How to see which programs run at startup is a common question among computer users who want to optimize their system’s performance and manage their startup processes effectively. With the help of various tools and techniques, you can easily identify and control the programs that launch automatically when your computer boots up. In this article, we will discuss different methods to view startup programs on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
On Windows, you can use the built-in Task Manager to see which programs run at startup. To access Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager.” Once the Task Manager is open, click on the “Startup” tab. This tab will display a list of all the programs and services that are set to run automatically when your computer starts. You can sort this list by name, status, or startup impact to identify resource-intensive applications.
For users of macOS, the System Preferences menu provides a straightforward way to view startup programs. To do this, click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.” Then, click on “Users & Groups” and choose your username. In the left pane, click on “Login Items.” This will show you a list of all the applications and documents that open automatically when you log in. You can manage these items by selecting them and clicking on the “-” button to remove them from the login items list.
On Linux, the startup programs are managed through the graphical user interface or the command line. To view startup programs using the GUI, you can use tools like gnome-session-properties or kdm. These tools provide a user-friendly interface to manage startup applications. Alternatively, you can use the command line to view startup programs by running the command “systemctl list-unit-files –type=service” in the terminal. This will display a list of all the services that start at boot.
Another way to view startup programs on any operating system is by using third-party software. Programs like CCleaner, Startup Delayer, and Autoruns offer detailed information about startup applications and allow you to disable or delay them. These tools can be particularly useful if you are not comfortable using the built-in system tools or if you want more advanced features.
In conclusion, there are several methods to see which programs run at startup on different operating systems. By identifying and managing these programs, you can improve your computer’s performance and reduce the time it takes to boot up. Whether you choose to use the built-in system tools or third-party software, it’s essential to be aware of the applications that start automatically to maintain a smooth and efficient computing experience.
