Troubleshoot Windows

Author: shantanu

How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows 11
Disabling unnecessary startup programs in Windows 11 can significantly improve your system’s boot time and overall performance. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to manage startup applications using various methods.

Why Disable Startup Programs?

Startup programs are applications that automatically launch when you boot your computer. While some are essential (like antivirus software), others may not be necessary and can slow down your system. Disabling non-essential startup programs can:
- Reduce boot time.
- Free up system resources.
- Improve overall system performance.
Method 1: Using Windows Settings

Windows 11 provides a straightforward way to manage startup programs through the Settings app.

Steps:
1. Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Startup: Click on Apps in the left pane, then select Startup.
3. Manage Startup Programs: You’ll see a list of programs with toggle switches.
  - On: The program will launch at startup.
  - Off: The program will not launch at startup.
4. Disable Unnecessary Programs: Toggle off the programs you don’t need at startup.
Each program also displays its impact on startup time (e.g., No impact, Low impact, High impact), helping you decide which ones to disable.

Method 2: Using Task Manager

Task Manager offers another way to manage startup programs.

Steps:
1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Access Startup Tab: Click on the Startup tab. If you don’t see tabs, click on More details at the bottom.
3. Disable Programs:
  - Right-click on the program you want to disable.
  - Select Disable.
This method provides additional details like the program’s publisher and its startup impact.

Method 3: Using the Startup Folder

Some programs add themselves to the Startup folder, causing them to launch at boot. You can remove these shortcuts manually.

Steps:
1. Open Run Dialog: Press Win + R.
2. Access Startup Folder: Type shell:startup and press Enter.
3. Remove Shortcuts: Delete the shortcuts of programs you don’t want to start automatically.
Note: This method only affects programs that have added themselves to the Startup folder.

Method 4: Using System Configuration (MSConfig)

MSConfig allows you to manage startup services and boot options.

Steps:
1. Open Run Dialog: Press Win + R.
2. Launch MSConfig: Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. Navigate to Services Tab: Click on the Services tab.
4. Hide Microsoft Services: Check the box for Hide all Microsoft services to avoid disabling essential services.
5. Disable Unnecessary Services: Uncheck services you don’t need.
6. Apply Changes: Click Apply, then OK.
7. Restart Your Computer: You’ll be prompted to restart your computer to apply changes.
Caution: Disabling essential services can affect system stability. Only disable services you’re sure about.

Method 5: Using Autoruns (Advanced Users)

Autoruns is a free utility from Microsoft that provides a comprehensive view of all startup programs and services.

Steps:
1. Download Autoruns: Visit the Microsoft Sysinternals website and download Autoruns.
2. Extract and Run: Extract the downloaded ZIP file and run Autoruns.exe.
3. Review Startup Entries: Navigate to the Logon tab to see programs that start at login.
4. Disable Unwanted Programs: Uncheck the boxes next to programs you don’t want to start automatically.
Autoruns provides detailed information, but be cautious. Disabling critical entries can affect system functionality.

Tips for Managing Startup Programs
- Essential Programs: Keep antivirus and essential drivers enabled at startup.
- Regular Review: Periodically review your startup programs to ensure only necessary ones are enabled.
- Research Unknown Programs: If you’re unsure about a program, research it before disabling.
- Monitor Impact: Use the startup impact ratings to prioritize which programs to disable.
Conclusion

Managing startup programs in Windows 11 is crucial for optimizing system performance. By disabling unnecessary applications, you can achieve faster boot times and a more responsive system. Utilize the methods outlined above to take control of your startup processes.
May 5, 2025
What to do When You Cannot Start Windows At All?
Having trouble starting your Windows computer?

Are you searching for what to do when you cannot start Windows at all?

After reading this you will understand various system recovery options within Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10/11.

What to do When You Cannot Start Windows At All?

The System recovery options within Windows include:
- Last Known Good Configuration
- Using Safe mode to start Windows
- Checking if Display Resolution is the problem
- Knowing the error before troubleshooting
- Using Start-up Repair
- Using System Restore
- Using Backup/Restore
- Checking Memory errors
- Finally Re-installing Windows
Last Known Good Configuration

To use this feature, press the F8 key while the system is booting up, Go to the Advanced Boot Options & from the menu select “ Last Known Good Configuration” and press Enter. If your computer system boots fine, you are successfully fixed it.

