How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows 11: Startup Folders and Autoruns

Most startup applications should be managed from Settings > Apps > Startup or Task Manager > Startup apps. But some programs start from Startup folders, Run keys, services, scheduled tasks, or other auto-start locations.

This advanced guide complements the quick startup-app guide rather than duplicating it.

Check the current user’s Startup folder

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Enter:

shell:startup

3. File Explorer opens the Startup folder for the current user.
4. To stop a shortcut from launching automatically, remove the shortcut from this folder.

The current-user Startup folder corresponds to:

%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Check the all-users Startup folder

Press Windows + R and enter:

shell:common startup

This folder applies to all users and corresponds to:

%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Administrator permission may be required to change it.

Use Autoruns for advanced troubleshooting

Microsoft Sysinternals Autoruns shows far more auto-start locations than Settings or Task Manager, including Run/RunOnce entries, services, scheduled tasks, Explorer extensions, drivers, and other launch points.

Use it carefully:

1. Download Autoruns from Microsoft Sysinternals.
2. Run Autoruns.
3. Use Hide Signed Microsoft Entries when you want to focus on third-party items.
4. Research an unfamiliar entry before disabling it.
5. Prefer unchecking an entry first rather than deleting it, so the change is easier to reverse.

Do not disable drivers, security products, encryption components, or system services simply because they appear in Autoruns.

What about MSConfig?

Modern Windows directs normal startup-app management to Task Manager. MSConfig remains a troubleshooting utility, but it is not the best everyday tool for disabling ordinary startup apps.

Registry startup entries

Windows also uses Run keys such as:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Microsoft warns that Registry changes can have unintended consequences. Use Settings, Task Manager, Startup folders, or Autoruns before editing these keys manually.

Official references

• Microsoft startup-app configuration: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/experience/startup-boot/configure-startup-applications-in-windows
• Microsoft Sysinternals Autoruns: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns