How to Disable Startup Programs

Co-authored by Stan Kats

Last Updated: November 5, 2021

This wikiHow will help you disable programs that automatically launch every time you start computer. You can disable startup programs on both Mac and Windows computers with a few simple steps.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Windows 10

1
Hit Ctrl+Alt+Del.^{[1]
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2
Click Task Manager.^{[2]
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3
Click the Startup tab.^{[3]
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4
Click an application or service in the list.^{[4]
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5
Click Disable. The item’s status will switched to “Disabled” and will no longer automatically launch on startup.^{[5]
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Expert Interview. 24 June 2021.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Windows (pre 10)

1
Click the Start button. This is in the lower left corner of the screen.
- You can also hit ⊞ Win to perform this without the mouse.
2
Type "msconfig".
3
Hit ↵ Enter.
4
Click the Startup tab.
5
Click the checkbox next program or service from the list. Checked indicates that the service is enabled, while unchecked indicates it is disabled.
- You can click Disable All to prevent all startup programs at once.
6
Click OK. This will save your changes and close the window. The deselected items will no longer launch on startup.
- You can also click Apply to save the changes without closing the window.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Mac

1
Click the Apple menu. This is the upper left corner of the screen.
2
Click System Preferences.
3
Click Users and Groups.
4
Click the Login Items tab.
5
Click the username of the account you want to modify. A list of usernames will appear in the left sidebar of the window.
6
Click the Lock icon.
- If this menu is already unlocked, you can skip this and the next step.
7
Enter your password.
8
Click an application you wish to disable on startup.
9
Click the - button. This is located just under the list of applications (the other controls the list of usernames). This will stop the application or service from running on startup.^{[6]
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10
You can re-add items with the + button.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I disable startup programs in Windows 10?

Stan Kats
Professional Technologist
Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.

Stan Kats

Professional Technologist

Expert Answer

Open Windows task manager. There's a tab there for startup programs, and you can pick and choose which ones you'd like to enable in that menu.
Question

Is it OK to disable all startup programs?

Stan Kats
Professional Technologist
Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.

Stan Kats

Professional Technologist

Expert Answer

So long as it isn't an essential Windows startup service, it's okay to disable it. I wouldn't turn off anything your operating system needs to function, though.
Question

Are there any tools I can download to do this?

Stan Kats
Professional Technologist
Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.

Stan Kats

Professional Technologist

Expert Answer

Yes! There's a free tool called the C Cleaner that you can download to control the startup programs you have enabled.