How do I stop programs from running at startup?

So, your computer has a blue-million programs that load on startup.  This is a very common problem with most PC users, since many programs install some sort of Startup configuration when you install them on your system.  Some of these are nice; you certainly want your anti-virus software to be running the entire time your system is on, even during startup.  But, is it really necessary for that photo editing program, iTunes, AOL, Quicktime, Quicken, or most any other program to load at startup?

The simple answer to that is no.  And it’s very obvious that your realize this.

So what can you do about it?

You can edit which programs load at startup a number of different ways.  My current favorite, just because the interface is so clean, is Microsoft’s own Windows Defender.  Defender is Microsoft’s anti-spyware program, freely available to anyone using a Genuine copy of Windows XP or Vista.  As a matter of fact, its included with Vista on all new computers.

If you don’t have it already, you can download it for free from http://www.microsoft.com/antispyware

While it’s not the best spyware program, one of the nice features of Defender is the ability to disable programs from running at startup.  Once you have Defender on your system, open up the "Tools" menu.  You’ll see an icon for it at the top of the window.

Once there, open the "Software Explorer".  You’ll then be presented with a list of all programs on your computer, broken down into various lists.  From the drop-down list, make sure you have "Startup Programs" selected.  Then, just scroll through the list and disable the programs that you don’t want running at Startup.

Be careful, though.  Don’t go crazy with these.  There are some applications that are required by Windows to function, so only disable those you are sure you don’t want running.  A brief description of each program is provided on the right-hand side of the window as you select them, so this will help you decide if you should disable or not.

Now, the next time you startup your computer, see how much faster you’ll be ready to get to work.  I can guarantee you’ll think you have a new computer.