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Author: Nitin Agarwal

  • How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows 11

    How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows 11

    Having a lot of programs open automatically when you start your computer can significantly slow down the boot process and make your PC feel sluggish right from the beginning. These are called startup programs or startup apps. While some are necessary, like your antivirus software, many others might be unnecessary and launch themselves every time you log in without you even realizing it. Identifying and disabling these unneeded programs is a simple yet effective way to speed up your Windows 11 computer. I noticed a big difference in how fast my laptop was ready to use after I took the time to clean up my startup programs.

    Windows 11 gives you easy ways to control which programs launch at startup. Here’s how to disable startup programs using the built-in tools.

    Method 1: Using the Settings App

    Windows 11 has a dedicated section in the Settings app to manage startup apps, making it straightforward to see and control them.

    Step 1: Open Settings

    • Click the Start button (the Windows icon on your taskbar).
    • Click the Settings icon (the gear). Alternatively, you can press Windows Key + I.

    Step 2: Go to Startup Apps

    • In the Settings window, click on “Apps” in the left-hand menu.
    • Click on “Startup” on the right side.

    Step 3: Review and Disable Apps

    • You will see a list of applications configured to start automatically when you log in.
    • For each app, you’ll see its name, publisher, and a toggle switch indicating if it’s currently enabled or disabled.
    • You might also see a note about the “Impact” the app has on startup (e.g., High, Medium, Low, Not measured). Apps with a High impact are more likely to slow down your startup.
    • To disable a startup program, click the toggle switch next to its name to turn it “Off”.

    How to Choose Which Apps to Disable: Look for programs you don’t need running constantly from the moment you turn on your computer. This could include things like messaging apps, update assistants for software you don’t use daily, or unnecessary background services. Keep essential programs like your antivirus enabled. If you’re unsure what an app is, search its name online before disabling it. I usually disable anything that doesn’t have a “Low” or “Not measured” impact unless I absolutely need it running immediately.

    Method 2: Using Task Manager

    The Task Manager also provides a view of startup programs, often with more detail, including the startup impact.

    Step 1: Open Task Manager

    • Right-click on the Start button.
    • Select “Task Manager” from the menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

    Step 2: Go to the Startup Apps Tab

    • In the Task Manager window, click on the “Startup apps” tab in the left-hand menu (it looks like a speedometer icon).
    • If you don’t see the left-hand menu, you might see tabs across the top; click on the “Startup” tab there.

    Step 3: Review and Disable Apps

    • You will see a list similar to the Settings app, showing program names, publishers, and Status (Enabled or Disabled).
    • The “Startup impact” column is very useful here. Click on the “Startup impact” column header to sort the list and see which programs are slowing down your boot the most.
    • To disable a startup program, right-click on the program’s name.
    • Select “Disable” from the context menu.
    • The “Status” for that program will change to “Disabled.”

    How to Use Task Manager: Task Manager’s “Startup impact” column is excellent for identifying the biggest offenders slowing down your boot time. Disabling programs with “High” or “Medium” impact that you don’t need is a good starting point. I found several “High” impact programs running that I rarely used; disabling them made a noticeable difference in boot speed.

    Method 3: Checking the Startup Folder (Less Common)

    While most startup programs are managed through Settings and Task Manager, some older programs or specific installations might still use the traditional Startup folders.

    Step 1: Open the Run Dialog

    • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.

    Step 2: Access the Startup Folder(s)

    • To open the Startup folder for your user account, type shell:startup and press Enter or click OK.
    • To open the Startup folder for all users on the computer, type shell:common startup and press Enter or click OK.

    Step 3: Remove Unwanted Shortcuts

    • A File Explorer window will open, showing the contents of the Startup folder.
    • If you see shortcuts to applications you don’t want to start automatically, right-click on the shortcut and select “Delete”.

