Windows loading time not just depends on hardware setup but also by the programs installed that are configured to start at boot. The more software you install on your PC, the longer it may seem to take to load Windows.
Most programs often add themselves to startup even when you rarely use them. However, for most programs, starting them at boot-up consumes more valuable resources that increase startup time.
Microsoft always put a great effort into improving Windows startup time for every version they released. Windows has gone far, from booting up within a couple of minutes to booting up in seconds (Windows XP vs Windows 10).
If you want to improve boot times, here’s how to disable startup programs in Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10.
Disable startup programs in Windows 7, Vista and XP
For some programs, it’s better to have them start with Windows, such as anti-virus and firewall software.
- For Windows 7, Vista: Open the Start menu and type “msconfig.exe” (without the quotes) in the Search box. As you type, results display. When you see “msconfig.exe,” click on it or press Enter, if it is highlighted.
For Windows XP: open the Run dialog box from the Start menu (or press CTRL+R), type “msconfig.exe” in the Open edit box, and click OK.NOTE: MSConfig can be used to configure several things other than just startup programs, so be careful what you do with it. - Select the Startup tab on the System Configuration main window. A list of all the startup programs displays with a check box next to each one.
- To disable a program to start at boot, uncheck the desired program.
- Click OK once you are done.
- A dialog box will appear asking you to restart your PC for the changes to take affect. Click Restart to restart your PC immediately otherwise, click ‘Exit without restart’ in case you are not ready to restart your PC.
Latest Windows 10 operating system has greatly improved in boot time compared to its predecessors. However, you may find that the more you use your PC, the slower boot time gets. Removing startup programs is an excellent way to reduce that time.
Disable startup programs in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10
- Right-click an empty space on the Windows taskbar and click Task Manager.
Alternative: Press and hold CTRL+SHIFT+ESC, click More details if no tabs appear. - Select the Startup tab, a list of all the startup programs displays.
- Click Status to arrange them into enabled or disabled.
- Right-click a program you don’t want to start at boot and select Disable.
Notes on disabling startup programs
Be careful in choosing the programs to disable, doing so may affect some functionalities of the software associated with the program. These include third-party anti-virus, malware scanners, and firewalls. Don’t worry, you can still re-enable a disabled program.