Maintaining a reliable network involves more than just regular updates and security patches. One often-overlooked aspect is managing the applications that launch automatically when your PCs start up. Many software applications try to auto-start, which can slow down your system and potentially introduce security risks. However, Windows 11 offers a handy feature that alerts you whenever new apps are added to your startup list.

Every time you power up your PC, a specific set of apps launches automatically. While some of these are essential for your system’s operation, others may not be necessary and can significantly slow down your computer’s performance. As you install more software over time, this startup list can grow, leading to longer startup times and a sluggish user experience.

Monitoring startup applications isn’t just about performance—it’s also a critical security measure. Unwanted or unknown applications starting automatically can be a sign of malicious software (malware) or other security threats. By receiving alerts about new startup apps, you can quickly identify and investigate any suspicious additions, ensuring your systems remain secure.

Windows 11 makes it easy to keep track of new startup applications. Here’s how to enable these alerts:

1. Start by opening the windows 11 system settings. Click the Start menu and select the gear icon or press Windows + I on your keyboard.
2. In the settings window, click on ‘System’ in the left sidebar, then select ‘Notifications’ on the right.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the notifications page. Just above Additional settings, you’ll find ‘Startup App Notification’, which is switched off by default. Move the slider to ‘On’.

Once enabled, you’ll receive a notification whenever a new application is added to the startup process. You can even customize these notifications by clicking on the arrow next to the slider, allowing you to adjust their appearance and sound to suit your preferences.

Turning on these alerts brings several benefits to your business. First, it keeps your PCs running efficiently. By staying informed about new startup apps, you can quickly disable unnecessary software that might be slowing down your system. This results in faster boot times and better overall performance, enabling your team to start their work without unnecessary delays.

Secondly, it enhances security. Receiving alerts for new startup apps means you can immediately investigate any unknown or suspicious additions. This proactive approach helps prevent potential security threats from taking hold, safeguarding your business data and systems.

Lastly, with various team members possibly installing different software, these alerts give you a clear overview of what’s being added to the startup list. This ensures that only approved applications are running, keeping your systems streamlined and secure.

To take control of your startup applications even further, you can use Task Manager:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Select the ‘Startup’ tab to see a list of all the apps that start with Windows, along with their impact on boot time.
3. Select any app and click the appropriate button at the top right to enable or disable it.

Regularly checking this list and using the new alert feature will help you keep your startup process streamlined and your system secure.

Managing startup applications is essential for maintaining your PCs’ performance and security. However, this task can be time-consuming and complex. That’s where we come in. We specialize in making technology management easy for businesses, ensuring that your systems run efficiently and securely. If you need assistance with setting up and managing startup applications, or any other IT services, get in touch with us today.

Apollo IT Services has been helping businesses since our founding in Austin, TX in 2015. With offices in Austin and Northwest Arkansas, we’ve continued to evolve alongside technology, adapting our services to include comprehensive managed IT solutions, cybersecurity expertise, and cloud services. Our mission is simple: to empower your business with reliable IT and empower you with peace of mind. Give us a call today!