• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Technipages

Tutorials and fixes for smartphone, gadget, and computer problems

  • Topics
    • Android
    • Gaming
    • Hardware
    • Internet
    • iOS
    • MacOS
    • Office
    • Software
    • Windows
    • Definitions
  • Product Reviews
  • Downloads
  • About Technipages
Setting Default Apps on Start-up Windows 10

Setting Default Apps on Start-up Windows 10

By Mona Leave a Comment

Having a set of programs to start up automatically during the initial log-in process is a convenient way to increase work efficiency. If you use certain applications frequently, chances are that Windows 10 is already configured to execute or open the apps without having to do it manually. However, there are times when start-up programs might be more frustrating than helpful.

Often, start-up programs can slow a computer’s performance. This most likely rings true to those who are still running an older system or, more specifically, those who have yet to upgrade their system’s storage to SSD. As a side note, consider an SSD purchase if your PC’s slowness is becoming unbearable.

Disable Your Start-up Programs

To at least mitigate the effect, you can opt to either disable some of the start-up programs or replace them with other applications that are more light-weight. For Windows 10, it’s pretty easy. First, we will discuss how to disable these start-up apps.

  1. Hit the Windows key on your keyboard then type startup.
  2. Press Enter. Afterward, you should see a list of start-up apps that are currently enabled/disabled, along with the degree of impact it has on the PC’s performance. You can prevent programs to start automatically by turning the slider off.

Change Default Start-up Programs

Now, you can rest assured that programs that you don’t need to not burdening the running of your system at log-in. On the other hand, if you want to add or change some start-up applications, the method to do so is more complicated. Don’t worry though, simply follow the step-by-step guide below.

  1. Find the shortcut file of the program you want to add. To do this, you can often easily locate it on the desktop. Another way to do this is by hitting the Windows key and type the name of the app —> right-click on the application —> then select Open file location. Remember, we are looking for the shortcut file instead of the executable program itself.
  2. Once you’ve found the shortcut, press the Windows and R key at the same time, then type shell:startup and hit Enter.
  3. A folder window should appear, named Startup. From there, you need to simply copy the shortcut file to the Startup folder.
  4. Next, go to the Startup Apps control panel. The steps on how to do so are explained previously in the article. In case you forgot, Hit the Windows key —> type startup then hit Enter.
  5. Subsequently, as mentioned before, you can see the list of enabled or disabled start-up applications. After following the previous steps, you should see the program you want to add is added to the list. Make sure you enable it and, if needed, disable the old app that you wish to replace.

Keep in mind that the disabled programs are not gone completely, they are still in the computer’s memory but not operating. If you want to completely erase certain apps, consider uninstalling them instead. To do so, press the Windows key, then type add or remove programs.

After that, you should see a search bar containing “Search this list” placeholder text. On the search bar, type the name of the program you want to uninstall —> click on it —> then select Uninstall.

Using Task Manager to Change Start-up Programs

As a side note, you can also enable or disable start-up applications through Windows Task Manager. Here’s how:

  1. Either right-click the taskbar then select Task Manager or press Ctrl +Alt + Delete to open the task manager.
  2. At the bottom of the window, click More details if necessary.
  3. Go to the Startup tab. There, you should the same start-up list as before, along with each of its impacts on the system.
  4. To enable or disable a start-up program, right-click on the appropriate app, then select Enable/Disable.

That’s it! You should see an improved startup performance if the weight of the apps you disable caused it.

You Might Also Like

  • Controlling Which Apps Start-up on Windows 10
    Controlling Which Apps Start-up on Windows 10
  • iOS Apps Crash or Won't Start Fix
    iOS Apps Crash or Won't Start Fix
  • MacOS: Can't Set Default Mail Client Setting
    MacOS: Can't Set Default Mail Client Setting
  • Setting Default Playback Speed in YouTube App
    Setting Default Playback Speed in YouTube App
  • Setting Default Playback Speed For YouTube App
    Setting Default Playback Speed For YouTube App
  • What to Do When the Windows 10 Start Menu Won't Start
    What to Do When the Windows 10 Start Menu Won't Start
  • Adobe Reader: Change Default Zoom Setting
    Adobe Reader: Change Default Zoom Setting
  • How to Streamline Opening Apps via the Start Menu
    How to Streamline Opening Apps via the Start Menu
  • Better Calculator Apps Than Default Samsung
    Better Calculator Apps Than Default Samsung

Filed Under: Windows Tagged With: Windows 10

Reader Interactions

Did this help? Let us know!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Microsoft Excel: How to Enter Basic Formulas
  • Windows 11: How to Change the Keyboard Layout
  • Security Tips to Keep Your LinkedIn Account Safe
  • What Is DIMM?
  • SATA Vs NVMe SSDs
  • How to Block Someone on LinkedIn
  • LinkedIn: How to Remove a Connection
  • How to Add a Hyperlink in Excel

Who’s Behind Technipages?

Baby and Daddy My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

You May Also Like

  • 10 Best Speaker Booster Apps
  • 10 Best Android Phone Cleaner Apps in 2019
  • Windows 95/98
  • Microsoft Windows NT
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • Windows Media Player (WMP)
  • Top 8 Itunes Alternatives for Windows

© Copyright 2022 Technipages · All Rights Reserved · Privacy