How To Disable Windows 8.1 Startup Programs

In previous versions of Windows, you can help it start up faster by disabling startup programs with Task manager. You can still do it in Windows 8.1, but the process is different. Task Manager has been revamped since the days of Windows 7, and disabling startup programs is easier, plus more information about the apps and programs is provided.
While Windows 8.x does boot noticeably faster than Windows 7 and earlier, you can make it boot even faster by disabling startup programs.

Note: This article has been updated to reflect the changes from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 update 1.

Disable Windows 8.1 Startup Programs

There are, of course, a couple ways to get to the same place with Windows, and that’s no different in Windows 8.1. First, from the Modern Start screen type: msconfig and hit Enter.

Or from the desktop, just like Windows 7, right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager.

Either way you do it, the new Task Manger will open on the desktop. Click the Startup tab to see the items set to run when you boot your system. Right-click on any of the programs to and click Disable.
The program will still appear on the list, but the Status will change to Disabled. Right-click an app again and select Enable to have it run during startup.

Notice that when you right-click a program in under the Startup tab, you’ll see more options. This allows you to get a better understanding of what each program is or does before you disable it.
I find the option to search for the program online to be particular beneficial. We’re all guilty of installing desktop programs or apps, using them once, and after a year you have no clue what they are.
For more details, check out our guide on new features available in the Windows 8.x Startup tab in Task Manager.