Too many apps starting with Windows can slow down sign-in and leave programs running before you need them. The fix is to turn off the startup entry in the place that owns it: Windows Settings, Task Manager, a Startup folder, or the app’s own preferences. Start with the fastest Windows controls, then use the deeper options for apps that keep coming back.
1. Turn off the Windows Startup apps switch
Open Start > Settings > Apps > Startup.
Find the app that opens automatically.
Set the app’s startup toggle to Off.
Use this first because it is the main supported Windows Settings path for startup apps.
2. Check Task Manager for startup impact
Right-click Start and select Task Manager, or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Next, select Startup apps.
Choose the app you do not want at sign-in.
Select Disable.
3. Remove shortcuts from the Startup folder
- 1.Right-click Start and select Run.
- 2.Type shell:startup and press Enter.
- 3.Delete the unwanted app shortcut from the Startup folder that opens.
- 4.For startup shortcuts that apply to every user, open Run, type shell:common startup, and press Enter.
- 5.Delete the unwanted shortcut from that folder too, using an admin account when Windows asks for permission.
Remove only the shortcut for an app you recognize.
4. Stop Windows from restoring restartable apps
Some apps reopen after a restart because Windows restores restartable apps after sign-in.
Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and turn off Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign in.
This fixes reopened apps that are not controlled by the Startup apps list.
5. Limit background activity for Store apps
This fixes Microsoft Store apps that keep running in the background after sign-in.
Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Then find the app and select More options > Advanced options.
Under Background app permissions, open Let this app run in background.
Select Never.
6. Change startup inside the app
For Microsoft Teams, select your profile picture in Teams, then open Settings and more > Settings > General.
In System, clear Auto-start Teams.
On the Teams sign-in screen, clear Open Teams on startup.
For OneDrive, select the OneDrive cloud in the notification area, then open Help and Settings > Settings.
In Sync and back up, use Preferences to set OneDrive’s startup behavior.
For Dropbox, click Dropbox in the taskbar, select your avatar, profile picture, or initials, choose Preferences, open General, and turn off Start Dropbox on system startup.
For Microsoft Edge installed apps, open Edge and go to edge://apps.
Select Details on the app card and turn off Auto-start on device login.
For Chrome installed apps, open Chrome and go to chrome://apps.
Right-click the installed app and clear Launch at startup.
Use the app’s own setting when Windows Startup apps is already off and the program still opens by itself.
7. Ignore old msconfig startup instructions
Older tutorials point to System Configuration > Startup to turn startup programs off.
In current Windows, that tab sends you to Task Manager > Startup apps, so use Task Manager > Startup apps or Settings > Apps > Startup.
The Windows 10 path Settings > Privacy > Background apps is legacy for current consumer guidance because Windows 10 consumer support ended October 14, 2025, except ESU.
8. Uninstall apps you do not need
This fixes startup caused by apps you no longer want installed.
Open Start > All apps, find the app, right-click it, and select Uninstall.
Or open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the app, select More, then select Uninstall.
For classic desktop programs, search the taskbar for Control Panel, then open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Right-click the program and select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change.
9. Use Autoruns for stubborn startup entries
Download Autoruns from Microsoft Sysinternals and run it.
After it opens, switch tabs to view auto-start categories, including logon entries, the Startup folder, Run and RunOnce entries, services, scheduled tasks, drivers, and Winlogon entries.
Find the unwanted entry and clear its check box to disable it.
Use the Delete menu item or toolbar button only when you want to delete the auto-start configuration entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do apps reopen after I turn them off in Startup?
Windows can restore restartable apps after sign-in. Open Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and turn off Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign in.
Is Task Manager different from Settings for startup apps?
Task Manager shows the same startup-app list as Settings, and it also shows startup impact details.
Can I stop Teams, OneDrive, or Dropbox without uninstalling them?
Yes. Teams has Auto-start Teams, OneDrive has startup behavior options under Preferences, and Dropbox has Start Dropbox on system startup in its desktop app preferences.
What should I use for a startup entry that is not listed in Settings?
Check Task Manager > Startup apps, the Startup folders opened with shell:startup and shell:common startup, then the app’s own startup setting. For stubborn entries, use Microsoft Sysinternals Autoruns.
