab

Registry Editor:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Startup folder:

%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

2. Check Task Scheduler

• Open Task Scheduler
• Look for tasks with triggers like "At startup" or "At logon"
• Check both user and system tasks

3. Disable Fast Startup

• Go to Control Panel → Power Options → "Choose what the power buttons do"
• Click "Change settings that are currently unavailable"
• Uncheck "Turn on fast startup"

These are very effective way to permanently disable autostart apps on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

If standard settings and Task Manager methods fail or are inaccessible, the issue may involve deeper system-level startup items. In such cases, you should consider using third-party software to disable automatic startup applications on Windows 11.

Step 1: Download the tool

Download the Autoruns compressed package from the official Microsoft website. Extract the archive, right-click Autoruns.exe, select the 64-bit version, and run it as administrator.

Step 2: Identify Core Startup Items and Disable Them

• Switch to the Logon tab, which corresponds to the Task Manager's “Startup” tab.

• Items highlighted in yellow represent leftover entries from uninstalled software and can be safely disabled.

• Disable method: Uncheck the box to the left of the target entry (this only disables, does not delete, and can be restored at any time).

Step 3: Security Considerations

Prioritize non-Microsoft entries with clear publishers. Avoid disabling entries published by “Microsoft Corporation” or “Microsoft Windows” unless you are certain they are unnecessary.

Step 4: Investigate Other Hidden Startup Items

• Scheduled Tasks tab: Clean up applications set to launch at startup via Task Scheduler.

• Services tab: Review and manage non-Microsoft system service startup entries.

• Explorer tab: Disable browser extensions and shell plugin-type startup items.

Step 5: Backup Configuration

This is a critical step. Before making changes, click “File” → “Save” at the top to save a snapshot of the current startup configuration for restoration if errors occur.

When using Autoruns, leave entries unchecked if uncertain. A safe practice is to disable only items from reputable software publishers (e.g., Adobe, Google, Spotify).

You can use the Startup Folder to disable autostart apps on Windows 11, which is a simple and free method to control which programs launch automatically when your computer starts. Here's how it works in your own words:

1. Access the Startup Folder:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type shell:startup and press Enter.
• This opens the Startup folder for your user account, which contains shortcuts to programs that start automatically.

2. Remove or Disable autostart Apps on Windows 11:

• Inside this folder, you'll see shortcuts to apps that are set to run at startup.
• To prevent an app from starting automatically, simply delete its shortcut from this folder.
• If you want to keep the shortcut but stop it from launching at startup, you can right-click the shortcut and select "Delete" or move it elsewhere.

3. Alternative for All Users:

• If you want to manage startup apps for all user accounts, open Run again, type shell:common startup, and press Enter.
• This opens the common Startup folder, where you can do the same.

4. Effect:

• Removing shortcuts from the Startup folder stops those apps from launching automatically when you start Windows.
• This method is free and easy to do, and it gives you quick control over startup programs without needing extra software.

Keep in mind:

To disable autostart apps on Windows 11. This method only affects apps with shortcuts in the Startup folder. Some programs may still start automatically through other means, like Task Scheduler or registry settings.

Using System Configuration (also known as MSConfig) to disable autostart apps on Windows 11 is a straightforward way to manage which programs run automatically when your computer boots up. Here's how it works in simple terms:

1. Open System Configuration: You can do this by pressing Windows + R, typing msconfig, and hitting Enter.

2. Navigate to the Startup Tab: In the MSConfig window, go to the "Startup" tab. Note that in Windows 11, this tab redirects you to the Task Manager for managing startup programs.

3. Manage Startup Items: If you're directed to Task Manager, you'll see a list of apps that are set to launch at startup. You can disable any app by right-clicking it and selecting "Disable."

4. Apply Changes: After disabling unwanted startup apps, close Task Manager and click "OK" in MSConfig. You may need to restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Important Note: While MSConfig helps with some startup settings, in Windows 11, managing startup programs is primarily done through the Task Manager. Disabling autostart apps here can help improve boot times and overall system performance without needing third-party tools.

Disabling autostart apps on Windows 11 through Settings is a straightforward way to improve your system's boot time and overall performance by preventing unnecessary programs from launching automatically when you start your computer.

How to Disable Autostart Apps on Windows 11 Using Settings

1. Open Settings

Click on the Start menu or press Win + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.

2. Navigate to Apps

In the Settings window, click on Apps from the sidebar.

3. Go to Startup Settings

Inside the Apps section, find and select Startup.

This is where Windows lists all the apps that are configured to run automatically at startup.

4. Manage Startup Apps

You'll see a list of apps with toggle switches next to each.

To prevent an app from starting automatically, simply turn off the toggle switch next to it.

For apps you want to run at startup, make sure the toggle is turned on.

5. Close Settings

Once you've made your choices, you can close the Settings window.

Why Use This Method?

• It's simple and safe.
• You can quickly see which apps are set to start with Windows.
• You have control over what launches automatically, helping your PC start faster and run smoother.

To free disable autostart apps on Windows 11 and improve your boot time. Using Task Manager is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to disable autostart apps on Windows 11. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Task Manager:

• Right-click the Start button (or press Win + X) and select Task Manager.
• Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc directly to open Task Manager.

2. Navigate to the Startup Tab:

• In Task Manager, click on the Startup tab at the top.
• If you don’t see the tabs, click More details at the bottom of the window.

3. Review the List of Startup Apps:

• You’ll see a list of applications that are set to launch at startup.
• The Status column shows whether each app is enabled or disabled.
• The Impact column provides an estimate of how much the app affects startup time.

4. Disable autostart Apps on Windows 11:

• Right-click on any app you want to prevent from launching at startup.
• Select Disable.
• Repeat for all apps you want to free up from autostart.

5. Close Task Manager:

• Once you've finished disabling apps, simply close the window.
• The changes take effect immediately at the next reboot.
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