Windows users are familiar with the slew of programs that install start up components. These programs are designed to make the end user's life easier by launching services during the boot up process. Some programs are valuable enough to be allowed the privilege to load during boot up. Anti-virus and spyware removal programs should always be allowed to load during start up. Most other programs should be blocked from launching when Windows launches.

As an end user, there are a few different options for keeping the start up process clean from unnecessary programs. The first option lies within the offending program. Simply open the program, find the options or preferences menu, and uncheck anything that lets the program start when Windows starts.

The second option for disabling start up programs in Vista is found in the Control Panel. Click on the Start button. Click on Control Panel. The Control Panel window will appear. Click on the search box in the upper right corner of the window. Type the word "startup" into the box. Click on "Stop a program from running at startup" underneath the Windows Defender icon. The Software Explorer window will load. From here, click on the name of the program you wish to disable and then click the Disable button located in the lower right corner. To see start up programs for all of the users of your computer, click the "Show for all users" button. Also, should you wish to remove the program completely, there is a Remove button located conveniently in the lower right corner as well. After the unnecessary programs are disabled, close Software Explorer and restart your computer. Rebooting is required for the changes to take effect.

A third option is to run the System Configuration utility. This utility should be the last option used by the average user when disabling start up services. Click on the Start button and click in the Search box. Type "msconfig" into the box and hit the enter key on your keyboard. The System Configuration window will appear. Look at the tabs across the top of the window and click on the Startup tab. Most of the programs you see listed here are optional and can be disabled. To disable a program, simply uncheck the box next to its name and click the Apply button. If you do not recognize a program, it is best to leave it checked. When in doubt, leave it on. After disabling undesired programs, click the Ok button and a prompt will appear. Click the Restart button and wait for your computer to reboot.

These three options should give your Vista machine a speed boost during start up. Most programs have their own settings and preferences that can be changed to prevent them from loading during the boot up process. Should the program be of the more annoying type, you have two great options for forcibly disabling whichever start up programs you desire. Enjoy the speed boost!

Learn more about this author, Dante Jones.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to stop an application from running at startup in Windows Vista?
We want to hear your view. Write now!