Before we get started, it’s important not to mess around with this list too much as some programs do need to run as Windows starts – your antivirus software, for example. How to Change, Add, or Remove Startup Programs in Windows 7 This will show you how to either add, remove, enable, or disable a startup program in Windows 7.You can also view the startup logs in Event Viewer (C:Windowssystem32eventvwr.msc) under Applications and Services Logs, Microsoft. This list includes applications that are currently in the Start Menu’s Startup folder. Click the Startup tab and you'll see a long list of everything that runs when Windows starts. The System Configuration window that opens lets you change which programs run at startup.
Press Windows+R to open the Run window, type msconfig and hit Enter. The first two steps are for Windows Vista and 7, while Step 3 talks about Windows 8 only. Removing unwanted startup programs is easy. For those who enjoy managing Windows via the command line, you don’t need to launch a GUI application such as REGEDIT and use a pesky mouse. You can find ALOT of the startup programs which are running in the background in your Windows Registry. The Startup Settings boot menu allows you to change various settings that affect how Windows 8 starts up as well as providing a launching point into Windows 8 Safe Mode. When you install software it will often set itself to run when your computer starts, which isn't always necessary. REGEDIT.EXE is the program you run to enter into the windows registry. So-called startup programs can really slow down your computer and you likely don't even realise they exist. Your computer is probably clogged up by a plethora of spamming software that starts every time you turn it on.