Using Safe Mode to start Windows

To boot into Safe Mode. Press the F8 key while the system is booting up. This will show you a menu, Select Advanced Boot Options, from the options therein select Safe Mode from the list and press Enter.

This will let you boot into safe mode that will enable Windows to boot only with some basic necessary files and drivers & disables everything that is not necessary for the system to boot. What this does is that it restricts any other program, let it be an Antivirus, display driver module, or any application running at startup, and gives us a fair idea of the problem & also lets us use system restore to restore the computer to an earlier time when your Windows was running fine. Safe Mode also lets us uninstall some unwanted programs or drivers that might be make the system unstable.

Checking the Display Resolution

Sometimes some bug or human error sets the Windows Display resolution to a value that your monitor cannot handle. In this condition, the system fails to boot as the monitor is unable to display that particular resolution transmitted by the Graphic/Display Adapter.

To fix this, Press the F8 key while the system is booting, and select “Advanced Boot Options”. From the menu that will be displayed select “ Low-Resolution video mode” or “Enable VGA Mode”.

This will set your resolution to a lower value & will fix any resolution-based problems. After booting into windows you can set your resolution to the recommended value* refer to the documentation of your monitor.

To Change Resolution

(Windows 7/Vista)

Right-click on the desktop and click on change resolution.

(Windows XP)

Right Click on Desktop-> properties –> adapters

Knowing the Error before troubleshooting

It’s always hard to troubleshoot any problem if you don’t know the cause of it. To know the specific error you have to disable “Automatic Restart on System Failure”.

To do that, Press the F8 key while the system is booting & select Advanced Boot Options. From the menu there select “Disable System Restart on System Failure”, this will enable you to look at the error next time it occurs and the computer will not restart automatically.

If It’s a blue screen Error or better known as BSOD, you can follow this post to resolve it.

Using Start-up Repair

Startup repair is a tool built into Windows 7 to help users fix the common problems that restrict the user from booting into Windows.

To use Startup Repair:
- Press the F8 key & select Advanced Boot Options. From the menu displayed there select Repair Your Computer
- When you select this option, the windows will continue to boot to the repair menu which looks like this:
- Now click on Startup Repair & follow the on-screen Instructions.
If Startup Repair does not solve your issue, you can also choose System Restore from the options shown above & restore your computer to an earlier time when it was working fine.

Click on System Restore, Select a Checkpoint from the calendar ( make sure you choose a date on which your computer was working fine ) & follow the onscreen instructions that appear.

Using Backup Restore ( System Image Recovery )

Refer to the screenshot above, Follow the steps that led to the above menu to appear & then select “System Image Recovery”.

Follow the instruction that appears on the screen.

What to do When You Cannot Start Windows At All: Windows Memory Diagnostics

Ram (Memory) plays an important role in the booting procedure. If your RAM is faulty, the computer system won’t boot properly.

To check for errors in your RAM

Refer to the screenshot above and select “Windows Memory Diagnostic”. This will check your RAM for errors. If errors are found you can simply get your RAM module replaced.

If nothing works out – Re-Install Windows
February 3, 2023
How to Use Default Logon Picture for All Users in Windows Vista/7/10/11
Are you looking for a way to use default logon picture for all users in Windows Vista/7/10/11?

Then you are at the right place.

In this article, we will be taking you through the steps to set an image icon for all the user profiles on your Windows computer. The same method below can be followed on all the popular Windows versions including Windows Vista/ Windows 7/ Windows 8/Windows 8.1/Windows 10/Windows 11.

How to Use Default Logon Picture for All Users in Windows?

Group Policy editor is something that a lot of us know about, but how many of us do really use it a lot?

To use default logon picture for all users in Windows computer, we basically edit the User Accounts within the “Group Policy Editor”, thus applying the change to all the users on the computer. This way, the administrator of the computer can have a standard logon picture set for all the people using the system.

One important point to note here is that no customization will be allowed on a user level, once the default logon picture is set. If you set this configuration, then the only way you can allow individual logon picture customization is by disabling the feature.

I am going to tell you a small trick to use a common default logon picture for all users in Windows 7. ( This also applies to Windows Vista/Windows 10/Windows 11).
1. First, you must have a picture ready to put as the default logon picture. Select a pic and then place it in the location “C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\User Account Pictures”. Replace the guest.bmp file with your picture.
2. Now, go to the start menu and type “gpedit.msc” or group policy editor and it will show up as the search result. Open it & navigate to :Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Control Panel -> User accounts
3. Double Click on user accounts
4. Now click on Apply the default user logon picture to all users and you will see this :
5. Now Click on Enable and it’s all done.
Final Words

We hope you found this guide helpful and easy to follow.

In case of any questions, feel free to reach out to us by leaving a comment below.
February 2, 2023
How to Create Windows 7 Repair Disc Easily?
After reading this you will be able to create Windows 7 Repair Disc easily without any hassles.

There are many possible scenarios where you will need this repair disc. Let’s say your windows fail to boot due to an error with some files or a virus and you need to repair your windows installation yourself. Microsoft has built into Windows 7 a feature under “Backup and Restore” that enables you to make a Windows 7 bootable repair disc, that can easily fix some of your problems when windows fail to boot.

What is a Windows 7 Repair Disc?

A Windows 7 repair disc is a bootable CD or DVD that contains a set of tools and options to repair or troubleshoot a Windows 7 system. It can be used to fix a variety of issues, such as problems with the operating system, corrupted or damaged system files, and problems with booting the system.

Prerequisites to Create a Windows 7 Repair Disc

There are basically 2 prerequisites that you require to create a Windows 7 repair disc.

Firstly, you require a blank CD/DVD which you can burn into a Windows 7 repair disc.

Also, you will need to ensure that your computer has a CD/DVD burner disc drive present, without which you will not be able to turn the CD/DVD into a Windows 7 repair disc.

Lastly, you need to make sure that you log in as an administrator to the computer on which you are trying to create a bootable Windows 7 repair CD/DVD.

How To Create a Windows 7 Repair Disc?

Below are the steps you need to follow to create a Windows 7 repair disc in 2023.
- Go to the Control panel ( Start Menu -> Control Panel )
- Under System & Security Click on ” Backup your Computer”
- Now, click on “Create a System Repair Image” (refer to the screenshot below).
- After clicking on “Create a System Repair Image” you will be prompted to insert a disc to continue.
- Select the disc option on this menu and click on “Create disc”.
Follow the further instructions on-screen to proceed with creating a bootable Windows 7 repair disc.

How to Use a Bootable Windows 7 Repair Disc?

To use a bootable Windows 7 repair disc, you need to insert the disc into your computer and restart the PC.

Make sure that your computer is able to boot from the CD/DVD drive.

If it’s not already set to do so, then you’ll have to access the BIOS settings of your computer and change the boot order to boot from the CD/DVD first.

After setting the computer to boot from the CD/DVD first, reboot the computer. This time, the computer will automatically read the bootable Windows 7 repair disc and then boot the contents of the same.

Once the Windows 7 repair disc loads completely, you will be able to access the repair functions within Windows 7.

The “Restore” function that’s available will help you take back your Windows update version to a previous one, in case that caused the issue.

Just as in the case of the No Display Computer Screen Goes Black/Hangs/Blinks issue on Windows.

Final Words

Did this article help you to create/use a Windows 7 repair disc in 2023?

If yes, then feel free to share this article with others to help them out as well.
January 11, 2023
How to Fix No Display Computer Screen Goes Black/Hangs/Blinks?
Are you trying to fix the No Display Computer Screen Goes Black/Hangs/Blinks issue on Windows? Well, we’re here today with a detailed guide on different methods you can follow to fix the issue.

What Causes a No Display Computer Screen Goes Black/Hangs/Blinks Issue on Windows?

If you’re using a Windows computer and you suddenly see a black screen, it can be frustrating and worrying. There are a number of reasons why this might happen, such as:
- Faulty or outdated graphic/display driver.
- Virus/ related Malicious software.
- Faulty hardware.
How to Fix No Display Computer Screen Goes Black/Hangs/Blinks issue on Windows?

