Solved: How to Stop, Off, or Disable Apps Startup Automatically on Windows 11

Problem Symptom

There are some third-party apps that you do not want it to start every time you turn on the Windows such as antivirus and GPU software because competing for the available resources and slowing down the system. Here are 6 simple methods to stop, off, or disable apps from startup automatically on Windows 11.

Content Summary

Solution 1: Off Apps Startup in Windows Settings
Solution 2: Disable Startup in Task Manager
Solution 3: Disable Auto Startup in App’s Settings
Solution 4: Delete Apps in Programs Startup folder
Solution 5: Delete entry in Run and RunOnce Registry
Solution 6: Use Third-party Manager Apps

Solution 1: Off Apps Startup in Windows Settings

Step 1: Press Windowns + I key to open the Settings window.

Step 2: In the left panel, select Apps.

Step 3: On the right, click on Startup at the bottom.

Step 4: A list of apps that are configured to start when you log in displayed. To stop an app from startup automatically, toggle it to Off.

Solution 2: Disable Startup in Task Manager

Step 1: Open the Start Menu and search for Task Manager. Or you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc key together to open the Task Manager.

Step 2: Click on the Startup tab.

Step 3: All the different apps that can start at startup are displayed. Check for the app’s Status colume. If a program or app is enabled to run at startup, click on the Disable button located at the bottom right corner to disable it from startup automatically.

Note: If you noticed the Disable button is greyed out, then login as the administrator and run an elevated instance of the Task Manager.

Solution 3: Disable Auto Startup in App’s Settings

Step 1: Most of the apps will have an option to enable or disable startup automatically when Windows start. Take the example of Steam. Open the app and go to Settings > Interface.

Step 2: Uncheck the Run Steam when my computer starts option.

Step 3: Click on the OK button to save the settings.

Solution 4: Delete Apps in Programs Startup folder

Step 1: Press Windowns + R key to open the RUN box.

Step 2: Type shell:startup and press Enter key to open the Startup folder. Alternatively, you can navigate to the Startup folder using the following address: C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Step 3: Right-click on the program that you don’t want running at the startup automatically and select the Delete option from the context menu.

Solution 5: Delete entry in Run and RunOnce Registry

Step 1: Press Start, and type regedit.

Step 2: Click on Run as administrator option.

Step 3: Navigate to the following Registry address: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Step 4: Find the programs that have a registry entry for running at startup.

Step 5: Right-click on it and select the Delete option from the context menu.

Step 6: Navigate to the following Registry address: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

Step 7: Find the programs that have a registry entry for running at startup.

Step 8: Right-click on it and select the Delete option from the context menu.

Solution 6: Use Third-party Manager Apps

There are various third-party manager apps available free download, work specifically to find startup apps for you to choose to disable such as AutoRuns, Starter, and Startup Delayer.