Windows: How to Disable Auto Startup

Windows: How to Disable Auto Startup of Any Programs

Overview

Windows Version: 95, 98, XP, Vista, 7, 2008, 2008R2, 2012, 2016

Many virus and applications will auto startup during OS boot up.  This includes:

1. 3rd Party Firewall - an upgrade might block internet access, and you would like to temporary disable it
2. virus
3. Freemake upgrade notification
4. Many Chinese ad-base software, e.g. Baofeng Storm Player, LETV, funshion, baidu, 迅雷影音 XMP
5. Antivirus - you doesn't want it running any more to slow down your PC

Following are the areas you can check

1. Start Menu > All Programs > Startup
2. Windows Registry (regedit)
3. Windows Services (services.msc)

Startup Menu

In Windows Start menu, where it will pop up by pressing Windows key on the keyboard, there is a folder called "Startup."  Any application shortcut will startup the program.

To remove it, right click on the shortcut icon, and click "Delete" to remove it.  This will permanently disable it.  You cannot undo it, unless it move it to other folder.

MS Config

Press Windows-R key on the keyboard, and enter "msconfig" to run this utility.

It provides quick and easy access to following which you can disable auto startup of supported programs:

1. Windows Services
2. Windows Registry for auto run programs

The disabled entries will remain on the screen, so you can undo them in future.

Windows Registry

This is the most common location where the auto startup is often configured, and it doesn't allow user to easily remove them

1. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
1. Run\
2. RunOnce\
2. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
1. Run\
2. RunOnce\
3. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
1. Run\
2. RunOnce\

Wow6432Node folder is used by 32-bit applications on 64-bit Windows.  Many 32-bit applications will create the auto run entry under this folder