Based on the above-mentioned causes of a black screen/display not working issue, below are some of the methods you can follow to fix No Display Computer Screen Goes Black/Hangs/Blinks issue on Windows?

Method 1: Restart Your Computer

Well, just like the tech jokes that you hear around, restarting your computer can solve lots of issues, much more than you think. So, in case the No Display Computer Screen goes Black issue is something new that you’re facing, then restarting your computer is the first thing you shouild try.

You can also try modifying the “Turn OFF the Display” setting on your computer. To do the same, follow the steps below:
1. Go to the Start menu on your computer and search for “Power Settings”.
2. Within Power Settings, click on “Edit Power Plan”.
3. Ensure that the “Turn Off the Display” setting is set to “Never”. This will prevent the display from turning off when the computer is in use.
Method 2: Update Graphics Driver On Your Computer

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause a black screen. To update the graphics card, go to the manufacturer’s website and download/install the latest driver for the graphics card that’s installed on your computer.

If you’re not sure about the graphics card installed on your computer, you can follow these steps:
1. Press the “Windows” key + “X” key to launch a pop-up menu bar. Within this menu bar, click on the option that says “Device Manager”.
2. Within the Device Manager window that appears, expand the “Display adapters” option to find the graphics card installed on your computer.
Method 3: Scan for Virus/Malware Infection

The issue you’re facing could also be a result of a virus/malware infection on your computer. Newer Windows versions have inbuilt Windows Defender which can help you run a full virus/malware scan on your Windows computer.

You can read our detailed article on how to keep your Windows 10/11 computer safe with Windows Defender features.

Method 4: Hardware Issues

The No Display Computer Screen Goes Black/Hangs/Blinks could also be a reason of faulty hardware on your computer. Take your computer to an authorized service center near you to get the hardware components checked and to troubleshoot the issue you’re facing professionally.

Final Words

We’ve tried to include some of the easiest and highly probable ways to fix the No Display Computer Screen Goes Black/Hangs/Blinks issue that you’re facing in this article.

In case some other solution apart from the ones mentioned in this article helped you to fix the issue, do mention them in the comments below to help out other readers.
January 10, 2023
How to replace PowerShell (Admin) with command prompt in Winlogo+X
This post will guide you to replace the PowerShell (Admin) entry in the power menu that opens by pressing Windows Logo key + X in Windows 10 with good old style Command Prompt (Admin).

After an update Microsoft decided to replace the Command Prompt (Admin) entry in the Power menu of Windows 10. This menu opens when you press the Windows logo Key + X and gives you many options to quickly control your PC.
- Press the Windows logo key and type Taskbar settings in the search box
- Click on Task settings
- Now, click on the option that says Replace Command Prompt with Windows PowerShell in the menu when I right-click the start button or press Windows key + X
- Now, press the Windows key + X again and confirm the changes
April 17, 2021
How to boot into Safe mode Windows 10
This post is a step by step guide with pictures to help you boot into safe mode in Windows 10. Safe Mode in Windows 10 is a part of the advanced startup or diagnostic startup feature of Windows. With this you get almost all the troubleshooting options of Windows 10 at one place. Booting into safe mode is a rather convenient choice if:
- You wish to remove a faulty device driver
- need to troubleshoot a specific problem related to apps and programs
- To make sure your core Windows installation is working fine
- & a lot of other troubleshooting stuff
Safe Mode in Windows comprises of just the most basic system files & device drivers, the ones most essential for Windows to start. This mode helps you diagnose most of the problems associated with Windows, that might not let your PC start correctly.

How to boot Windows 10 safe mode:

Scenario 1: Through Lock Screen OR Start Menu
- Press & Hold the Shift key on your keyboard
- While Holding the shift key, Click on Restart
- Now, from the menu Click on Troubleshoot
- From the menu that follows, Click on Advanced Options
- Now, from the menu that comes,
- Click on Startup Settings
- And, Click on Restart
- Now, you will get a screen with options just like in the screengrab below
- Press 4 on your keyboard
- Your Windows 10 is now booting into safe mode
- Enter your Account Password, when prompted
- After the booting completes, your desktop will change to a black wallpaper
- The screen should look something like this
Scenario 2: Through bootable media | Recovery Drive

