Computer: Disable Programs from Starting with Msconfig

Question: Will my computer run faster if I disable programs from starting?

If you disable programs from starting up when you boot up your computer you can make the entire start-up process quicker. The less items that have to be started, the faster your computer will boot up. If your computer does take a long time to start this could be the problem.
It is common for programs to also check for updates every time you log in. Software usually gets updated once or twice a year, however it is checking for updates every time you start your computer. I never recommend disabling automatic updates for windows, but other programs are OK. For example I have a photo editing program I do not use much so when I disable programs from starting, this is OK to disable.

How to use the msconfig command to disable programs from starting?

Msconfig is the command that brings up the system configuration utility. You will need to use this run box command, as shown in the screenshot below.  To open a run dialog box simple press the WIN KEY and the letter Rtogether. This will work on a Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows Seven operating system.
Disable programs from starting
When you have typed in msconfig into the run box the system configuration utility will appear.

How to disable programs from starting when you log into your computer?

  1. Once you have the system configuration window open, go to the startup tab.

  2. Here you will see a list of programs that will start when your computer starts. Simply un-tick the ones you don’t want.This will disable programs from starting.

  3. When you have finished choosing your programs, press apply and then OK.

msconfig startup tab

Programs you should not disable in msconfig?

You should always be careful when disabling programs and should only do so if you are sure of what the consequences are. You should not disable your antivirus from starting as you will not be protected. Virus removal software, your firewall, and Windows updates would be the most important programs to keep updated. Also you should not disable programs related to certain devices that you may wish to use like a printer. If you know what the startup program is then it is OK to disable it.

Notes on using msconfig to disable programs at startup:

  • Yes it will speed up your computer at boot up, however choosing to disable the wrong program can cause errors.

  • Just remember that editing and changing settings on your computer is dangerous if you are unsure of what you are doing.

  • You can reverse your changes by typing msconfig into the run box and entering the system configuration again. Simply put a tick in the box to enable a program to run at startup.

Popular posts from this blog

Computer: About Windows XP

Windows XP's secrets It boasts how long it can stay up. Whereas previous versions of Windows were coy about how long they went between boots, XP is positively proud of its stamina. Go to the Command Prompt in the Accessories menu from the All Programs start button option, and then type 'systeminfo'. The computer will produce a lot of useful info, including the uptime. If you want to keep these, type 'systeminfo > info.txt'. This creates a file called info.txt you can look at later with Notepad. (Professional Edition only). You can delete files immediately, without having them move to the Recycle Bin first. Go to the Start menu, select Run... and type 'gpedit.msc'; then select User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Explorer and find the Do not move deleted files to the Recycle Bin setting. Set it. Poking around in gpedit will reveal a great many interface and system options, but take care -- some may stop your...
Read more

Ms-Word: The view buttons

Image
With the View Buttons you can change the way your document is displayed. The View does not change the way your document appears when you print it. The different Views each have their advantages depending on what you are working on. 1 Print Layout Print Layout is the default View. In this View, what you see on the screen is similar to the print-out. This View is good when you type text, and it is excellent when you want to position pictures and graphics as well as when you need to adjust page setup and margins. This View is probably the one you will use most often.
Read more

YouTube Channel Keywords: Drive More Traffic to Your Videos

Image
Youtube channel keywords and video keywords are essential for great video ranking. Learn how to use them right. Ranking high in YouTube search results is one of the  main  sources of traffic to your channel. And there are many factors which contribute to a great ranking. One of the  main metrics  YouTube's algorithm considers when ranking videos are the  YouTube channel keywords and video keywords . Yet, many YouTubers don't take advantage of this opportunity to boost their videos and channel ranking by properly using keywords on their channel and videos. I'll guide you through the process of choosing the best keywords to use and how to properly use them on your channel and videos so you can get ahead of your competition. What are keywords on YouTube and how important are they for SEO? Keywords refer to the  search queries  people use when they look for content online. Same as for Google SEO, keywords have great importance for Yo...
Read more