Stop An Application From Running Automatically At Startup In Windows 7 / Vista

We covered a way to manage startup programs easily so that it  can increase system performance here almost 2 weeks back. Today we will explain another method to stop startup programs through Windows Defender that is installed by default in Windows Vista.

If your computer seems to be starting up slow, it is most likely because of startup programs. These are programs, often unnecessary, that boot up automatically when the computer does. New computers are notorious for having this problems as vendors reduce the price of their computers by making deals with software providers to preinstall their programs. These programs are often worthless, and are usually trials and not even the full program and such programs are normally referred to as bloatware. This said, below is an outline of ways to remove these unnecessary start up programs from starting up automatically. This method also works in Windows XP.

Open Windows Defender by clicking the Start orb button > All Programs > Windows Defender.

Note: Windows Defender will be disabled if you have installed Microsoft Security Essentials. In this case you need will need to type msconfig in the Start Search, hit Enter, and then navigate to startup tab.

Click the Tools button, and then click Software Explorer.

In the Category box, select Startup Programs.

Select the program that you want to prevent from running, and then click Disable.

Click Yes to confirm that you want to stop that program from running.

Alternative Solution

Type msconfig in the Run command

Select the Startup tab and uncheck the program whichever you want not to start up with Windows and click Apply.

By unchecking or disabling the unnecessary programs to load at start up decreases considerable amount of time for Windows to load.

Editor’s note: I argued in the last post that Windows Defender method is not very effective for me, therefore I disable my startup programs by going to MsConfig. What do you think? Is the Windows Defender method working for you just fine? Do let us know which method you use.