How to disable startup apps in Windows 11

Last updated: · By the DeskHowTo editorial team
Quick answer

Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager > Startup apps tab, select an app > Disable. Or use Settings > Apps > Startup and toggle apps Off.

Disable what you do not need daily (chat apps, updaters). Leave antivirus and GPU utilities enabled unless you know they are safe to delay.

On this page

Applies to Windows 11; Windows 10 has a similar Task Manager Startup tab.

Disable startup apps

Task Manager method

  1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
  2. Open the Startup apps tab (Windows 11) or Startup (Windows 10).
  3. Select an app with High impact that you do not need at boot.
  4. Click Disable.

Settings method

  1. Settings > Apps > Startup.
  2. Toggle Off for apps you do not want launching at sign-in.

What not to disable casually

Security software, disk encryption helpers, accessibility tools, and docking/display drivers.

Still slow?

Check Startup impact, then review storage health and Windows Update. See also uninstall programs.

Frequently asked questions

Does Disable uninstall the app?

No - it only stops it launching at sign-in.

App came back?

The app may re-enable itself after an update - disable again.

Missing Startup tab?

Click More details in older Task Manager layouts, or use Settings > Apps > Startup.

Sources checked: Microsoft Windows support. Verified October 2026.