How to disable startup programs in Windows 11 (step by step)

This tutorial will show you step by step how to disable startup programs in Windows 11.

You can stop Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Edge, Messenger, Spotify, Discord, Skype, or any other program or app from opening on startup in Windows 11.

Methods:

How to stop programs from running at startup in Windows 11 via settings

1. Right-click on the Windows start menu button and then click on Settings. You can also press the Windows + I keys on your keyboard to open settings.

2. In the “Settings” window, you click on Apps located in the left menu.

3. Click on Startup located at the bottom.

4. Turn the toggle switch off to disable a program.

Disable startup programs in Windows 11 via settings

Once you complete the steps, the program will no longer start automatically when you start Windows 11.

How to stop programs from running at startup in Windows 11 via Task Manager

1. Open Windows Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Escape (Esc) keys on your computer's keyboard simultaneously. You can also open Task Manager by right-clicking on the start menu button (or pressing the Windows + X keys) and then click on Task Manager.

Open Windows 11 Task Manager using the WinX menu

2. Open the “Startup apps” tab.

3. Right-click on the program you want to disable.

4. Click on Disable.

Disable startup programs in Windows 11 via Task Manager

Once you complete the steps, the program will no longer start automatically when you start Windows 11.