Slow PC? Here’s how to make it faster.
Maintaining a reliable network requires staying on top of your technology setup. A frequently overlooked aspect is managing which applications launch when your business’s PCs start up.
With numerous software programs wanting to auto-start, it can slow down your system and potentially introduce security risks. Did you know Windows 11 offers a useful feature that alerts you whenever new apps are added to the startup list?
Every time you power up your PC, a set of apps load automatically. While some of these are essential, others might not be and can slow down your system’s performance. Over time, as more software is installed, your startup list can grow, leading to longer startup times and a sluggish experience.
Moreover, monitoring startup apps is a good security practice. Unwanted or unknown apps starting automatically can be a red flag for 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.
How to enable these alerts in Windows 11:
- Open the Windows 11 system settings by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon or pressing ‘Windows + I’ on your keyboard.
- In the settings window, click on ‘System’ in the left sidebar, then select ‘Notifications’ on the right.
- Scroll to the bottom of the notifications page. Above Additional settings, you’ll find ‘Startup App Notification’, which is off by default. Move the slider to ‘On’.
From then on, you’ll receive a notification whenever a new application is added to the startup process. You can even customise this notification by clicking on the arrow next to the slider button, allowing you to adjust its appearance and sound to suit your preferences.
Turning on these alerts offers several benefits to your business:
- Enhanced Efficiency: By staying informed about new startup apps, you can quickly disable any unnecessary software that might be slowing down your system. This means faster start times and better overall performance, allowing your team to get to work without delays.
- Improved 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.
- Better Management: With various team members possibly installing different software, these alerts give you a clear overview of what’s being added to the startup list, ensuring that only approved applications are running.
To further manage startup apps, you can use Task Manager. Press ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’ to open Task Manager, then select the ‘Startup’ tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all the apps that start with Windows, along with their impact on boot time. You can enable or disable apps by selecting them and clicking the appropriate button at the top right.
By regularly checking this list and using the new alert feature, you can keep your startup process streamlined and your system secure.
If we can help, get in touch.
