In Windows, how can I prevent a program from starting automatically?

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Often, a program starts automatically in Windows because of a shortcut in the Startup folder in the Start menu. The program may also run automatically from a registry entry. Following are three sets of directions you can follow to remove programs from automatic startup. After you have gone through each set of steps, reboot your computer to see if the problem is fixed. If necessary, you can then continue to the next set of instructions.

On this page:

Removing a shortcut

To remove a shortcut from the Startup folder:

Right-click the Start button, and then select Open.
Double-click Programs.
When the Programs folder opens, double-click Startup.
Select the shortcut you wish to remove. Drag it to the Recycle Bin, or delete it by pressing the Del key.

The shortcut will remain in the Recycle Bin until you empty it.

In some cases, a shortcut you want to be in the Startup folder is pointing to the wrong program. To correct this:

Follow steps 1-3 above.
Right-click the appropriate icon and select Properties.
Click the Shortcut tab. In the "Target:" field, verify that the path statement points to the filename of the correct program. If it does not, enter the accurate path to the program.

Using the System Configuration Utility

Note: The System Configuration Utility is available only in Windows XP and Vista.

The System Configuration Utility (msconfig.exe) provides an intuitive interface for disabling startup items that are otherwise only accessible through the registry (i.e., there is no shortcut in the Startup folder in the Start menu). If you are not familiar or are uncomfortable with registry editing, use this utility.

To launch the System Configuration Utility:

In Windows Vista, in the Start menu, enter msconfig in the "Start Search" field.
In other versions of Windows, from the Start menu, select Run... . Type msconfig and click OK.
Click the Startup tab.
Uncheck the items you do not want to launch on startup.
Note: It may take some time to identify which items to check and which to uncheck. Some items will be easy to identify (e.g., Microsoft Office), some may be slightly confusing (e.g., realsched), and some will be cryptic (e.g., 000StTHK or QFSSCHD110). If you cannot determine what an entry is (and therefore whether you should uncheck it or not), you may want to use a search engine to research the individual entry. Keep in mind there are some entries that you should avoid unchecking (e.g., virus scanners).
When you have finished making your selections, click OK.
In the box that appears, click Restart to restart your computer.

Removing a registry entry

Warning: This document contains instructions for editing the registry. If you make any error while editing the registry, you can potentially cause Windows to fail or be unable to boot, requiring you to reinstall Windows. Edit the registry at your own risk. Always back up the registry before making any changes. For information, see In Windows XP and Vista, how do I back up the registry? If you do not feel comfortable editing the registry, do not attempt these instructions. Instead, seek the help of a computing support provider.

To remove a startup entry from the registry:

From the Start menu, select Run... . Type regedit and click OK.
To save a backup copy of the registry, from the File menu, select Export... .
1. Make sure to note the file's destination; by default, it will be saved on the desktop.
2. Give the file an obvious name, such as registry or regback , so that you'll remember this file is your registry backup.
3. In the "Export Range" field, make sure All is selected, and then click Save. This will make a backup of a working registry.
To expand HKEY LOCAL MACHINE, click the + (plus sign) to the left.
Expand the SOFTWARE tree. Then expand Microsoft, then Windows, and then CurrentVersion.
Highlight the Run folder. On the right side of the screen, you will see programs that are set to run on startup that might not be included in the Startup folder. Some of these may be important programs, such as antivirus programs or firewalls. There also may be undesirable or unnecessary programs, such as spyware and advertisement software. You'll need to ascertain what is needed and what is not.
Highlight any program(s) you want to prevent from starting automatically, and then press the Del key. Remember that deleting programs here does not remove them from your computer; it only stops them from running automatically.
Do not delete any programs you wish to begin on startup; for instance, if you use AOL Instant Messenger, you may want that program to start automatically.
Changes to the registry are implemented immediately, so you do not need to save your changes. At this point, you may simply close the Registry Editor.

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Last modified on May 13, 2009.