What Startup Programs Can I Disable?

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  1. Posts : 259
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    What Startup Programs Can I Disable?


    Hey gang,

    I was messing around in System Configuration the other day and began to wonder what programs I could / should disable on startup. I have disabled a few pointless things and third party programs, but is there anything else I can get rid of? Also what programs / processes do you guys typically disable? Thanks in advance and sorry if I put this in the wrong section, I wasn't sure where it should go.

    -JackALope
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails What Startup Programs Can I Disable?-capture3.png  
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 233
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit
       #2

    It has been a while since I have used it because I know what everything in my startups is, but I have used Sysinfo.org . It is a helpful resource. Some decisions have to be made based upon your computing habits.

    For example from your screenshot: If you use Skype nearly every time you start your computer, you may wish to keep it in startup to make it launch quicker. Personally I would disable Java.

    One thing of special note is that I did not recpgnize any security programs. I hope your screenshot is only a partial listing. If you don't have a real time security program installed and running, I strongly recommend getting one ASAP. Without an active security program, you are inviting trouble. Personally I like Download Microsoft Security Essentials from Official Microsoft Download Center.

    In practice, I try to limit my list of programs enabled at startup to about ten (or less when possible). My laptop boots in well under one minute. I haven't used a stopwatch for an exact time, but I estimate in the thirty second range. Here is how I make decisions.

    • If it is a needed program (like the Intel entries), I keep it enabled.
    • If it is a real time security program, I keep it enabled.
    • If it is an updater, I disable it. This can be done manually as a part of routine maintenance.
    • If it is something I need on every startup, I keep it enabled. An example on my laptop is my wireless mouse and keyboard.
    • When in double about a program, I either Google it or use Sysinfo.org as recommended above.

    As for disabling services in msconfig, I use a similar mindset. Check the box for hide all Microsoft services and begin editing from there. I have six running, which is probably more than some of the gurus run. Four of them are for my UPS (battery back up) because my neighborhood experiences quite a few brownouts and my wireless printer (which I use virtually every time I use my computer).

    If you need further assistance, please include a complete listing of the startup programs.
    Last edited by drpepper; 20 May 2013 at 16:25.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 259
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hey drpepper,

    Thanks for the quick and detailed response. Yeah Skype and RocketDock are third party programs that I need to start when my computer boots. The screenshot I provided is not a partial but I DO use Microsoft Security Essentials. It starts when my PC does but for some weird reason it doesn't show up in the Startup tab. Also thanks for providing that link, I have never heard of it and it seems like a great tool. Your bullet points are very straight forward and helpful, I think I can follow them.

    As for Services I have never really tweaked with that section but now is as good as time as any. Thanks for the information and input. Good stuff.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #4

    drpepper said:
    It has been a while since I have used it because I know what everything in my startups is, but I have used Sysinfo.org . It is a helpful resource. Some decisions have to be made based upon your computing habits.

    For example from your screenshot: If you use Skype nearly every time you start your computer, you may wish to keep it in startup to make it launch quicker. Personally I would disable Java.

    One thing of special note is that I did not recpgnize any security programs. I hope your screenshot is only a partial listing. If you don't have a real time security program installed and running, I strongly recommend getting one ASAP. Without an active security program, you are inviting trouble. Personally I like Download Microsoft Security Essentials from Official Microsoft Download Center.

    In practice, I try to limit my list of programs enabled at startup to about ten (or less when possible). My laptop boots in well under one minute. I haven't used a stopwatch for an exact time, but I estimate in the thirty second range. Here is how I make decisions.

    • If it is a needed program (like the Intel entries), I keep it enabled.
    • If it is a real time security program, I keep it enabled.
    • If it is an updater, I disable it. This can be done manually as a part of routine maintenance.
    • If it is something I need on every startup, I keep it enabled. An example on my laptop is my wireless mouse and keyboard.
    • When in double about a program, I either Google it or use Sysinfo.org as recommended above.
    As for disabling services in msconfig, I use a similar mindset. Check the box fordisable all Microsoft services and begin editing from there. I have six running, which is probably more than some of the gurus run. Four of them are for my UPS (battery back up) because my neighborhood experiences quite a few brownouts and my wireless printer (which I use virtually every time I use my computer).

    If you need further assistance, please include a complete listing of the startup programs.
    Shouldn't that be "Hide" all Microsoft services?
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails What Startup Programs Can I Disable?-services.jpg  
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 233
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit
       #5

    JackALope52x, you are welcome.
    Derekimo, you are correct... good catch! ... correction made in the other post... thanks for the heads-up!
    Last edited by drpepper; 20 May 2013 at 17:07.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #6

    You should look under the Startup tab, not Services. Startup has the programs that start with Windows and most can be disabled except for your security software. They will work on demand.
    All I have is Norton, APC, a UPS monitor, and Weatherbug.

    In Services I disabled things I know I won't/don/t use. I disabled Tablet PC Input, Remote Registry, Windows Boimetric Service, etc. Others I set to Manual start so they will run on demand.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 233
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit
       #7

    The OP's screenshot is for startup.

    Respectfully submitted.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #8

    drpepper said:
    The OP's screenshot is for startup.

    Respectfully submitted.
    No problem, I;m just pointing out there is a difference, some people confuse them. I have.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 233
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit
       #9

    gotcha ... and I understand the potential confusion...
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 3,118
    Win7 Home Premium x64 SP1
       #10

    Here's a guide from Black Viper i usually use when unsure of service's Black Viper's Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Service Configurations | Black Viper | www.blackviper.com
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:01.
Find Us