How do I see what's slowing down my computer's startup?
Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and go to Startup apps. The Startup impact column rates each app High, Medium or Low. Turning off apps you don't need at startup helps the computer get ready sooner, and the apps still open normally when you choose them.
Many apps add themselves to startup when you install them, so the list grows over time. Each one loads in the background every time you sign in. Disabling an app here doesn't uninstall it or delete anything. It just stops it from opening by itself, and you can switch it back on any time.
Keep your security software, and drivers for things like touchpads or sound, on the list. If you don't recognize a name, search it before turning it off. On a Mac, check System Settings, then General, then Login Items & Extensions, which is just called Login Items on older versions.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Select Startup apps and sort by Startup impact
- Right-click an app you don't need at sign-in and choose Disable
- You can also use Settings, then Apps, then Startup
- Restart and see if it's ready sooner
How secure is your computer overall? Take the 2-minute checkup →
Apps That Start by Themselves
From the Installing & Removing Apps course. Stop extra apps from opening at startup so the computer is ready sooner.