We’ve all been in the frustrating situation of Teams opening on startup and freezing up your screen, so if you want to know how to stop applications from opening automatically when switching on your PC, read on.
Ensuring your technology is optimally configured is key to maintaining a dependable network. One aspect that’s often overlooked is managing which applications launch when your business’s PCs start up.
With various software attempting to auto-start, it can slow down your system and even pose security risks. Fortunately, Windows 11 includes a feature that notifies you whenever new applications are added to the startup list.
Every time you power on your PC, a series of apps are automatically loaded. While some of these are necessary, others might not be, and they can drag down your system’s speed. Over time, as more software is installed, this startup list can expand, resulting in longer boot times and a sluggish experience.
Moreover, monitoring startup apps is also a good security practice. If unwanted or unfamiliar apps start running automatically, it could signal the presence of malicious software (malware) or other security threats. By enabling alerts for new startup apps, you can quickly spot and investigate any suspicious additions, ensuring your systems remain secure.
Here’s how to activate these alerts in Windows 11 and stop applications from opening automatically:
- Start by opening the Windows 11 system settings. You can do this by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon or by pressing ‘Windows + I’ on your keyboard.
- In the settings window, click on ‘System’ in the left sidebar, then select ‘Notifications’ on the right.
- Scroll to the bottom of the notifications page. Just above Additional settings, you’ll find ‘Startup App Notification’, which is disabled by default. Move the slider to ‘On’.
Continue Reading Below this video on how these alerts can help:
Once enabled, you’ll receive a notification whenever a new application is added to the startup process. You can even customise the appearance and sound of this notification by clicking the arrow next to the slider button to tailor it to your preferences.
Enabling these alerts provides several advantages for your business. First, it helps maintain your PCs’ performance. By staying informed about new startup apps, you can quickly disable unnecessary software that might be slowing down your system and stop applications from opening automatically. This results in faster boot times and better overall performance, allowing your team to start work without delays.
Secondly, it bolsters security. Alerts for new startup apps allow you to immediately investigate any unknown or suspicious additions. This proactive approach helps prevent potential security threats, protecting your business data and systems.
Lastly, it’s a convenient way to monitor what’s installed on your machines. With different team members potentially installing various software, these alerts give you a clear view of what’s being added to the startup list, ensuring only authorised applications are running. Make sure your team is also aware of this protocol.
To further manage startup apps and stop applications from opening automatically, you can use Task Manager. Press ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’ to open Task Manager, then select the ‘Startup’ tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all the apps that start with Windows, along with their impact on boot time. You can enable or disable apps by selecting them and clicking the appropriate button at the top right.
By regularly reviewing this list and utilising the new alert feature, you can keep your startup process streamlined and your system secure and stop applications from opening automatically, causing only frustration and wasting precious time.
For a hassle-free experience, consider having a professional manage this setup for you. We specialise in simplifying technology for businesses. If you need assistance, feel free to get in touch.
