How to View All Startup Programs on Your Computer

When you turn on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer, several applications and background services start automatically before you even begin working. These are known as startup programs. Some startup apps are necessary because they support your hardware or security software, while others simply launch for convenience. Over time, however, too many startup programs can slow down your computer’s boot process and make it take longer to reach the desktop.

Knowing how to view all startup programs gives you a better understanding of what is running automatically every time your PC starts. It also helps you identify unnecessary apps that may be consuming system resources without your knowledge. Whether you’re troubleshooting slow startup times, improving performance, or simply curious about what launches with Windows, there are several easy ways to see every startup program.

In this guide, you’ll learn multiple methods to view all startup programs on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

What are Startup Programs on Your Computer [Windows 11/10]?

Startup programs are applications, utilities, and background processes that automatically launch when Windows starts. Some of these programs are installed with Windows itself, while others are added when you install software such as cloud storage applications, messaging apps, antivirus programs, graphics drivers, and productivity tools.

Many startup programs serve an important purpose. For example, your antivirus software starts automatically to protect your computer as soon as Windows loads. Cloud storage applications may also start automatically so they can immediately synchronize your files.

However, not every startup program is essential. Some applications add themselves to the startup list without asking, which can increase startup time and consume memory in the background. Viewing your startup programs helps you decide which applications should continue starting automatically and which ones can be disabled later if necessary.

Windows offers several ways to view startup programs, and each method displays slightly different information. 

How to View All Startup Programs on Your Computer [Windows 11/10]

There are multiple ways to view startup programs in Windows. Some methods are designed for everyday users, while others provide advanced information for troubleshooting. 

Let’s explore each method in detail.

1: View Startup Programs Using the Settings App

The Settings app is the easiest place for beginners to check startup programs. Microsoft designed this page to help users quickly see which applications start automatically after signing in.

Start by clicking the Start button and then selecting Settings. You can also press Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings window instantly.

In Windows 11, select Apps from the left panel and then click Startup.

In Windows 10, open Settings, choose Apps, and then select Startup from the left side.

After opening the Startup page, Windows displays a list of installed applications that can start automatically. Next to each application is a switch showing whether the startup program is currently enabled or disabled.

You’ll also notice a Startup impact rating for many apps. This rating tells you how much each application affects startup performance. Programs marked as High Impact usually consume more resources during boot, while Low Impact apps have a smaller effect.

This method is ideal for beginners because everything is presented in a simple, organized layout that is easy to understand.

2: View Startup Programs Using Task Manager

Task Manager provides additional information about startup applications and is one of the most commonly used tools for checking startup items.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly. If the compact version appears, click More details at the bottom.

In Windows 11, select Startup apps from the left navigation pane.

In Windows 10, click the Startup tab at the top of the Task Manager window.

Here you’ll see a list of startup applications along with useful information such as the publisher, current status, and startup impact. The status column indicates whether each program is enabled or disabled.

Task Manager makes it easy to identify programs that may be slowing your computer during startup. Even if you don’t plan to disable anything, simply viewing this list gives you valuable insight into what Windows loads automatically.

Because Task Manager is updated regularly, it often provides one of the most accurate views of startup applications currently registered with Windows.

3: View Startup Programs Using the Startup Folder

Not every startup application appears in the Settings app or Task Manager. Some programs are launched through the Startup Folder, which stores shortcuts that Windows automatically opens after you sign in.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type shell:startup and press Enter.

A File Explorer window opens, displaying your personal Startup folder. Any shortcut placed here launches automatically whenever you log into your account.

You can also view the Startup folder that applies to every user on the computer.

Open the Run dialog again by pressing Windows + R.

Type shell:common startup and press Enter.

This folder contains startup shortcuts shared by all user accounts on the computer.

Checking both Startup folders helps ensure you don’t overlook programs configured through Windows shortcuts rather than system settings.

4: View Startup Programs Using System Configuration

The System Configuration utility is another helpful tool, especially on Windows 10. Although Windows 11 now redirects some startup management to Task Manager, this utility still provides useful startup information.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

Type msconfig and press Enter.

The System Configuration window opens.

Depending on your Windows version, you’ll either see startup information directly or a message directing you to manage startup programs through Task Manager.

This utility is especially useful when troubleshooting startup issues because it also allows you to perform selective startup and diagnose software conflicts.

5: View Startup Programs Using Registry Editor

Some startup entries are stored in the Windows Registry. Viewing these registry locations allows you to see additional startup programs that may not always appear elsewhere.

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

If prompted by User Account Control, select Yes.

Navigate to the following registry locations:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

These locations contain applications configured to launch automatically when Windows starts.

Be careful not to modify or delete registry entries unless you fully understand their purpose. Viewing the entries is perfectly safe, but changing them incorrectly may affect Windows or installed software.

6: View Startup Programs Using the Startup Apps Folder in File Explorer

Some applications create scheduled startup components that are easier to identify through File Explorer and Windows system folders.

Open File Explorer and browse to the Program Files directories or application installation folders if you’re trying to locate where a startup application is stored. Combined with the Startup Folder and Task Manager, this approach helps you understand how various applications are configured to start automatically.

Although this method requires a little more exploration, it provides a better understanding of how startup applications are organized on your computer.

FAQs

How do I see all startup programs in Windows 11?

You can view startup programs through Settings, Task Manager, the Startup Folder, System Configuration, and the Windows Registry.

Can I safely view startup programs without changing anything?

Yes. Simply viewing startup programs does not affect your computer. Changes are only made if you manually enable, disable, or edit startup entries.

Why don’t all startup programs appear in one location?

Windows allows applications to start using different methods, including the Startup Folder, Registry, scheduled tasks, and system services. That’s why checking multiple locations provides the most complete view.

Does disabling a startup program uninstall it?

No. Disabling a startup program only prevents it from launching automatically when Windows starts. The application remains installed and can still be opened manually.

Which method is easiest for beginners?

The Settings app and Task Manager are the simplest methods because they display startup applications in an organized and easy-to-understand interface.

Summary

Viewing all startup programs on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer is an excellent way to understand what happens each time your PC starts. By checking the Settings app, Task Manager, Startup Folder, System Configuration, and Registry Editor, you can gain a complete picture of every application configured to launch automatically. 

Regularly reviewing startup programs helps you identify unnecessary applications, improve startup performance, and keep your computer running efficiently. 

Even if you never change any startup settings, knowing where these programs are located gives you greater control over your Windows experience and makes future troubleshooting much easier.