Introduction

Hey readers, do you ever find yourself waiting impatiently for your computer to boot up? If so, you’re not alone. One of the reasons why your computer may take a while to start up is because of startup services. These are programs that automatically load and run when Windows starts. While some startup services are essential, others may be unnecessary and can slow down your boot time. In this article, we’ll show you how to configure startup services in Windows so that you can speed up your boot time and improve the performance of your computer.

What Are Startup Services?

Startup services are programs that are configured to run automatically when Windows starts. These services can include a wide range of functions, such as checking for updates, running antivirus scans, and providing background support for various applications. While some startup services are essential for the proper functioning of Windows, others may be unnecessary and can slow down your boot time.

How to Configure Startup Services

There are two main ways to configure startup services in Windows:

Using the Task Manager: The Task Manager is a built-in tool that allows you to view and manage all running processes and services on your computer. To open the Task Manager, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Once the Task Manager is open, click on the "Startup" tab to view a list of all the programs and services that are configured to run at startup. To disable a startup service, simply right-click on it and select "Disable."
Using the System Configuration Utility: The System Configuration Utility is another built-in tool that allows you to manage startup services. To open the System Configuration Utility, press Windows Key+R and type "msconfig." Click OK to open the utility. In the System Configuration Utility, click on the "Services" tab to view a list of all the services that are configured to run at startup. To disable a service, uncheck the box next to it.

Deciding Which Startup Services to Disable

When deciding which startup services to disable, it’s important to consider the following factors:

The purpose of the service: Some services are essential for the proper functioning of Windows, such as the Windows Update service. Other services may be less important, such as the Cortana service.
The impact of the service on boot time: Some services can significantly slow down your boot time, while others have a minimal impact.
The impact of the service on system performance: Some services can use up a lot of system resources, while others have a minimal impact.

Common Startup Services That You Can Disable

Here are a few common startup services that you can safely disable without affecting the performance of your computer:

Cortana
OneDrive
Skype
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Java Update
Flash Player Update
Dropbox
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox

Using a Third-Party Startup Manager

If you’re not comfortable manually configuring startup services, you can use a third-party startup manager. Startup managers are programs that allow you to easily manage all of your startup services from a single interface. Some popular startup managers include:

Autoruns: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns
CCleaner: https://www.ccleaner.com
System Ninja: https://www.systemninja.com

Conclusion

Just click on a few buttons ! Now that you know how to configure startup services in Windows, you can speed up your boot time and improve the performance of your computer. Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more tips on optimizing your Windows system.

FAQ about Configure Startup Services Windows

How do I open the Startup Services window?

Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Go to the Services tab.

How do I enable or disable a service?

Check the box next to the service name to enable it.
Uncheck the box to disable it.

How do I know which services are safe to disable?

Consult Microsoft’s documentation or search online for specific services.
Disable non-essential or third-party services that you don’t need.

What are essential services?

Essential services are necessary for Windows to run properly, such as:
- User Manager
- Plug and Play
- DHCP Client

How do I set a service to start automatically, manually, or disabled?

Select the service and open its Properties.
Go to the General tab.
Choose from the "Startup type" options: Automatic, Manual, or Disabled.

How do I configure a service to start delayed?

Open the Registry Editor (regedit) and navigate to:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServices[service name]
Create a new DWORD value named "DelayedAutoStart".
Set the value to 1 to enable delayed startup.

What is the System Configuration utility?

The System Configuration utility (msconfig) allows you to configure startup services, boot options, and other system settings.

How do I reset the Startup Services configuration to default?

Open the Startup Services window (msconfig).
Click on the "General" tab.
Select "Normal startup" and click "OK".

What if I accidentally disable a critical service?

Restart your computer in Safe Mode and enable the service again.
If you can’t access Safe Mode, you may need to reinstall Windows.

How do I create a new service?

Use the Service Control Manager (sc) command-line tool or a third-party utility to create and manage services.