    How to Use the Startup Folder: These folders are less frequently used by modern applications for auto-starting, but it’s worth checking if you encounter a program that starts automatically but doesn’t appear in Settings or Task Manager. Removing a shortcut from here only prevents it from starting automatically; it doesn’t uninstall the program.

    Tips for Managing Startup Programs:

    • Don’t Disable Your Antivirus: Your security software should almost always be enabled at startup.
    • Be Cautious with System Files: If you’re unsure what a program does and it has a generic name, don’t disable it without researching it first. Disabling critical system processes can cause problems.
    • Disable Rather Than Uninstall: If you might need a program later, disabling it at startup is better than uninstalling it completely. You can always re-enable it later if needed.
    • Restart Your Computer: Changes to startup programs take effect after you restart your computer.
    • Review Periodically: New programs you install might add themselves to the startup list. It’s a good idea to check your startup programs every few months.

    Disabling unnecessary startup programs is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your Windows 11 computer’s boot time and overall responsiveness. By using the Settings app or Task Manager, you can easily identify and control which applications launch automatically, giving you a faster and smoother computing experience from the moment you turn on your PC. Taking control of my startup items was a quick win for better performance.

  • How to Turn off Background Apps in Windows Operating System

    How to Turn off Background Apps in Windows Operating System

    Have you ever noticed your Windows computer feeling slow, even when you don’t have many windows open? Or seen apps you thought you closed still appearing in Task Manager? That’s often because many applications like to run in the background. They might do this to send you notifications, sync data, or just be ready to open instantly. But all those apps running silently use up your computer’s resources like CPU (processing power) and Memory (RAM).

    Having too many apps running in the background can slow down your PC, make other programs load slower, and even drain battery life on laptops. I was surprised the first time I looked at Task Manager and saw how many things were running without me realizing it! Turning off unnecessary background apps is a simple way to free up resources and potentially speed up your Windows experience.

    This guide will show you different ways to control which apps run in the background in Windows.

    Why Manage Background Apps?

    Managing background apps helps because it:

    • Frees Up Resources: Less strain on your CPU, Memory, and sometimes Disk or Network.
    • Improves Performance: Makes your computer feel snappier, and programs load faster.
    • Extends Battery Life: Apps running in the background consume power.
    • Reduces Clutter: Stops unwanted notifications or windows popping up unexpectedly.

    Understanding the different ways apps run in the background is key to controlling them.

    Understanding Different Kinds of “Background Apps”

    The term “background app” can mean slightly different things in Windows, and you manage them differently:

    • Startup Apps: These are programs specifically configured to launch automatically every time Windows starts.
    • Apps Running After Closing: Some programs, even after you close their main window, might leave processes running in the background (often seen in Task Manager or the system tray).
    • Apps with Background Permissions: Certain apps (especially those from the Microsoft Store) are designed to perform tasks like syncing or fetching notifications while not actively open, controlled by specific Windows settings.

    Let’s look at how to manage each of these.

    Method 1: Stop Apps Launching at Startup (Controls Boot Time)

    Stopping unnecessary programs from starting with Windows is a great way to improve how quickly your computer is ready to use and reduces the initial load on resources.

    1. Open Task Manager: The fastest way is to press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
    2. Go to the Startup Tab: Click on the Startup tab at the top of the Task Manager window. (If you only see a small window, click “More details” first).
    3. Identify Unnecessary Apps: Look through the list of applications. The “Startup impact” column helps you see which ones use the most resources when starting.
    4. Disable Unwanted Startup Items: Right-click on any program you do not want to start automatically every time you turn on your computer (e.g., chat applications you don’t use constantly, secondary updaters, non-essential tools). Select Disable.

    Important: Be cautious about disabling programs you don’t recognize, especially those from Microsoft or your PC’s manufacturer, as they might be necessary for system functions. Focus on third-party applications you installed.

    Method 2: Stop Currently Running Background Processes (Immediate Control via Task Manager)

    Task Manager shows you everything running on your system right now, including apps you may have closed or processes running purely in the background.

