If your Windows 10 PC takes too long to boot, startup apps are often the reason.
This guide shows how to check startup apps on Windows 10 PC, where to find them, and how to decide what should stay enabled.
What startup apps are and why they matter
Startup apps are programs that launch automatically when Windows signs in.
Some are useful, such as cloud sync tools, security software, and hardware utilities, while others can slow down startup time and consume memory in the background.
Windows 10 tracks startup behavior in several places, so a complete check usually means reviewing more than one screen.
The built-in tools make it possible to see what starts with Windows, how much it affects boot performance, and whether it should be disabled.
How to check startup apps on Windows 10 PC in Task Manager
The quickest way to view startup items is through Task Manager.
This is the main place Windows 10 uses to manage many auto-starting applications.
Open the Startup tab
- Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
- If Task Manager opens in compact mode, select More details.
- Click the Startup tab.
You will see a list of apps that can run at sign-in, along with their publisher, startup impact, and current status.
The Startup impact column is especially helpful because it estimates how much each app affects boot speed.
Understand the status and impact columns
- Status: Shows whether the app is enabled or disabled.
- Startup impact: Usually marked as None, Low, Medium, or High.
- Publisher: Helps identify whether the app comes from Microsoft, Adobe, NVIDIA, Logitech, or another vendor.
If you are unsure about an entry, search the app name before making changes.
Many legitimate apps use generic names, and some utilities support keyboards, touchpads, audio drivers, or graphics drivers.
How to check startup apps in Windows Settings
Windows 10 also includes a startup management page in Settings.
This view is simpler than Task Manager, but it is useful for quickly toggling app launches on or off.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps and then Startup.
- Review the list of apps and use the switches to enable or disable them.
This screen is useful for spotting apps that are allowed to start automatically even if you do not need them every day.
It may also show a brief description or startup impact indicator, depending on the version of Windows 10 installed.
Check startup folders for older desktop shortcuts
Not every startup app appears in Task Manager.
Some programs still use the Startup folder, which contains shortcuts that launch when a user signs in.
Find the current user Startup folder
Press Windows key + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter.
This opens the Startup folder for the current user.
Any shortcut placed here can launch automatically at logon.
Find the all-users Startup folder
Press Windows key + R, type shell:common startup, and press Enter.
This folder applies to all users on the computer.
If you see a shortcut you do not want, remove it from the folder.
If you are not sure what it does, right-click the shortcut, select Properties, and review the target path before deleting anything.
Use the Task Scheduler to find scheduled startup tasks
Some applications do not launch directly from the Startup tab or folders.
Instead, they create scheduled tasks that run at sign-in, at startup, or after a delay.
Open Task Scheduler
- Press Windows key and type Task Scheduler.
- Open Task Scheduler Library.
- Look for tasks with triggers such as At log on or At startup.
Common software vendors use scheduled tasks for updaters, telemetry components, helper services, and maintenance tools.
If a task belongs to software you no longer use, it may be safe to disable it after verifying the publisher and function.
Check startup apps through installed software settings
Some apps include their own startup options inside the program itself.
Examples include chat apps, game launchers, cloud storage tools, and productivity suites.
Open the app’s settings and look for options such as Launch at startup, Open automatically when Windows starts, or Run in background.
Disabling startup behavior inside the app is often better than forcing it off in Windows because the software may revert the setting later.
What you should usually keep enabled
Not every startup app should be removed.
Some are important for stability, security, or hardware functionality.
- Antivirus and endpoint security software, such as Microsoft Defender-related components or trusted third-party protection tools.
- Driver utilities for graphics, audio, touchpads, printers, and peripherals.
- Cloud sync tools if you rely on OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive for file access.
- System components tied to your laptop manufacturer, docking station, or firmware updates.
If a tool supports hardware you use every day, disabling it may reduce features like hotkeys, battery optimization, or device-specific controls.
What you can usually disable
Many startup items are optional and can be turned off without affecting core Windows 10 performance.
These often include media helpers, messaging clients, update assistants, shopping apps, and software you rarely open.
Examples of low-priority startup apps may include:
- Music and video streaming apps
- Third-party launchers
- Optional printer or scanner helpers
- Chat apps not needed at sign-in
- Automatic updaters for software you rarely use
The safest approach is to disable one item at a time and restart the PC.
If something stops working as expected, re-enable it.
How to confirm whether a startup app is safe to disable
Before changing startup entries, review the app name, publisher, and file location.
In Task Manager, right-click an entry and choose Open file location if available.
That helps identify whether the executable belongs to a trusted vendor.
You can also check digital signatures, search the publisher online, or compare the file path with the software vendor’s documentation.
Avoid disabling entries you do not recognize until you know what they do, especially if the name resembles a driver, update service, or security component.
Signs that startup apps are slowing your Windows 10 PC
Startup apps may be worth checking if your PC shows any of these symptoms:
- Slow sign-in after entering your password
- Heavy disk activity immediately after startup
- Long wait before the desktop becomes responsive
- Fans spinning up while the system finishes loading
- Apps appearing one by one several minutes after login
On older laptops and PCs with mechanical hard drives, startup impact is often more noticeable.
Systems with SSD storage still benefit from reducing unnecessary background launches.
Best practice for managing startup apps on Windows 10
The most effective way to manage startup performance is to review startup items regularly and keep only what you actively need.
Use Task Manager to check startup apps on Windows 10 PC, confirm optional items in Settings, and look for hidden launch points in folders and scheduled tasks.
When in doubt, disable nonessential apps first, restart, and observe the result.
This method is safer than making broad changes all at once and helps you keep Windows 10 responsive without losing important functionality.