Right-click the “Startup” folder in the menu and select “Open All Users” to open the folder for all users on the computer. Choose “Explore” to open the folder for the currently logged-in user only.
The shortcut will be created in the same folder as the original program. Startup items can be either programs or other files. For example, you can set a word processing document to open upon startup.
To cut and paste: Right-click on the shortcut item in the original folder and select “cut” from the menu. Then, in the Startup folder, right click on any white space in the window and select “paste. Or, highlight the shortcut icon and hold down ctrl+x. Then, with the startup folder active, press ctrl+v.
Note that not all startup items will be shown. You are not given the option to add startup items to the list inside MSconfig. To add items not on the MSconfig list, use the Startup Folder method.
If you do not restart your computer, your startup programs will revert to their original settings. When you have deselected an item in MSConfig, you will be starting in”Selective startup” mode. This can be viewed under the “general” tab in MSconfig. If you subsequently decide to choose Normal Startup", all disabled items will be re-enabled. [2] X Research source
To find out how to change a particular program’s startup settings, look at the program’s “help” offerings, or do an internet search. For example, Skype, an internet telephony/chat program, can be disabled via Tools → Options → General Settings → deselect “Start Skype when I start Windows”. As another example, Dropbox, a file sharing and storage program, can be disabled by right-clicking the system tray icon (the icon in the windows toolbar near the clock), clicking the gear-shaped icon, then selecting “Preferences…”
See an overview of this process here. Editing your computer’s registry should only be done as a last resort and only if you know exactly what you are doing.
Before making changes that you are unsure of, use System Restore to create a “restore point” that you can revert to if something goes wrong. [3] X Research source Many startup items have names that are somewhat descriptive, but others are obscure abbreviations, and have functions that are difficult to identify.
This may require some time, as it requires you to search for each file or process individually. Some helpful lists include:[4] X Research source Process Library: winner of PC Magazine’s Top 100 Classic Websites, 195k+ entries. Pacman’s Portal; an online startup program database containing more than 35K entries
These programs often contain databases that are updated to include frequently occurring unnecessary items, as well as other tools to improve your computer’s performance. [5] X Research source [6] X Research source As always, do ample research to find reputable programs to avoid damaging your computer. Some popular programs include: CCleaner Should I remove it?
