How to Remove Startup Programs

Windows loads tons of programs when your computer startups. Remove startup programs in in Vista, Windows XP and Windows 7 with ease. You will instantly rewarded with a smoother and faster startup. In addition, You computer will benefit from a lighter resource load thus getting a boost in overall performance.

How to Remove Startup Programs in Windows XP

Method 1: System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG)

  • Click Start and then click Run.
    Delete Computer History
  • Type msconfig in the text box and click OK.
  • Delete Computer History

  • Under the Startup tab, deselect the programs that you like to remove from startup, and click OK.
    Delete Computer History
  • Click Restart to reboot your computer, and the changes will take effect.
    Delete Computer History

Method 2: Registry

  • Click Start and then click Run.
    Delete Computer History
  • Type regedit in the text box and click OK.
    Delete Computer History
  • In the left pane of the Registry Editor, browse to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SOFTWARE>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Run. In the right pane, right click on any startup programs that you would like to remove, and click Delete.
    Delete Computer History
  • Click Yes in the confirmation box.
    Delete Computer History

Method 3: Startup folder

  • Click Start and then click My Computer.
    Delete Computer History
  • Browse to the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.
    Delete Computer History
  • Delete the shortcuts of the startup programs that you would like to remove.

Method 4: From within the program

1. Check if the program in question gives you the option of disabling the autostart feature – via a right-click on the System Tray icon or maybe an “options” menu from within the program.

How to Remove Startup Programs in Windows Vista / Windows 7

Method 1: System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG)

  • Click Start, type msconfig in the Search box, and then press Enter.
    Delete Computer History
  • Under the Startup tab, deselect the programs that you like to remove from startup, and click OK.
    Delete Computer History
  • Click Restart to reboot your computer, and the changes will take effect.
    Delete Computer History

Method 2: Registry

You can also use a registry cleaner to easily and quickly programs from your startup, Click here to learn more.

  • Click Start, type regedit in the Search box, and then press Enter.
    Delete Computer History
  • In the left pane of the Registry Editor, browse to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SOFTWARE>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Run. In the right pane, right click on any startup programs that you would like to remove, and click Delete.
    Delete Computer History
  • Click Yes in the confirmation box.
    Delete Computer History

Method 3: From within the program

1. Check if the program in question gives you the option of disabling the autostart feature – via a right-click on the System Tray icon or maybe an “options” menu from within the program.

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