Managing auto-starting programs
When you install a program, often it will set itself up so that it starts every time you start Windows.
This can be a real pain, because having a lot of programs start that way means it takes longer for Windows to start and the memory used can slow your PC to a drag.
Not every program has to start automatically. You may decide to let some do so - like messenger programs. For the others, CCleaner gives you a way to stop them in their tracks.
Windows keeps a list of programs to start automatically in the Registry. You can do one of two things with each item in this list:
- Disable it - the item will still be in the auto-start list, but it won't run.
- Delete it - the item is deleted from the auto-start list.
Why would you choose to disable the auto-start instead of deleting it? Sometimes you might want to remove an item, but have the option to add it back in later if you change you mind.
To control which programs start with Windows:
- In CCleaner, click the Tools icon at left, then click the Startup button.
- In the Startup screen, you'll see a list of all items that have been set to start automatically with Windows. Those that have been disabled will be grayed out and will state "No" in the Enabled column.
- Do one of the following:
- To prevent a program from starting with Windows, select the program entry and click Disable.
- To prevent a program from starting with Windows and to remove it from the auto-start list, select the program entry and click Delete.
Note: You can select multiple startup items by using CTRL+Click.
