Why your computer is slower than it used to be
When you turn on your computer, dozens of programs may be running in the background before you even open anything. Each one uses memory and processing power, which is why your machine feels sluggish those first few minutes. Most of these programs don't need to start automatically — they're just set to do so by default when you installed them.
Stopping unnecessary startup programs won't break anything. The programs still exist and will open normally when you click them. You're only removing the automatic launch, which means your computer boots faster and runs more smoothly while you're working.
Key Takeaways
- Windows and Mac both let you see which programs launch at startup and turn off the ones you don't need running in the background.
- Common culprits are messaging apps, cloud storage services, and software that came with your printer or graphics card.
- Disabling a startup program doesn't uninstall it — the program still works normally when you open it manually.
- If you disable something and your computer stops working the way it should, you can turn it back on in the same place.
How to stop startup programs on Windows
Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, or right-click the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and select "Task Manager." Click the "Startup" tab at the top. You'll see a list of every program set to launch when Windows starts, along with its current status (Enabled or Disabled).
Right-click any program you don't want running in the background and select "Disable." The program will no longer start automatically, but it will still be installed on your computer and will open normally if you click it. Focus on programs you recognize and don't use regularly — things like Spotify, Discord, Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud, or OneDrive if you don't need constant syncing.
Be cautious with programs you don't recognize. If you're unsure what something does, leave it alone or search for its name online before disabling it. Some security software and system utilities need to run at startup to protect your computer.
How to stop startup programs on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older Macs). Look for "General" in the sidebar, then click "Login Items." You'll see two sections: "Open at Login" and "Allow in the Login Window."
The "Open at Login" section shows programs that start automatically. Click any program in that list and then click the minus button below it to remove it from startup. Like Windows, this only stops the automatic launch — the program remains installed and will open when you click it.
On newer Macs, you may also see an "Allow in the Login Window" section. These are usually background services rather than full programs, and you generally shouldn't disable them unless you know what they do.
Which programs are safe to disable
Messaging and communication apps almost never need to start automatically unless your job requires you to be constantly available. Discord, Slack, Telegram, WhatsApp, and similar programs can be safely disabled — you'll just need to open them manually when you want to use them.
Cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud Drive often launch at startup so they can sync files in the background. If you don't need real-time syncing, you can disable them. They'll still sync when you open them manually, just less frequently.
Printer software, graphics card utilities, and manufacturer bloatware are common startup programs that rarely need to run automatically. If you don't print regularly or use your graphics card for gaming, these are safe to turn off.
Antivirus software, Windows Defender, and security tools should usually stay enabled. Same with system utilities that came with your computer. If you're unsure, search the program name online — a quick search will tell you whether it's essential.
What to do if you disable something important
If you disable a program and your computer stops working the way it should, you can turn it back on when ready. Go back to Task Manager (Windows) or Login Items (Mac) and re-enable it. There's no penalty for trying — you're not uninstalling anything, just changing when it launches.
Common signs you disabled something important: your internet stops working, your printer won't connect, your graphics look wrong, or you get security warnings. If any of those happen, go back and re-enable programs related to those functions. Most of the time, you'll figure out which one within a few tries.
How much faster will your computer be
The speed improvement depends on how many programs you disable and how heavy they are. Disabling five lightweight programs might save you 5 to 10 seconds at startup. Disabling something like Slack or Discord could save 15 to 30 seconds. If your startup was taking two minutes before, you might get it down to 90 seconds.
You'll notice the bigger difference once your computer is fully booted. With fewer programs running in the background, your overall system responsiveness improves — programs open faster, switching between windows feels smoother, and your computer doesn't lag as much when you're doing multiple things at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling startup programs break my computer?
No. You're only changing when programs launch, not removing them. If something goes wrong, you can re-enable the program in the same place. The worst that happens is you disable something important and need to turn it back on.
Why do programs add themselves to startup in the first place?
Developers set programs to launch automatically because it's convenient for them — you don't have to open the app manually. It also means the company's software is always running and collecting data about how you use your computer. Disabling startup is your way of choosing what runs in the background.
Should I disable everything except Windows or macOS?
No. Some programs genuinely need to start automatically to work properly. Security software, system utilities, and hardware drivers often need to run at startup. Disable things you recognize and don't use regularly, but leave anything you're unsure about alone.
Do I need to restart my computer after disabling a startup program?
No. The change takes effect the next time you restart, but you don't need to restart when ready. The program will stop launching automatically at your next startup, whenever that happens.
Can I re-enable a startup program later if I change my mind?
Yes. Go back to Task Manager (Windows) or Login Items (Mac) and re-enable it. The program will start automatically again at your next restart. You can enable and disable programs as many times as you want.