Startup programs: how to see and block what runs at boot

When you turn on your PC and it takes forever to start, the problem is often not the computer itself, but the programs that launch automatically at startup. Some are useful (antivirus, drivers), others are completely unnecessary and slow everything down. Let’s see then how to find out what starts at boot and how to disable unnecessary automatic startups, to improve performance and boot Windows faster.

1. Check startup programs with Task Manager

The simplest method is to use the Task Manager:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup.
3. tab where you will find the list of all programs that start automatically.
4. In the Startup Impact column, Windows indicates how much they slow down the system.

To disable a program: right-click the name > Disable.

2. Use the “Startup Apps” tool in Settings

From Windows 10 onwards, you can also manage startup apps from:

• Settings > Apps > Startup
• Here you find the same list, with a handy ON/OFF toggle.

It’s useful if you prefer a simpler interface than Task Manager.

3. Identify unnecessary programs

Not everything that starts automatically is necessary. Here’s a brief guide:

✅ Keep enabled:

• Antivirus and firewall
• Software for peripherals (mouse, keyboard, printers)
• Cloud services you use often (OneDrive, Dropbox)

❌ You can disable:

• Automatic updaters for non-essential software
• Toolbars or game launchers
• Apps you never use (Skype, Zoom, Spotify if you don’t use it at startup)

If a name seems strange to you, search for it on Google or on
Should I Block It? before disabling it.

4. Analyze startups with Autoruns (for advanced users)

If you want maximum control, you can use Autoruns, a free Microsoft tool:

• Download it from Sysinternals
• Shows all programs, services, extensions, and scripts that launch with Windows.
• Warning: it is very detailed, avoid disabling what you do not know.

5. Bonus: speed up startup with “Fast Boot”

In Windows 10 and 11 there is a feature called Fast Startup (Fast Startup):

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Specify what the power button does
• Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable
• Check Turn on fast startup (recommended)

⚠️ Warning: with some drivers it can cause issues. If you notice strange behavior, disable it.

Conclusion

Disabling unnecessary startup programs is one of the easiest ways to speed up your PC, reduce startup time e improve daily productivity. It only takes a few minutes and no technical skills are needed.