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

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.