To access:
From the Toolbox on the navigation panel, click Speed Up and then click Startup Optimizer.
What it does:
Startup Optimizer improves the time it takes your PC to start by disabling unneeded startup programs. It also improves system performance by blocking at startup unnecessary programs that would otherwise be constantly running in the background as you use your computer.
Why use it:
Various programs and services are set to load when Windows loads. Some of these programs, such as internet security, are desired, but many are useless.
Removing unneeded items from the startup process will boost your PC's speed, as well as the time it takes to boot.
After Startup Optimizer finishes loading the startup programs into a list, use the three-way toggle buttons to keep a program ON, turn it OFF or Delay it from starting until after your system is completely booted. (Some Windows startup items are critical for startup and cannot be delayed.)
Click the dropdown arrows on the far-right of the Startup Optimizer window to view more information about each startup item, including Performance impact data that shows you how much a given program or service is affecting your overall system speed and responsiveness.
For your convenience the Startup Optimizer window defaults to displaying only the Potentially unwanted items it has found. To view All items, click the second tab, to the right. Here you may find additional optional startup items you may wish to keep from launching at startup.
The startup items list is organized as follows:
The Name column displays the software, processes and services currently set to launch at startup.
The Community Choice column lets you see what percentage of other System Mechanic users are keeping each particular startup item on, delaying it or turning it off. Note: User community results are intended as research tools only, not as recommendations to keep or turn off any given program.
The Importance column displays which among six categories each item is. Startup categories are organized by level of importance:
System - Windows applications and services necessary to the normal functioning of your PC.
Necessary - Non-Windows applications and services necessary to normal PC function.
Unknown – Any program whose importance is not immediately known by System Mechanic.
User Choice - May or may not be essential to the normal operation of your PC, depending on your needs. Examples include printer drivers, Cloud-based backup services or media players.
Unnecessary - Not essential to the normal operation of your PC. These files are typically running to provide quick access to various programs but may inadvertently clutter and slow your system.
Dangerous - Known security risks that hinder the normal operation of your PC and should be turned off.
The Status column shows you how you currently have set each startup item to perform: launch at startup, not launch at startup, or launch once the system is fully booted and will be minimally impacted by the program launching.