How to stop apps from opening at startup on Windows 11

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, choose Apps, then Startup, and switch off every app you do not need the moment you sign in. The apps stay installed; they just stop launching by themselves.

Many programs add themselves to the list of things that start with Windows. Each one makes the PC slower to become usable and keeps using memory in the background. Turning them off is safe and easy to undo.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

  1. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetPersonalisationAppsAccountsTime & languageWindows UpdateAppsInstalled appsDefault appsAdvanced app settingsStartup

    Open Settings and choose Apps

    Press Windows + I. Apps is in the list on the left.

  2. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetPersonalisationAppsAccountsTime & languageWindows UpdateAppsInstalled appsDefault appsAdvanced app settingsStartup

    Click Startup

    It is near the bottom of the Apps page.

  3. Sort by startup impact

    Use the Sort by menu and choose Startup impact. The apps that slow your start the most are now at the top, marked High impact.

  4. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetPersonalisationAppsAccountsTime & languageWindows UpdateStartupSpotify High impactMicrosoft Teams High impactSteam Medium impactWindows Security Low impact

    Switch off what you do not need

    Turn off chat apps, game launchers, music players and updaters you do not need immediately. Leave your antivirus, touchpad and audio drivers, and cloud backup on.

  5. Restart to feel the difference

    The change applies at the next sign-in.

Good to know

Task Manager has the same list. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and open the Startup apps tab.

If you are not sure what an entry is, right-click it in Task Manager and choose Search online before turning it off.

More ideas for a sluggish PC: seven free fixes for a slow laptop.

In short: Settings, Apps, Startup. Switch off the High impact apps you do not need at sign-in.

Sources
  • Microsoft Support: Configure startup applications in Windows

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