How to Clean the Startup Tab on the Task Manager

Do you want to remove invalid entries in the Startup tab in the Task Manager?

Back in the days we used the command msconfig to access the list of programs that autostart when Windows is turned on. Now it’s the Task Manager that provides this functionality but doesn’t allow us to remove entries, we can only disable/enable them.

In this tutorial you will learn how to remove unwanted entries to clear the clutter in the Startup tab under the Task Manager.

We will be uncovering 3 methods, the first using the software Autoruns, the second using the Registry, and the third using the Startup folder.

Let’s dive in!

The Startup Tab in Task Manager

You can open the Task Manager using Ctrl+Shift+Esc.

The Startup tab allows you to configure which programs launch with the start of Windows. But you can’t remove entries.

In this tutorial we will learn how to remove them.

1. Remove Unwanted Entries in Startup Tab Using Autoruns

First, download your free copy of Autoruns from this official URL: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns

After downloading unzip the files, launch Autoruns64.exe as administrator.

Accept the license by clicking on “Agree“.

Open Logon tab, you will have the ability to check/uncheck or remove by right-clicking and choosing Remove.

It’s easy and practical. No need for explanation.

2. Remove Unwanted Entries in Startup Tab Using Registry

Open Run using Windows+R and enter the regedit command, hit Enter.

Navigate to this path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Here you can remove entries you don’t want to see under the Task Manager’s Startup tab.

Right-click on the Run key and click on “Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE“.

This will take you to this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Do the same there.

Do the same in this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

And same here:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartupApproved\Run

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartupApproved\Run

3. Remove Autostart Programs from the Startup Folder

Alternatively, you can remove the autostarting programs from these folders, just open Run and paste the path:

%Appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

There you have it!

You just learned how to clear the clutter in you Task Manager

If you have any questions feel free to leave them below.

Thanks for sharing.