When you are done, click OK to apply the changes. If you are unsure if a program should be disabled, please either look it up on or contact the Help Desk for assistance ( See Get Help from DoIT). To disable a program, simply un-check the box next to it.

This is a list of every program that starts when Windows is loaded.

You should now see a window similar to the one below. The System Configuration Utility window should now appear. In the Run window, type msconfig and then click OK Start the System Configuration utility by clicking on Start » Run. Using the System Configuration utility Windows XP The disabling of start up programs is done through the System Configuration utility, commonly referred to as 'msconfig.' For instructions on how to start and use the System Configuration utility to disable these programs, click your version of Windows below: It can, therefore, be beneficial to disable some of these additional start up programs. Normally, allowing a few of these additional programs to run is not much of a problem, but as a computer get more and more use, the number of programs starting with the computer starts to become unwieldy, and the computer's performance starts to suffer as a result.

For example, installing iTunes on a computer will cause two additional programs to start when a computer is turned on. While Windows itself comes with a few of these start up programs built in, the vast majority of them come from programs installed on the computer.

Some of these programs are important to the normal operation of your computer, while others provide conveniences or features, and others still may serve no purpose or may even attempt to harm the computer. When a computer is turned on, and Windows starts to load, Windows begins to load other programs as well. This document explains how 'msconfig' can be used to disable programs that are starting with Windows and may be causing problems.

Win 7 startup apps