Reduce Windows Startup Apps Without Disabling Services
Source-checked · About 5 minutes
Answer
Do not disable Windows services to speed up a PC. Microsoft documents safer controls for apps that start automatically, which can affect startup speed without changing essential system services.
Select Start, open Settings, choose Apps, then select Startup.
2
Review each startup app
Read the name and publisher of each listed app before changing it. Keep security, backup, accessibility, and work-critical tools enabled unless you know their role.
3
Turn off an optional startup app
Set the toggle to Off only for an app you do not need as soon as you sign in.
4
Check startup impact
For more detail, right-click Start, open Task Manager, and select Startup apps to see the impact reported for each app.
5
Change one app at a time
Disable one optional app, then restart and check that Windows and the app still work as expected before changing another.
6
Limit supported background activity
For an app that exposes the setting, go to Settings, System, Power & battery, Battery usage, then choose Manage background activity and select a suitable option.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
If an app is not listed in Startup, do not edit the registry or disable a Windows service. Use the app’s own settings or leave it unchanged.
If a problem begins after you disable an app, return to the same Startup list and turn it back on. This is safer than changing system services.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.
