How to Check Startup Programs

Startup programs are programs which boot up at the same time that the computer's operating system starts up. Startup programs are often essential programs such as antivirus software, or commonly used programs which start up right away for the user's convenience. The main drawback of startup programs is that they make the computer take longer to boot up.

Instructions

1. Click "Start." Then click "Run."

2. Type "msconfig" in the run field. Click "OK." (For Vista type "msconfig" in the search bar and press enter.)

3. Click on the "Startup" tab. There will be a list of programs here; the ones with boxes checked are your current startup programs. If you wish to alter your startup programs, check or uncheck boxes for different programs, then click "Apply."

4. Click "Ok" to close the configuration window.

5. Reboot your PC if Windows prompts you to restart.

Tips & Warnings

• You can uncheck startup programs and apply the changes in order to prevent the programs from starting up when you start the computer. It is usually best to conserve memory by having fewer programs start up right away. Programs can be opened as needed and then closed to keep them from using RAM when they are not being used.

References

• Take Control of Your Windows Start-Up
• Altering start up programs in XP and Vista

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish