Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Disable optional apps that you do not need as soon as you sign in—especially enabled items marked High impact in Task Manager. But that label describes activity during startup, not necessarily an app’s ongoing CPU use. To identify what is using CPU after sign-in, check Task Manager’s Processes or Performance view.
Which startup apps are good candidates to disable?
There is no universal list: the right choice depends on which features you use and when you need them. Microsoft says startup apps can slow boot and increase background activity, so consider disabling apps that launch automatically but do not need to be ready at sign-in.
Optional launchers, chat or meeting clients, game launchers, media helpers, cloud utilities you do not need to sync immediately, and vendor convenience utilities you do not use are categories worth reviewing. They are examples to evaluate—not a guarantee that every app in a category is safe to disable.
Before switching anything off, check the app’s name and publisher or other details shown in Windows, and consider what it does for you. Keep apps that provide security, backup, accessibility, input-device, audio, or hardware functions you rely on. If you do not recognize an item, identify it before changing its startup setting.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
How to review and disable startup apps
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Esc, then select Startup apps. Alternatively, open Start > Settings > Apps > Startup.
- Review each enabled item. Compare its impact label with whether you need its features immediately after signing in, and whether delaying it could interrupt a notification, sync, backup, security, accessibility, or hardware function.
- In Task Manager, select an item and choose Disable. In Settings, switch off the app on the Startup page. These Windows configuration options apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11; labels and layout can vary by build.
- Disable one or a small number of apps at a time, restart, and check whether you still have the functions you need. This makes it easier to trace a missing notification or feature to the setting you changed.
What the startup impact label tells you—and what it does not
Use High impact as a reason to investigate an item, not as an instruction to disable it. Microsoft describes startup impact in terms of CPU and disk activity during startup. It helps prioritize which apps to review, but it does not tell you an app’s continuous CPU load later in the session.
Microsoft’s published impact thresholds are not consistent across its documentation: the Learn article that gives specific cutoffs is scoped to Windows 8, while current Support wording uses different boundaries. Treat the label as a relative startup guide rather than relying on a precise threshold as universal for current Windows versions.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
How to check whether CPU usage actually improved
After restarting, open Task Manager and inspect Processes or Performance while the CPU usage problem is occurring. Startup impact and ongoing CPU use are different questions: an app can have a high startup impact without being the process consuming CPU later, and a process that is busy after sign-in may need separate investigation.
If CPU usage remains high, inspect the running processes and consider other causes, such as background activity, malware, updates, or another performance issue. There is no reliable general percentage of CPU usage or number of minutes saved by disabling startup apps; the result depends on the PC and the apps involved.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
What if disabling an app breaks a feature?
If a needed notification, sync, or device function stops working, turn the app’s startup setting back on. Startup launch and background permissions are separate controls for supported apps: to review background permissions, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the app, and open Advanced options. Microsoft notes that this background-permission control does not govern desktop apps, which may have their own settings.
What if an app is missing from the Startup list?
Some apps launch through a Startup folder shortcut rather than appearing in the usual Settings or Task Manager lists. Microsoft documents these folder locations:
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
- For the current user, press Win+R, enter
shell:startup, and press Enter. - For all users, press Win+R, enter
shell:common startup, and press Enter.
Review shortcuts there carefully before removing one. Avoid casual registry edits: Microsoft warns that registry changes can have unintended consequences, and most users can manage startup behavior without them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a clean boot makes sense
A clean boot is a temporary troubleshooting method for isolating software conflicts, not the routine first step for trimming startup apps. Microsoft advises tracking changes and cautions that some functionality may be temporarily unavailable during the process. Start by reviewing your own startup list; use a clean boot only when you are troubleshooting a broader conflict.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Its startup-app configuration guidance still covers Windows 10 and Windows 11, but changing startup apps does not change the operating system’s support status.
Quick Recap
Microsoft sources
- Configure Startup applications in Windows
- Tips to improve PC performance in Windows
- Startup apps
- Windows background apps and your privacy
- How to perform a clean boot in Windows
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
