How to Find Out Which Programs Are Active on Your Computer's Startup

Your computer's startup process includes programs that run automatically at each reboot. Although automatic startup can be a useful feature, the build up of programs does slow your boot time. You should review your startup configuration once in a while to determine if it includes programs that you do not need. You can access startup either through the startup folder, the System Configuration utility or the Windows Defender application.

Instructions

Startup Folder

1. Go to the "Start" menu and select "All Programs."

2. Scroll down the list and right-click "Startup."

3. Select "Open All Users" from the folder menu to open "Startup." Here you can view shortcuts to the programs in the startup process.

System Configuration Utility

1. Go to the "Start" menu and select "Run."

2. Type "msconfig" and press "Enter" to start the System Configuration utility.

3. Click on the "Startup" tab to view the programs that run during startup.

Windows Defender

1. Go to the "Start" menu, click "All Programs" and select "Windows Defender."

2. Click the "Tools" menu option and then "Software Explorer."

3. Select "Startup" from the "Category" drop-down menu and click "Show All Users." Scroll down the list to see all of the programs active at computer startup.

References

• "Pacs-Portal: Start-up Applications-Do You Really Need All of Them?"