How to View Startup App Impact in Windows 11
You can view startup app impact in Windows 11 to identify programs slowing down your PC.
Startup apps are applications that automatically launch when you boot up your computer. Understanding their performance impact helps you optimize your boot time.
Windows 11’s Task Manager, specifically under the “Startup apps” tab, shows a “Startup impact” rating for each program. This rating uses categories like “High,” “Medium,” and “Low” to inform your decisions.
Disabling non-essential startup apps with a “High” impact can significantly speed up how quickly your PC becomes ready to use after powering on.
How to Check Startup App Impact in 🪟 Windows 11
There are two easy ways to check which startup apps use the most resources on your computer:
1Using Task Manager
The Task Manager is a built-in tool that shows what’s running on your PC, including startup apps.
- Press the keys
CTRL + SHIFT + Esctogether on your keyboard to open Task Manager. - At the top, click the Startup tab.
- You’ll see a list of apps that start with Windows. Next to each app is its “Startup impact” — this shows how much it slows down your computer when it starts.
Task Manager shows startup apps and their impact on Windows 11.
Impact levels explained:
- High impact: Uses a lot of your computer’s power when starting.
- Medium impact: Uses some power but not too much.
- Low impact: Uses very little power at startup.
2Using the Settings App
You can also check startup apps and their impact through Windows Settings.
- Click the Start menu (the Windows icon) at the bottom-left of your screen.
- Select Settings. Or press
Windows key + Ion your keyboard to open Settings quickly. - On the left side, click Apps.
- On the right, click Startup.
- You will see a list of apps that run at startup along with their impact on your computer.
Open Settings from the Start menu.
Click “Apps” in the Settings menu.
Click “Startup” to see startup apps and their impact.
Startup apps and their impact shown in Settings.
What Can You Do With This Information?
If you see apps with a High impact, you might want to turn them off at startup to make your computer start faster. You can do this by right-clicking the app in Task Manager or toggling it off in the Settings app under Startup.
Learn more about enabling or disabling startup apps here: How to Enable or Disable Startup Apps in Windows 11
Summary
- Windows 11 helps you see how much each startup app affects your computer’s speed and performance.
- You can check this info using either Task Manager or the Settings app.
- Knowing which apps use more resources lets you decide which ones to keep or turn off at startup.
- This can make your computer start faster and work better.
Reference: Microsoft official guide on Startup Apps
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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