How to Change What Programs Run on Startup Windows 7
In Windows 7, many programs automatically start up when you boot your computer, which can slow down your system’s performance. To optimize your computer’s startup process, it is essential to manage the programs that run on startup. This article will guide you through the steps to change what programs run on startup in Windows 7.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
To begin, press the “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” keys simultaneously to open the Task Manager. Alternatively, you can right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the context menu.
Step 2: Go to the Startup Tab
Once the Task Manager is open, click on the “Startup” tab. This tab will display a list of all the programs that are set to run automatically when you start your computer.
Step 3: Review the Programs
Take a look at the list of programs and identify those that you no longer need to run on startup. These programs may be bloatware, unnecessary applications, or background services that consume system resources.
Step 4: Disable Unnecessary Programs
To disable a program from running on startup, click on it and then click the “Disable” button. This will prevent the program from launching when you boot your computer.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
After disabling the unnecessary programs, it is recommended to restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
Step 6: Customize Startup Programs
If you want to further customize the startup programs, you can do so by opening the “msconfig” utility. Press the “Windows + R” keys to open the Run dialog box, type “msconfig” and press Enter.
Step 7: Navigate to the Startup Tab
In the System Configuration window, click on the “Startup” tab. Here, you will find a more comprehensive list of startup programs, including those that are not listed in the Task Manager.
Step 8: Manage Startup Programs
To manage startup programs, follow the same steps as before: select a program, and then click “Disable” to prevent it from running on startup.
Step 9: Save and Restart
After making the desired changes, click “OK” to save the settings. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage the programs that run on startup in Windows 7. This will help improve your computer’s performance and ensure that only essential applications launch when you boot your system.