Which Startup Items Can I Safely Remove?


  1. Posts : 110
    Windows 7 64bit
       #1

    Which Startup Items Can I Safely Remove?


    I'm trying to use video editing software but it's going incredibly slow. I've been advised to make sure there are as few background processes running at the same time and to uncheck everything on my startup list, but i'm not sure what is actually safe to uncheck. Here's my items:

    Microsoft Windows Script Host
    ELAN Smart pad (laptop touch pad)
    Realtek HD Audio manager
    HD Audio Background Process
    Power Management
    Adobe Updater Startup Utility
    ZoneAlarm Browser Security
    Microsoft Xbox 360 Acessories (for my 360 controller)
    Intel (R) Common User Interface
    Intel (R) Common User Interface
    Intel (R) Common User Interface (why are there 3?)
    Logitech Download Assistant (my keyboard)
    Microsoft Windows Operating System (i'll assume this needs to stay on :P)
    Adobe Reader and Acrobat Manager
    Acer Backup Manager
    Launch Manager (it says Dritek Systems and something about USB 3.0)
    USB 3.0 Monitor
    Dolby Profile Selector
    AVG Internet Security
    Zonealarm
    Java (TM) Platform SE Auto Updater
    SBSV 2010/02/19-11:02:07 (something to do with Adobe :S)

    So what can i uncheck?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #2

    A lot of Forum members disable everything except their antivirus suite. Personally, I have my antivirus and touchpad for my laptop enabled. There's a free utility from Microsoft called Autoruns. It lists pretty much everything that fires up when you start your computer. Using this utility you can uncheck any startup item to see if it has a negative effect. If it does you can always re-check it again.

    Autoruns for Windows

    And here are a couple more things you may find helpful.

    Startup Programs - Change

    Seven Forums Search Results for Startup Items
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #3

    SonicBrewtality said:
    I'm trying to use video editing software but it's going incredibly slow. I've been advised to make sure there are as few background processes running at the same time and to uncheck everything on my startup list, but i'm not sure what is actually safe to uncheck. Here's my items:

    Microsoft Windows Script Host
    ELAN Smart pad (laptop touch pad)
    Realtek HD Audio manager
    HD Audio Background Process
    Power Management
    Adobe Updater Startup Utility
    ZoneAlarm Browser Security
    Microsoft Xbox 360 Acessories (for my 360 controller)
    Intel (R) Common User Interface
    Intel (R) Common User Interface
    Intel (R) Common User Interface (why are there 3?)
    Logitech Download Assistant (my keyboard)
    Microsoft Windows Operating System (i'll assume this needs to stay on :P)
    Adobe Reader and Acrobat Manager
    Acer Backup Manager
    Launch Manager (it says Dritek Systems and something about USB 3.0)
    USB 3.0 Monitor
    Dolby Profile Selector
    AVG Internet Security
    Zonealarm
    Java (TM) Platform SE Auto Updater
    SBSV 2010/02/19-11:02:07 (something to do with Adobe :S)

    So what can i uncheck?
    Leave the ones in RED check to startup. I would also recommend uninstalling either AVG or Zone Alarm Security.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 24
    Windows 7 64bit operating system
       #4

    You can disable everything with your name in the user section apart from Desktop Window Manager, your antivirus program and Windows explorer. Also don't delete any that have no name under user.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #5

    As Britton 30 has stated.
    Use one and one only anti virus program on one computer at one time.
    The two anti viruses will just fight each other and slow your computer down.
    It will not make your computer safer and could make it less safe while the two anti viruses argue with each other. These should help.

    http://www.avg.com/ww-en/faq.num-5172

    Free Antivirus + Firewall Uninstall help.

    This is the way my computers Services look like. I works well.
    The things you uncheck will start up when you or Windows 7 tells them to. Therefor won't run in the background when not needed.

    Which Startup Items Can I Safely Remove?-msconfig-startup.png
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #6

    In addition to what the others have already said it looks like you are running two AV's too and as a general rule one is enough as two may conflict.

    Oops read the post again and that has already been pointed out although it looks more like three.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #7

    An afterthought too I see it is an Acer is there a lot of bloatware on the machine too if so get rid of some of that:)
      My Computer


  8. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #8

    A lot of Forum members disable everything except their antivirus suite
    That's the way I run since always and never had any problems. In addition I leave the sidebar (gadgets) and my Rocket dock. But those two I started myself.
      My Computer


 

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