startup apps

  1. Boost Windows Boot Time by Disabling Startup Apps (Safe and Reversible)

    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...
  2. Xbox Full-Screen on OG ROG Ally: Windows Gets a Console-Style UX

    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...
  3. Windows 11 Handheld Gaming Mode on ROG Ally: Controller-First Xbox Launcher

    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...
  4. Windows 11 Handheld Gaming Mode on OG ROG Ally: A Controller-First Console Experience

    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...
  5. Five Windows 11 Defaults to Disable for Privacy, Performance & Focus

    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...
  6. Six Safe Steps to Speed Up Windows Without Risky Light ISOs

    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...
  7. Reduce Windows 10/11 Boot Time: Disable Startup Apps, Enable Fast Startup & Optimize SSD

    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...
  8. Seven Practical Habits to Keep Windows 11 Fast and Secure

    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...
  9. Speed Up Windows: Limit Search Indexing and WaaSMedicSvc on Older PCs

    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...
  10. Top 5 Windows 11 Tweaks for Maximum Gaming Performance in 2025

    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...
  11. Ultimate Guide to Disabling Windows 11 Default Settings for Better Privacy and Performance

    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...
  12. Top Windows 11 Performance Tips: Speed Up Your PC Easily and Safely

    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...
  13. Why Windows 11 Should Shift Defaults to Opt-In for Better Privacy and 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...
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    Windows 11 Apps on Startup change their settings

    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...
  15. Optimize Windows 11 Performance: 7 Apps Slowing You Down

    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...
  16. Boost Your Windows 11 Performance: Essential Optimization Tips

    Is your Windows 11 PC slowing you down lately? It’s like your tech partner is forgetting how to keep up with the demands of your digital life. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a certified IT wizard to get things moving again. Let’s walk you through four essential steps to troubleshoot and...
  17. Boost Your Windows 11 Performance: 4 Easy Tweaks You Must Try

    Windows 11 has now been around for a few years, and while many have grown fond of its sleek UI and powerful features, things can get rocky over time. From unnecessary apps hogging resources to pesky updates with bugs, your once-speedy machine may now crawl slower than a browser with 30 tabs...
  18. Fix Missing Startup Apps in Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

    If you've ever found yourself scratching your head because the Startup Apps page mysteriously vanished from the Settings app in Windows 11, you're not alone. Many users have experienced this frustrating hiccup, which, at first glance, appears to be just another glitch in the software. However...
  19. Top 8 Annoying Features of Windows 11 and How to Fix Them

    Windows 11, while heralded as a fresh new take on the beloved operating system, comes bundled with its fair share of aggravations. In this detailed guide, we'll explore the top eight most annoying features users are grumbling about and provide you with handy solutions to disable or mitigate...
  20. Speed Up Windows 11 Boot Time: Essential Tips for Faster Startups

    Introduction Every Windows user knows the sinking feeling that comes with pressing the power button, only to be met with a lethargic boot-up process. It’s a scenario that can grate on even the most patient individuals, often leading us to wonder what exactly is holding our shiny devices back...