How to Edit Startup Applications | Three Official Ways

Editing startup applications in Windows is done through Settings, Task Manager, or the startup folder — each method puts you in control of what launches at sign-in.

A sluggish boot often comes down to a packed startup list. The three official techniques for how to edit startup applications in Windows 11 and 10 are all found in the Settings app, Task Manager, and the startup folder. This guide walks through each method so you can trim the lineup with confidence.

Editing Startup Applications: The Main Settings Method

The primary location for managing Windows startup tasks is the Settings app. It provides clear toggles and shows the startup impact of each item.

1. Open Start and click Settings (or press Win + I).
2. Go to Apps > Startup.
3. Sort by Name or Startup Impact to identify the heaviest apps.
4. Toggle any app On or Off.

This method works for apps registered with a startup task. Some apps show a chevron for additional settings, but most are a simple toggle. Microsoft’s official guidance on startup applications notes that changes take effect on the next sign-in.

A Faster Route Through Task Manager

The quickest way to disable something immediately is through Task Manager.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager (or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Click the Startup apps tab.
3. Select any app and click Enable or Disable.

This is the fastest route for power users. The UI is the same across recent builds of Windows 10 and 11.

Adding or Removing Apps with the Startup Folder

For apps that don’t show up in Settings or Task Manager, Windows still respects the classic startup folder. You add a shortcut to the folder to make it launch at boot.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Enter shell:startup for your account, or shell:common startup for all users on the device.
3. Open a second Run window and enter shell:appsfolder to see a list of all installed applications.
4. Drag an app shortcut from the applications folder into the startup folder to add it. Delete the shortcut to remove it from the autostart list.

This works with shortcuts only, not the actual executable files. Deleting the shortcut doesn’t uninstall the app — it just stops it from autostarting. The app will launch again on the next boot if the shortcut is present.

Which Method Should You Use?

What Are the Most Common Startup Editing Mistakes?

A few simple errors trip up most people cleaning up their startup list.

• Forgetting to restart. Changes don’t apply until you sign out or reboot.
• Looking in the wrong place. If an app isn’t in Settings or Task Manager, check the user startup folder with shell:startup.
• Confusing a shortcut with the app. Deleting the startup shortcut only stops autolaunch, it doesn’t uninstall the software.
• Using the wrong folder. shell:startup is just for your account; shell:common startup affects every user on the PC.

Quick Troubleshooting for Startup Settings

Final Checklist for a Cleaner Boot

• Open Settings > Apps > Startup and disable anything with a High impact that you don’t need immediately.
• Open Task Manager to get a quick overview of the entire startup list.
• Check your personal startup folder (shell:startup) for old shortcuts that may be launching outdated tools.
• Restart your PC to confirm the changes work as expected.

Trimming startup applications is one of the simplest ways to improve boot time. These three official methods give you full control without touching any system files.