Add Windows Startup Programs Guide

Startup programs are the executable files, scripts, and services configured to launch automatically when a user logs into Windows. While essential for core functionality (antivirus, drivers, cloud sync), they are a primary culprit for slow boot times, high background CPU/RAM usage, and degraded system responsiveness.

The most common way to a program that doesn't have a built-in "launch at startup" setting is by using the Windows Startup folder. Any shortcut placed in this folder will launch automatically when you sign in. add windows startup programs

Get-ScheduledTask | Where-Object $_.Triggers -like "*Logon*" | Select-Object TaskName, State Startup programs are the executable files, scripts, and

| Question | If Yes → | If No → | |----------|----------|---------| | | Keep enabled | Disable (e.g., Spotify, messaging apps) | | Is it a driver or security essential? (Antivirus, GPU control panel, touchpad driver) | Keep enabled | (Rarely no) | | Does it only check for updates? (Adobe Reader, Java updater) | Disable – updates can run manually or as a scheduled task later | Keep enabled if you prefer auto-updates | Any shortcut placed in this folder will launch