How Do I Stop Xbox App From Starting When I Turn On Computer?

Why Does Xbox App Keep Opening Every Time Start Windows 11?

Your Xbox app starts by itself because Windows 11 lets apps run when your computer boots up. This happens a lot with gaming apps like Xbox. When apps start on their own, your computer takes longer to turn on and uses more memory.

Think of it like having too many programs trying to work at once. Your computer gets slower and has less power for the things you actually want to do.

Quick Ways to Stop Xbox App From Auto-Starting

Method 1: Turn It Off in Xbox App Settings

This is the easiest way. Here’s what to do:

1. Open your Xbox app – Click the Start button and find Xbox, or type “Xbox” in the search box
2. Go to your settings – Click on your picture at the top-left corner, then click “Settings“
3. Find the startup option – Look for “App” in the settings menu
4. Turn off auto-start – Find “Launch Xbox when I start my computer” and switch it to OFF
5. Save memory too – Also turn off “On close, minimize the app to the system tray” so the app really closes when you exit

This stops Xbox from opening every time you turn on your computer.

Method 2: Use Task Manager

Task Manager shows you all apps that start with Windows:

1. Open Task Manager – Right-click the Start button and pick “Task Manager” (or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
2. Find startup apps – Click on the “Startup apps” tab
3. Look for Xbox – Find “Xbox” in the list (you might see more than one Xbox item)
4. Turn it off – Click on Xbox, then click “Disable” at the top

Task Manager also shows how much each app slows down your computer startup. This helps you pick which apps to turn off first.

Method 3: Windows Settings Way

Windows has its own startup control:

1. Open Settings – Press Windows + I or click the gear icon
2. Go to Apps – Click “Apps” then “Startup“
3. Find Xbox – Look for Xbox in the list
4. Switch it off – Turn the toggle to OFF

If Xbox doesn’t show up here, it might be controlled somewhere else.

Advanced Methods for Stubborn Apps

Check the Startup Folder

Sometimes apps put shortcuts in special folders that make them start automatically:

1. Open the Run box – Press Windows + R
2. Type the command – Type “shell:startup” and press Enter
3. Delete Xbox shortcuts – If you see any Xbox shortcuts, right-click and delete them
4. Check system folder too – Repeat with “shell:common startup” to check system-wide shortcuts

For Business Computers (Group Policy)

If you manage many computers or have Windows 11 Pro:

1. Open Group Policy – Press Windows + R, type “gpedit.msc“
2. Navigate to app rules – Go to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Application Control Policies > AppLocker > Packaged app Rules
3. Block Xbox – Create a new rule to block Microsoft.XboxApp

Note: This only works on Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions of Windows 11.

When Xbox App Keeps Coming Back

Sometimes Xbox app returns even after you turn it off. Here’s why:

• Windows updates bring it back
• Other games might need Xbox app to work
• Microsoft Store might reinstall it automatically

How to Keep It Away:

• Turn off automatic app updates in Microsoft Store
• Check your startup apps after big Windows updates
• Use tools like Autoruns or Revo Uninstaller for persistent apps

Why This Matters for Your Computer

Stopping unnecessary apps from starting helps your computer in these ways:

• Faster boot time – Your computer turns on quicker
• More memory – More RAM available for programs you actually use
• Better performance – Less stuff running means smoother operation
• Cleaner desktop – Fewer icons cluttering your taskbar

Two More Great Reasons to Control Startup Apps

Does Disabling Xbox App Startup Actually Speed Up My Slow Computer?

Yes, it does help. Every app that starts with Windows uses some of your computer’s power. When you stop apps you don’t need from starting, your computer has more resources for the programs you do want to use.

You can always open Xbox manually when you want to play games. Turning off auto-start doesn’t break the app – it just stops it from opening by itself.

The best approach is to only let essential programs start with Windows. Things like antivirus software should start automatically, but gaming apps like Xbox can wait until you need them.

Remember: You’re in control of your computer. Don’t let apps decide when they want to run – you decide when you need them.