Windows can launch applications automatically when you sign in, even when you do not plan to use them. Task Manager lets you disable unnecessary startup programs without uninstalling the applications.
The Startup apps view lists registered programs with their Status and Startup impact rating. Disabling an entry prevents its automatic launch at future sign-ins but does not close an app that is already running.
Some software starts through a service, scheduled task, or its own settings, so disabling a startup entry may not stop every background component. An organization-managed device can also enforce startup behavior or prevent changes to particular entries.
Steps to disable startup programs using Task Manager:
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
On Windows 10, More details expands the compact view when needed.
- Select Startup apps in the navigation pane.
If the pane shows only icons, the three-line navigation button at the upper left reveals their names. Windows 10 calls this tab Startup.
- Right-click a familiar, nonessential app with an Enabled status.
Do not disable security software, required work or sync tools, or hardware utilities you depend on at sign-in; doing so can reduce protection or interrupt their functions.
Startup impact helps prioritize entries, but Not measured means Windows has no measurement, not that the app has no impact. The listed apps vary between computers.
- Choose Disable from the app's context menu.
If an entry is already Disabled, its context menu offers Enable instead.
- Close Task Manager.
- Reopen Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Select Startup apps again.
- Confirm the app still shows Disabled in the Status column.
If you need automatic launch again, the app's context menu offers Enable to restore it.