Alternatively called a boot up program or startup application, a startup program is any software program or utility that is launched automatically when the computer boots. For example, with Microsoft Windows if you have an antivirus program installed, it loads each time your computer starts to help keep your computer protected.

BHO, Operating system terms, Startup

Although many programs may want to automatically startup every time you start your computer, you should only be loading programs you plan on using every time your computer starts. The more programs you have loading at startup the longer it is going to take to start your computer.

  • How to prevent Windows startup programs from loading.
  • How to identify what startup programs are safe to disable.
  • How to make Windows programs start automatically.