How to stop apps from auto opening on startup from Windows 11?

There are a couple of amazing third-party apps for doing this. They are easy to use and very good at stopping apps from auto opening on startup.

Using the Registry Editor to stop apps from auto opening on startup in Windows 11 involves directly editing the system's registry keys that control which programs launch when your computer boots up. This method provides a powerful way to manage startup apps beyond the usual settings interface.

In simple terms, Windows stores information about startup programs in specific places called registry keys. By opening these keys, you can see which applications are set to run automatically. If you find any unwanted apps there, you can delete or disable their entries, preventing them from launching every time you start your PC.

Here's a basic overview of how it works:

1. Access the Registry Editor: You open a special tool called the Registry Editor, which allows you to view and modify these system settings.

2. Navigate to specific locations: You go to certain folders within the registry that list startup programs — mainly under HKEY_CURRENT_USER for programs specific to your user, and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE for programs that affect all users.

3. Identify unwanted startup entries: Inside these folders, you'll see entries with names and paths of applications that are set to run at startup.

4. Disable or remove entries: You can delete these entries or modify them to stop apps from auto opening on startup. Deleting removes the startup command, so the app won't launch automatically next time.

5. Restart your PC: After making these changes, reboot your computer to ensure the unwanted apps no longer start automatically.

This method is effective but should be done carefully. Making incorrect changes can cause issues with your system. Always back up the registry before editing, so you can restore it if something goes wrong.

You can use the Startup Folder, that is a straightforward way to stop apps from auto opening on startup Windows 11.

1. Open the Run Dialog:

Press Win + R on your keyboard.

2. Access the Startup Folder:

Type shell:startup and press Enter.

This opens the Startup folder for your current user account.

3. Identify the App Shortcuts:

In the Startup folder, you'll see shortcuts to programs that are set to launch at startup.

Look for the shortcuts related to apps you want to stop from auto-opening, such as OneDrive, Copilot, or game apps.

4. Remove the Unwanted Shortcuts:

Right-click on the shortcut(s) you wish to disable or stop apps from auto opening on startup.

Select Delete to remove them from the Startup folder.

5. Restart Your Computer:

To see the changes take effect, restart your PC.

The apps associated with those shortcuts will no longer open automatically.

Note:

Removing shortcuts from this folder only prevents those specific apps from launching at startup.

If the apps are set to auto-start via other methods (like Windows Settings or Registry), you'll need to disable them separately.

Using System Configuration (msconfig) is a good way to control which applications and services start automatically when your Windows computer boots up. This can help improve startup times and troubleshoot issues related to startup programs.

How to Use System Configuration to Stop Apps from Auto Opening on Startup

1. Open System Configuration

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type msconfig and press Enter.

2. Navigate to the Startup Tab

• In Windows 10 versions prior to 2019, you'll see a Startup tab with a list of programs.
• In Windows 10 (from 2019 update onwards), the Startup tab in msconfig redirects to the Task Manager.

Note: In newer Windows 10 versions, it's recommended to use Task Manager directly for startup management.

3. Managing or Stop apps from auto opening on startup

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Click on the Startup tab.
• You'll see a list of startup applications.
• Right-click on any app you want to disable and select Disable.

4. Using msconfig (for services and boot options)

In msconfig, you can:

• Disable services: Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and then uncheck third-party services you want to disable.
• Disable startup items: In Windows 10, this won't directly disable startup apps; instead, use Task Manager as described above.

To stop apps from auto opening on startup. Disabling background apps is a good complementary step to prevent apps from running in the background after startup, which can help improve performance and reduce lag. However, it doesn't completely stop apps from launching automatically when you start your PC; it only prevents them from running in the background when they are already open.

Disable Background Apps If you want to Stop Apps from Auto Opening on Startup:

1. Open Settings

   Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Navigate to Privacy & Security

   Click on Privacy & security in the left sidebar.

3. Go to Background Apps

  Scroll down and select Background apps.

4. Turn Off Background Apps

  Toggle Let apps run in the background to Off.

  Alternatively, you can leave it on and manually disable specific apps by toggling off the switches next to each app.

Impact:

Disabling background apps reduces resource usage when apps are not actively in use.

It can also prevent certain apps from running background processes even if they don't automatically open on startup.

I fully understand your frustration, as my laptop is also rather outdated and began experiencing some lag after installing Windows 11. The solution is actually quite straightforward: download Autoruns. This tool stop apps from auto opening on startup

1. Download Autoruns from the official Microsoft Sysinternals website, extract the files, and install it. Ensure you select “Run as administrator”.

2. The tool defaults to the Everything tab. Switch to the most relevant Logon tab to view all logon autostart entries. Simply uncheck the items you wish to disable.

3. Note: Only disable entries that can be clearly identified by their publisher or location.

4. Some applications launch via Task Scheduler. You may additionally review the Scheduled Tasks tab for further clean-up.

Important reminder: Never disable entries with the publisher ‘Microsoft Corporation’ unless you are certain they are related to the target application you wish to disable.

You are absolutely correct to tackle those startup applications. OneDrive, Copilot, and the Game Launcher are common culprits behind slower Windows 11 boot times.

How to prevent applications from opening automatically at startup

Step 1: Task Manager

1. Press the shortcut keys Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, then click ‘More details’ at the bottom to expand the full view.

2. witch to the ‘Startup’ tab. The list displays all auto-launch programmes, including key information such as status (Enabled/Disabled) and startup impact (High/Medium/Low).

3. Right-click the application you wish to disable and select “Disable”.

The change takes effect immediately; the application will no longer launch automatically at the next system startup.

Step 2: Targeted Settings for Specific Applications

For certain applications, disabling via Task Manager alone may not be sufficient. Their own settings must be adjusted to prevent auto-start.

• Disable OneDrive: Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area of the taskbar. Click the Settings button to access the “Sync and Backup” tab. Uncheck “Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows”.

• Disable  Copilot: Open System Settings → Personalisation → Taskbar. Locate the “Copilot” option and toggle the switch off to prevent it from loading at startup.

Following these steps will eliminate the most common causes of startup delays. After your next reboot, your ThinkPad should reach a usable desktop state more swiftly.