How to Stop Programs From Loading at Startup

Installing a program on Windows includes changes in various settings. For example, programs offer you the option to install Desktop and Start menu shortcuts. Some programs include an option to start the program when you log on. Other programs assume you want it to start automatically with Windows. If possible, the easiest way to fix this is within the program's own settings. However, some programs make it difficult or impossible to disable this setting, which is why the System Configuration utility works well.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• You already have it
• This is for Windows XP machines only

1. Open the "Start" menu and type "msconfig" in the search box. Click the System Configuration item in the search results. In Windows XP, select the "Run" option, type "msconfig" and press "Enter."

2. Click the "Startup" tab at the top of the window. This tab displays a list of all the programs set to start with Windows.

3. Uncheck the box next to each program you don't want to start automatically. Click "OK" when you're finished. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Some programs (very few) actually do need the startup file to load for them to work properly.

• This will allow you to turn off most NAG screens on TrialWare, or expired software wanting you to register.

• Spyware and some trojans add an entry to this, unchecking this will help in the removal of viruses and spyware

• If you find a program not working properly after reboot, follow steps 1-3 and find the program and check it to load at startup.

References

• Microsoft Support: System Configuration