How to Stop Software From Automatically Starting in Windows Vista

When you start your Windows Vista computer, there are many software applications that automatically start as well. While you may want some of these programs to start up when you log on, others may be nuisances taking up space on your system. In Windows Vista, there are two methods you can use to disable software from staring automatically: Windows Defender and Windows System Configuration. You can choose the option that seems easiest to you.

Instructions

Stop Software From Automatically Starting Using Windows Defender

1. Click "Start." Type "Windows Defender" into the "Start Search" box and press "Enter." Windows Defender will open.

2. Click "Tools" and select "Software Explorer."

3. Select "Startup Programs" in the "Category" list.

4. Select a program that you want to stop from automatically starting. Click "Disable."

5. Click "Yes" to confirm that you want to disable automatic start up for this software. Close "Windows Defender" when you are finished.

Stop Software From Automatically Starting Using Windows System Configuration

1. Click "Start." Type "msconfig" into the "Start Search" box at the bottom of the "Start Menu" and press the "Enter" key. The System Configuration window will open.

2. Go to the "Startup" tab.

3. Clear the check box of any software you want to stop from automatically starting.

4. Click "Apply" to save the changes and "OK" to close System Configuration.

References

• Vista Support: Stop a program from running automatically when Windows starts
• Microsoft Answers: Programs running at startup?