How to Fix getting apps to launch at system startup

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Understanding Startup Apps in Windows

Many applications automatically launch at system startup, which can be both convenient and frustrating, especially when they consume system resources unnecessarily. To manage these startup apps effectively, you need to know where to look and how to adjust their settings.

Identifying and Managing Startup Apps

Using Windows Settings

To view and manage startup apps, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings: Go to Settings > Apps > Startup.
  2. Review the List: Here, you will see a list of all apps that can start up automatically. Each app has a switch next to it indicating whether it is currently enabled or disabled.
  3. Sort and Evaluate: You can sort the list by name, status, or startup impact. The impact indicator (No impact, Low impact, Medium impact, High impact) helps you understand how each app affects your system's startup time.
  4. Disable Unnecessary Apps: Toggle the switch to disable any app you do not want to launch at startup. Focus on disabling apps with High and Medium impact to significantly improve startup time.

Using Task Manager

Another effective way to manage startup apps is through Task Manager:

  1. Open Task Manager: Right-click on an empty area of the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
  2. Navigate to Startup: In the Task Manager window, click on the Startup tab (you may need to click More details first in Windows 10).
  3. Review and Disable: You will see a list of all apps that start up automatically. Sort the list by name, publisher, status, or impact. Right-click on an app and select Disable to prevent it from launching at startup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Apps Not Launching Despite Being Enabled

If you find that some apps are not launching at startup despite being enabled, here are some steps to troubleshoot:

  1. Check the Startup Folder: Ensure that the app's shortcut is correctly placed in the Startup folder. You can access this folder by typing C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp in the Run dialog box (Win + R).
  2. Verify Shortcut Path: Right-click the shortcut in the Startup folder and select Properties. Ensure the Target: field points to the correct executable file.
  3. Registry Check: If the issue persists, you may need to check the registry for any startup entries. Open the Registry Editor (regedit), navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, and verify if the app is listed. Be cautious when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can cause system issues.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Disabling Hidden Startup Entries

Some apps may start automatically without appearing in the Startup folder or Task Manager. To disable these:

  1. Use the Registry Editor: Open the Registry Editor and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. Identify and delete any unnecessary entries, but be careful not to remove critical system programs.
  2. Backup the Registry: Before making any changes, create a backup of the registry by exporting the current configuration. This ensures you can restore the registry if something goes wrong.

Additional Tips

Researching Unknown Apps

If you encounter an unfamiliar app in your startup list, you can research it further:

  1. Right-click and Search Online: In Task Manager, right-click on the app and select Search online. This will open a web search to help you identify the app and determine if it should be disabled.
  2. Check Properties: Right-click on the app and select Properties to view more details, such as the description and version number.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage and troubleshoot startup apps in Windows, ensuring your system starts up efficiently and only runs the necessary applications.

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