Uncover Hidden Startup Apps with Microsoft's Free Autoruns Tool
Microsoft's Windows 11 has been criticized for its bloated software and slow boot times. One of the main culprits is the sheer number of startup apps that launch at boot, many of which are unnecessary or redundant.
The Task Manager app on Windows allows users to view and manage these startup apps, but it only shows a limited subset of what's actually launching at boot. To get a complete picture, Microsoft offers a free utility called Autoruns, which exposes all the startup items that Task Manager hides.
When you run Autoruns, it displays a comprehensive list of everything that launches during startup, including programs, processes, and services. This includes scheduled tasks, shell extensions, and registry entries that may be pointing to missing files or outdated software.
With Autoruns, users can safely disable or delete unnecessary startup items, freeing up system resources and improving boot times. However, caution is advised when modifying the system, as incorrect changes can cause issues. To avoid this, users can select options to hide Windows and Microsoft entries, leaving only third-party software for review.
By using Autoruns in conjunction with Task Manager, users can gain complete control over their startup items and optimize their system's performance.