In this scenario, most of the options remain exactly the same as mentioned above, the only thing that changes is the way you get to the troubleshoot Screen
- Insert your Recovery or Installation DVD/USB into the drive/slot
- Boot from the said media
- When prompted, Select your keyboard layout
- From the screen that follows,
- Click on Troubleshoot & follow the steps as mentioned above
April 15, 2021
How to Create a Windows 10 Recovery USB
This post is a step-by-step tutorial with pictures on How to create a Windows 10 Recovery disk. A recovery drive is a much needed & very helpful tool when it comes to troubleshooting your PC. Though Windows 10 recovery options can be used in a number of ways, making and keeping a recovery disk is a must have for those dire situations where nothing else works. The best part about this recovery disk is that it doesn’t just help troubleshoot your PC, it can also contain a proper backup of your PC. So, in case of data loss, you have an option of recovering your essentials.

Below are the steps with pictures to create a recovery disk:
- Go to the start screen
- In the search box, type Create a recovery drive
- Click on the app under results.
- Click on Yes, when prompted
- Refer the screengrab below
- Now,
- a wizard to create the recovery drive will open up
- If you wish to include system files
- Check the check box as indicated in the screenshot above,
- else, uncheck the box
- Click on Next
- It might take a minutes for your system to get ready
- Make sure you insert a USB disk with at least 8 GB space
- Also make sure that your don’t have any data on the drive, as this app will format the drive
- Select the USB drive
- and click next
- After you click on create, the process will start & might take from a few minutes to more than that, depending on the option you chose.
- The wizard will copy files to your drive and you will receive a confirmation message at the end
- Click on Finish
- Your Recovery Drive is now ready
April 11, 2021
Fix: Unable to open Diagnostic options WinRE Windows 10
This post will help you fix an issue with your Windows PC, wherein when you try to open the diagnostic options | recovery console in Windows, you either get an error reading “Unexpected handler” or the recovery options just won’t open. Follow this step-by-step guide, If in case you are unable to open the Windows Recovery Environment (WINRE):

Method 1:
- Shutdown your PC
- Disconnect any and all add-on devices like printer, scanner, external keyboard /mouse, projector or monitor, or any network device
- Restart your PC
- If you are able to boot into Windows, disconnect any network you are connected to
- Press Windows logo key + X (To open power menu)
- press A or click on Command Prompt(Admin)
- Click on Yes
- In this elevated command prompt, type SFC /SCANNOW
- Press Enter
- This will check your system files for integrity
- If any discrepancies are found, they will be fixed after initial check.
- After the process completes, restart your machine
- Check if the problem is solved
Method 2 : Recovery Drive | Bootable Drive (IF you are not able to boot into Windows)
- If you have created a Recovery drive for Windows, Use that for booting
- If you haven’t created a recovery drive, follow the steps here to make one
- Or
- You can use your Windows installation DVD/USB to boot
- Once you boot from it, Select your language, keyboard option
- Click on Next
- Now, Click on Repair your Computer, in the left bottom corner as shown above
- Click on Troubleshoot
- Now Click on Advanced Options
- Click on Startup Repair
Alternatively: Method 3: Refresh | Reset your PC

This should fix your issue, if not let me know & i will try to troubleshoot your issue further
April 11, 2021
How to Rebuild BCD Windows 10 & 8.1
This is a step by step tutorial or a beginner’s guide to How to rebuild BCD (Boot Configuration DATA) and rebuild MBR (Master Boot Record) in Windows 10 & Windows 8 | 8.1.

Rebuilding BCD | Boot configuration data | MBR

To check & rebuild the Windows BCD:
- If you are able to access lock screen on Windows, Press & keep holding the shift key & click on Restart to open Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
- If not,
- Insert the original Windows DVD/USB and boot from it
- You can also use Windows Recovery Media
- Select your Language & keyboard options
- Click Next
- Click on Repair your computer
- Click Troubleshoot
- Click on Advanced Options
- Click on Command Prompt
- Now,
- Type bootrec /fixmbr
- Press Enter
- Then,
- Type bootrec /fixboot
- Press Enter
- Then,
- Type bootrec /rebuildbcd
- Press Enter
- Now, Type Exit
- Restart your computer
April 9, 2021