How to Access Startup in Msconfig

Unnecessary startup programs give your hard drive extra work.

Every time your computer boots, Windows loads services and programs. Many of these programs enable the operating system to function. Other programs help you do your work. Power users often copy programs to their "Startup" folder. Programs in this folder start automatically at boot time. The "Startup" folder is not the only place that holds startup information. Applications that you install may create startup entries in your system registry. When that happens, programs may start without your knowledge and consume valuable resources. You can find those programs and disable them using your Msconfig utility.

Instructions

1. Press the "Windows" key and "R" simultaneously. The Run window opens.

2. Type "Msconfig" and press "Enter." Windows will prompt you for confirmation to continue or an administrator password if you use a password. Enter the password,

3. Click "Continue" to open Msconfig.

4. Click the "Startup" tab at the top of the Msconfig window. This tab displays a table showing all programs that start when Windows boots. Important column headings in the table are "Startup Item" and "Manufacturer." If a checkmark appears next to a program, that program starts when Windows boots.

5. Scroll through the list and review the programs. The names in the "Startup Item" "Manufacturer" columns will help you identify the programs. For example, if you see "Windows Defender" as the startup item name and Microsoft as the manufacturer, you know that it is Microsoft's Windows Defender program.

6. Scroll through the list, and remove the checkmark from items that you do not want to start when Windows starts.

7. Click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• Unchecking items in Msconfig will not stop them from running immediately. After restarting Windows, they will not load automatically. If you discover that you need a program to load at boot time, return to Msconfig and place a checkmark by that program.

References

• "Windows 7 Annoyances"; 2010; David A. Karp
• "Windows 7 QuickSteps"; Martin S. Matthews; 2009

Resources

• Microsoft Windows: Getting Started With Windows 7 - Help & How-to