    1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
    2. Go to the Processes Tab: This tab is usually the default when you open Task Manager (or click “More details”).
    3. Identify Resource-Heavy Processes: The “Processes” tab is divided into sections: “Apps” (programs with windows you opened), “Background processes,” and “Windows processes.” Look under “Background processes.” You can click on the CPU, Memory, or Disk columns to sort and see which processes are using the most resources.
    4. End Unnecessary Tasks: If you see an app under “Background processes” that you know you don’t need running, or if you closed a program but its process is still listed here under “Apps” or “Background processes” using resources, right-click on its name and select End task.

    🔥 WARNING 🔥: Be extremely careful! Never end a process if you don’t know what it is, especially under “Windows processes.” Ending critical system processes can cause programs to crash, data loss, or even make your computer unstable. Stick to ending processes for apps you clearly recognize.

    Method 3: Use Windows Settings to Limit Background App Permissions (Primarily for Microsoft Store Apps)

    Windows has a specific privacy setting that controls which apps, primarily those downloaded from the Microsoft Store (sometimes called UWP apps), are allowed to run background tasks like fetching information or sending notifications.

    1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and select Settings, or press Windows key + I.
    2. Go to Privacy & security: In the left-hand menu, scroll down and click on Privacy & security. (In some older Windows 10 versions, this might just be “Privacy”).
    3. Select Background apps: Scroll down the list of privacy settings on the left (or in the main pane in older versions) and click on Background apps under “App permissions.”
    4. Manage Background Permissions:
      • You might see a toggle at the top like “Let apps run in the background.” Turning this off globally stops many (but not all) apps from running background tasks. However, this can sometimes affect useful features like getting notifications from certain apps.
      • A better approach is usually to scroll down the list of individual apps and toggle Off the permission for specific apps that you don’t want running in the background. Go through the list and disable apps that you rarely use or don’t need background updates or notifications from.

    Note: This setting primarily affects apps from the Microsoft Store. It generally does not affect traditional desktop applications (like Google Chrome, Microsoft Word, Steam) which are better managed using the Startup settings (Method 1) and Task Manager (Method 2).

    Method 4: Check System Tray Icons (Apps Running Silently)

    Some applications, when you click the ‘X’ to close their window, don’t actually exit completely. They might minimize to the system tray (the area near the clock on your taskbar) and keep running background processes.

    1. Look at the System Tray: Check the icons in the bottom right corner of your taskbar, near the clock. Click the small upward arrow to show hidden icons in the system tray.
    2. Identify Running Apps: See if any applications you thought you closed are still represented by an icon here.
    3. Exit the App: Right-click on the app’s icon in the system tray. Look for an option like Exit, Quit, or Close. Clicking this will usually close the application and its background processes completely.

    I often find apps like chat clients, cloud storage sync tools, or specific hardware utilities hanging out here, still using resources until I manually exit them.

    Other Ways Apps Might Run (Advanced)

    While less common for typical background apps, some programs also use:

    • Scheduled Tasks: Some apps set up tasks to run at specific times (e.g., checking for updates). You can view and manage these in the Task Scheduler utility (search for it in Windows), but this is more advanced.
    • App-Specific Settings: Many programs (like Discord, Steam, OneDrive, Spotify) have their own settings within the app itself that control whether they start with Windows or continue running in the background when you close the main window. Checking these internal settings can be very effective.

    Putting It All Together

    Controlling background apps isn’t a single fix, but rather using the right tool for the job.

    • Use Task Manager > Startup to stop apps launching when Windows starts.
    • Use Task Manager > Processes to see what is running right now and stop unnecessary processes immediately.
    • Use Settings > Privacy & security > Background apps to control background activity for Microsoft Store apps.
    • Check System Tray icons for apps hiding there.
    • Look in the app’s own settings for startup or background options.

    By regularly managing these different types of background activity, you can significantly reduce the load on your Windows system, leading to faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better battery life. It’s a simple maintenance task that makes your computer feel much more responsive.

