Windows Tweaks Logo Microsoft PC-Hilfe - 02 blue red
Windows Tweaks Logo Microsoft PC Help - 09 white 120

Windows 2000 - Disable the hidden autostart programs

November 28, 2013
Updated: December 6, 2021
Quick overview:

After installation, programs and drivers are simply placed in the autostart folder and appear every time the system is started. This can be useful in many cases, but is often annoying, as you can open the program when you need it by double-clicking on it. Above all, however, memory and processor resources are eaten up, which are then no longer available for other applications.

So it is always advisable to use Start > Programs > Autostart to check this folder and delete anything superfluous if necessary. This will also speed up the loading process.

But what if this folder is already empty and some programs are still stored in the bottom right-hand corner of the taskbar, for example? These programs are stored in a hidden Autostart folder in the Windows registry:

1. Click in succession on Start/Execute and carry regedit in.

2. Make your way through the Registry Branches HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and click on File/Export. Now enter the file name Autostart backup so that you can undo everything by double-clicking on that file in the event of errors or difficulties.

3. In the right-hand pane, you will now see all the programs that are loaded automatically. Now select those that you can dispense with (or start manually) and press the Remove button to delete them.

After a restart, you will notice that your system boots up much faster and also works a lot faster and more stable.

NOTE FOR NEW PUBLICATION: This article was produced by Sandro Villinger and comes from the Windows Tweaks archive, which has been built up since the late 1990s.

Founded Windows Tweaks as a teenager in 2001, his helpful PC tricks made it Germany's most visited Windows site (at the time Sandro looked like this). He then went on to write for international publications such as PC-Praxis, Computerbild, PCWorld in the USA, IMTEST.de and Hifi.de. Sandro's main job is as Global Product Marketing Lead and Consultant for various global tech companies, including Microsoft, AVG, Avast, Nero, TeamViewer, Swiss IT Security Group and now currently in the fintech sector for Gendigital. But he can't get rid of his passion and shares his tweaks here again. Privately, he enjoys traveling the world and loves Asia, especially Japan, Singapore and Korea, but also natural places like Iceland and the Nordics. You can reach Sandro via e-mail.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Windows Tweaks Logo Microsoft PC Help - 09 white 120
by Real Tech Experts
Save time and stress with expert knowledge about software, hardware, AI & Microsoft. 
Windows Tweaks Microsoft PC Help - SINCE 1998 - retina 2

Time-saving tips for PCs, laptops, Windows & software?

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive only our best guides & tweaks as well as exclusive tips for our subscribers. 
Newsletter-Form
Unsubscribe at any time. Approximately 1 - 2 emails per month. This consent includes information on revocation, shipping service provider, and statistics according to our Privacy Policy.
© 1998 - 2026 Windows-Tweaks.info
Made in Germany with ❤️ 
For all technology users around the globe.
This website runs on 🌳 GREEN energy
crossmenu