startup apps

Microsoft has confirmed a Windows 11 bug that can crash explorer.exe during the first sign‑in — making the taskbar and desktop UI vanish — and says the problem has been addressed in the January preview update KB5074105, which Microsoft has started rolling out as an optional preview...

I used a simple change—turning off nonessential startup apps—and cut my PC's boot wait by measurable seconds; the tweak is low-risk, reversible, and one of the fastest wins for real‑world responsiveness. In controlled tests on two machines (one HDD-based, one SSD-based) the boot time dropped...

The first time you boot the Xbox full‑screen experience on an OG ROG Ally, it feels like someone quietly unhooked Windows from the device and slid a console‑style launcher in its place — but the reality is more pragmatic and far more interesting: Microsoft has layered a controller‑first Xbox...

Microsoft’s new handheld-focused Windows 11 “Xbox full‑screen” experience — the controller‑first launcher being trialed on the ROG Xbox Ally family — can be shoehorned onto older hardware like the original ASUS ROG Ally, and the early hands‑on results make clear where the performance wins...

Microsoft’s console-first pivot for small screens lands in a surprisingly usable form, and testing Windows 11’s new Handheld Gaming Mode on an OG ROG Ally shows both what’s changed and what still needs work for real-world handheld PC owners. Background / Overview Windows 11’s new Handheld Gaming...

If you just unboxed a new Windows 11 laptop, there are five settings you should consider turning off right away to tighten privacy, reduce distractions, and reclaim background resources for the tasks that matter most. Background / Overview Windows 11 ships with a range of convenience features...

Windows users tired of hunting down every background process, trimming settings, and wrestling with sluggish search bars are being reminded that there are safer, more sustainable alternatives to installing unofficial “light” Windows builds — and a practical six-step playbook can deliver most of...

Reduce Windows 10/11 Boot Time: Disable Startup Apps, Enable Fast Startup & Optimize SSD Difficulty: Intermediate | Time Required: 20-30 minutes A long boot time can be caused by too many startup apps, suboptimal power settings, or an SSD that isn’t configured for peak performance. In this guide...

Keeping Windows 11 feeling fast isn’t about chasing exotic tweaks—it’s about sticking to a practical maintenance routine that prevents small issues from snowballing into slow boots, stutters, and crashes. The seven fundamentals below are the bedrock of a healthy system: scan and repair system...

When a Windows PC that once booted and responded instantly starts stuttering, the instinctive answers are a fresh reinstall or a hardware upgrade — but sometimes the culprit is far less dramatic: background services quietly consuming CPU, disk I/O, or network bandwidth. A short, targeted change...

For PC gamers, getting the most out of Windows 11 can make the difference between a choppy, sluggish experience and silky-smooth, responsive gameplay. While Windows 11 has seen several improvements aimed at making gaming better right out of the box—such as Auto HDR, DirectStorage, and improved...

The launch of Windows 11 introduced a fresh, modern interface, improved security features, and a suite of productivity tools aimed at enhancing the user experience. Yet, for countless everyday users and power users alike, out-of-the-box Windows 11 also arrives with a set of default settings that...

For many Windows 11 users, sluggish performance isn’t simply a matter of outdated hardware—it can be the result of everyday clutter, unnecessary background processes, and resource-hungry visual flourishes. While Microsoft has poured significant resources into optimizing Windows 11’s performance...

Navigating the familiar digital corridors of Windows 11, many users recognize Microsoft’s ambition to deliver a seamless, connected experience out of the box. Enhanced cloud integration, productivity widgets, and data-driven recommendations are all testament to a vision where convenience reigns...

Microsoft is preparing to supercharge the way Office apps launch on Windows with an innovative scheduled task known as Startup Boost. Set to roll out starting mid-May with full worldwide availability by late May 2025, this feature aims to trim those extra seconds many Windows users have come to...

When encountering the Windows error "The application was unable to start correctly (0xc00004ac)," users often face significant frustration as this issue blocks an application from launching, pointing to system or security-related interference. This error commonly arises in Windows 10 and 11...

Hello, Apps I've set to turn on on startup actually reset by themselves. I can't tell what instigates it. If I change the app's settings and restart my computer, the app doesn't reset. But, when my computer is off for the night, the setting is reset to not turn on on startup. If someone could...

Boost Windows 11 Performance on Older PCs: Expert Tips & Tricks As Windows 11 rolls out its fresh, modern interface and features, many users with older hardware might notice their systems struggling a bit to keep up. But don’t despair. With a few careful tweaks, you can breathe new life into...

As much as I appreciate the advancements introduced with Windows 11, like any polished gem, it’s not without its flaws. In a recent article on XDA Developers, the author lists six essential tweaks that enhance the user experience, aiming to make Windows 11 feel more personalized and functional...

Windows 11 is a powerhouse of features and stability, but even a well-oiled machine can start to lag when it’s bogged down by too many applications. In today’s deep dive, we explore how seemingly innocuous apps can silently steal your system’s mojo and offer some tips on how to keep your PC...