A common problem that most owners of Windows computers experience is that the older the computer, the longer it takes for it to start or boot. Typically this condition results from a large number of programs being installed on the computer over time that are configured to be started on-boot of your computer. Although you may use a number of these applications, free-trial programs that you may no longer use will continue to be in the start-up listing of programs on your computer until removed.

Another scenario that occurs for some users of new Windows computers is the manufacturer loading up a large number of programs such as system utilities and other trial software to start on boot of the computer. Although well-intentioned, many of these programs may never be used by the average computer user and can be removed from being loaded on boot of the computer.how to remove programs from startup

Steps to Remove Programs from Startup

Step 1 – Select the “Start” and “Run” menu buttons on your computer.

Step 2 – Type “msconfig” in the “Run” search text field box followed by the “Enter” button.

Step 3 – On Windows Vista and Windows 7, select the “Continue” button to allow the “System Configuration” application to be opened. If you are on a computer that has multiple user accounts, you may be required to be logged in on an account that has administrator permissions.

Step 4 – Click the “Startup” menu tab located at the top of the application menu to view the listing of programs configured to load on start of your computer.

Step 5 – De-select the check boxes next to the programs that you want to remove from the computer startup.

Step 6 – Click the “Apply” menu button followed by the “Ok” button.

Step 7 – Select the “Restart” menu option subsequently displayed through the program dialogue box to apply the new startup settings to your computer.

Startup Program Modification Warning

Before you remove a program from your computer's startup, ensure you know what you are removing. Non-power computer users can mistakenly remove vital security applications such as firewalls, and computer virus applications from their computer startup in the attempt to speed-up a computer's starting time. If you are removing programs from the startup menu, ensure you verify that the program is a non-essential application for computer security or service management.