: Windows displays the "Startup impact" (Low, Medium, or High) to show how much each app slows down your boot time [1]. 2. The Power User Way: Task Manager
This is the easiest method for most common applications like Spotify, Steam, or Discord. : Press Win + I . Navigate to Apps : Go to Apps > Startup .
Sort apps by to identify resource-heavy programs. Toggle the switch to Off for any unnecessary applications. 🛠️ Method 2: Use Task Manager
Click the icon (the speedometer logo) on the left menu. Review the Status column to see what is currently active. Right-click the target program. Select Disable to prevent it from launching at boot. 📁 Method 3: Use the Startup Folder
For legacy programs or system-level autostarts, check these registry keys:
Some, like your antivirus or cloud storage client, are essential. Others—music apps, launchers, or old software—are digital loiterers, slowing your boot time, consuming RAM, and draining laptop battery life. Understanding how to control these programs is one of the most impactful system optimizations you can perform.
To disable a program, simply flip the toggle to . No restart required—the change takes effect next boot.