How to Fix Startup Programs Not Running on Windows 11

Windows 11 is designed to give you a smooth and efficient computing experience, but sometimes startup programs can cause issues—slowing down your PC or causing apps to not launch properly. If you’re facing problems with startup programs on Windows 11, don’t worry! This guide walks you through easy, effective steps to fix common startup program issues.

---

Why Do Startup Program Issues Happen in Windows 11?

Startup programs are those applications that automatically launch when your PC boots up. They can be helpful, like antivirus software, but too many programs or problematic ones can:

• Slow down Windows startup time
• Cause system lag or freezes
• Prevent certain apps from running correctly at startup

Understanding how to manage and troubleshoot these can improve your PC’s performance and user experience.

---

How to Fix Windows 11 Startup Program Issues

1. Use the Task Manager to Manage Startup Programs

Task Manager is your first stop to check which programs run on startup.

Steps:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager.
2. Click the Startup tab.
3. Look through the list of programs and their Startup impact.
4. Select any unnecessary or problematic program and click Disable.

This step disables apps that may be slowing your startup without uninstalling them.

---

2. Check Startup Folder for Unwanted Programs

Windows 11 also uses a Startup folder where programs can place shortcuts to launch automatically.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type shell:startup and press Enter.
3. Delete any shortcuts of programs you don’t want running on startup.

You can also check the All Users startup folder by typing shell:common startup in the Run dialog.

---

3. Use Windows Settings to Manage Startup Apps

You can also enable or disable startup apps via the Settings menu.

Steps:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Navigate to Apps > Startup.
3. Toggle off any apps you don’t want to run at startup.

This method provides a straightforward interface to quickly manage your startup apps.

---

4. Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can cause startup program issues.

Steps:

1. Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

The SFC tool fixes corrupted files that can prevent startup programs from working correctly.

---

5. Check for Malware

Malware or viruses can tamper with startup processes causing slowdowns or failures.

Steps:

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
3. Click Quick scan or Full scan to check your PC.

Removing malware can restore normal startup behavior.

---

6. Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated system files or drivers can cause incompatibility issues affecting startups.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update > Check for updates.
3. Install available updates.
4. For drivers, use the Device Manager or driver software from the manufacturer’s website.

Regular updates keep your system stable and performant.

---

7. Perform a Clean Boot

If you’re unsure which program causes the issue, a clean boot helps you troubleshoot.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
4. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
5. Disable all startup items.
6. Restart your PC.

This loads Windows with minimal programs and services, helping you identify the culprit.

---

Final Thoughts

Startup program issues on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but with these tried-and-true techniques, you can get your PC back on track quickly. Whether it’s disabling unnecessary startup apps, scanning for malware, or fixing corrupted files, each step improves your startup experience.

If you find certain apps essential at startup, consider enabling only those with low impact to keep your PC fast and responsive. Taking a few minutes to manage startup programs now can save you loads of time—and headaches—later.

---

Keywords to Remember:

Fix Windows 11 startup programs, Windows 11 startup issues, manage startup apps Windows 11, Windows 11 slow startup, Windows 11 Task Manager startup, clean boot Windows 11

---

If you have questions or need further help with Windows 11, feel free to ask! Happy computing!