How to Reduce the Amount of Start Up Programs on a Slow Computer
A common cause of slow-running computers is the number of programs launched each time the computer is started. In many cases, these programs--auto updaters, mobile phone management programs--only launch to run in the background on the off-chance that you will use them. Reducing the number of these programs in the startup menu frees up resources needed to run other software and processes more efficiently.
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Instructions
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System Configuration Utility
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1
Log onto the computer under the administrator account, and click the "Start" button.
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2
In the "Search" box, type "msconfig." A list of programs and files appear in the white space above the box. Click "msconfig" from the list and the System Configuration Utility dialogue box will pop up.
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3
Click the "Startup" tab. The programs listed on this tab launch each time the computer starts up. Review each program, and uncheck the box next to the name to disable the program.
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4
Click "Apply," and then select "OK." A System Configuration dialogue box will pop up and ask whether you want to "Restart" or "Exit without restart." "Restart" immediately reboots the computer and loads the changes made into the system. "Exit without restart" allows you to continue working without rebooting.
Windows Defender
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5
Click the "Start" button. Open "Control Panel" in classic view, and click the "Windows Defender" icon.
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6
Click "Tools" at the top of the screen, and then select "Software Explorer" in the lower half of the screen. In the Software Explorer window, click "Show for all users."
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Locate the "Category" drop-down menu, and choose "Start up Programs." Review each program listed using the information in the box on the right side of the window, and click "Remove" to delete the program from the startup list, or "Disable" to leave it in the program list, but prevent it from launching. Once complete, close the dialog box.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the Internet to research unfamiliar programs.
Instead of disabling multiple programs at once, choose one or two, save, reboot, and then log back in to ensure your computer runs properly. Continue this process until all of the programs you don't want to run automatically are disabled.
