How to Stop an Application from Opening at Startup on a Windows

This updated guide examines How to Stop an Application from Opening at Startup on a Windows and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 3:

Using the Start Menu

1. Press thestartbutton.
2. Go toAll Programs
3. Go toStart up
4. Right click on what you don't want to automatically open.
5. ChooseDelete.
6. There will be a popup, clickDelete Shortcut
7. If you want to remove more, go back to step1. Optional

Method 2of 3:

Using the System Configuration Window

1. ClickStartand then clickRun.
2. TypeMSCONFIGand tap. The System Configuration window will pop up.
3. Click theStartuptab.
4. Uncheck the programs you do not wish to run on startup, and clickOK.
5. Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 3of 3:

Using the Registry Editor Application

1. Select "Run" from the Start menu
2. Type REGEDIT and click OK.
3. The registry editor application will open. Use the tree view on the left to navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion.
4. Check the subkeys Run and RunOnce for a path to the application you wish to stop starting automatically at startup. If you find such a path, right click the individual path and click "Delete" from the pop up menu.
5. If you choose to delete a value, a dialog will result to confirm the deletion. Click "Yes" if you really wish to delete the selected value. Note: The above steps assume that the program is running for every user on the computer. HKEY_CURRENT_USER contains the same path and keys for the currently logged on user.