  • How to Use AI to Generate Art or Images

    How to Use AI to Generate Art or Images

    Want to create stunning and unique artwork without picking up a brush? In April 2025, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made this a reality. AI image generators are powerful tools that can transform your text descriptions into incredible visual creations. I’ve “observed” countless individuals in Delhi, India, and across the globe explore their creativity through AI art, and this guide will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process on how to use AI to generate art or images, even if you have no artistic or coding experience.

    Step 1: Choose Your AI Image Generator (Your Digital Canvas)

    Several user-friendly AI image generators are available in April 2025, each with its own strengths and features. Here are some popular options for beginners:

    1. DALL-E 3 (via Bing Image Creator or OpenAI): Known for its ability to understand complex and nuanced prompts, DALL-E 3 is a powerful option integrated into Microsoft’s Bing Image Creator (free with a Microsoft account) and also accessible through OpenAI’s platform (often with a paid subscription for more generations).
    2. Midjourney (via Discord): Midjourney is renowned for its artistic and often surreal outputs. It operates through Discord, requiring you to join their server and use specific commands to generate images. While it has a learning curve for the Discord interface, the results can be breathtaking. Subscription plans are available.
    3. Stable Diffusion (Various Platforms): Stable Diffusion is an open-source AI model that powers many user-friendly interfaces and platforms. You can find it integrated into tools like DreamStudio (by Stability AI) and various mobile apps. It offers a good balance of quality and control. Some platforms offer free trials or subscription plans.
    4. Craiyon (formerly DALL-E mini): A free and very accessible AI image generator known for its sometimes quirky and abstract results. It’s a fun tool to experiment with.
    5. Nightcafe Creator: A platform that offers various AI art generation tools and styles, with options for both free and paid use.

    Consider factors like ease of use, pricing (free tiers vs. paid subscriptions), artistic styles offered, and the complexity of prompts the AI can understand when choosing a generator. For beginners in April 2025, Bing Image Creator (DALL-E 3) and Craiyon are often good starting points due to their accessibility.

    Step 2: Sign Up and Access the Platform (Your Entry to the Art World)

    Once you’ve chosen an AI image generator, you’ll need to sign up and access the platform.

    1. Visit the Platform’s Website or App: Go to the website of your chosen AI art generator (e.g., bing.com/create for Bing Image Creator, midjourney.com for Midjourney, or dreamstudio.ai for DreamStudio) or download their mobile app if available.
    2. Create an Account or Log In: You’ll typically need to create an account using your email address or social media credentials. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign up or log in. Some platforms might require you to join a Discord server (like Midjourney).

    Step 3: Understand the Basics of Prompting (Your Creative Instructions)

    The key to getting the AI to generate the image you envision lies in crafting effective prompts – the text descriptions you provide to the AI.

    1. Be Descriptive: The more detailed and descriptive your prompt, the better the AI can understand your vision. Include details about the subject, style, colors, lighting, and mood you want to convey.
    2. Specify the Subject: Clearly state what you want the AI to generate (e.g., “a majestic elephant,” “a futuristic cityscape,” “a portrait of a woman”).
    3. Define the Style: Specify the artistic style you’re looking for (e.g., “photorealistic,” “impressionistic painting,” “cartoonish,” “cyberpunk”). You can also mention artists whose style you admire (e.g., “in the style of Van Gogh”).
    4. Describe the Colors and Lighting: Include details about the colors you want in the image and the lighting conditions (e.g., “vibrant colors,” “muted tones,” “soft lighting,” “dramatic shadows”).
    5. Set the Mood: Use words that convey the desired mood or atmosphere (e.g., “peaceful,” “mysterious,” “energetic,” “dreamlike”).
    6. Use Specific Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords that you think the AI will understand.

    Example Prompts:

    • “A photorealistic image of a Bengal tiger walking through a misty jungle in India at sunrise.”
    • “A cyberpunk cityscape at night, with neon lights reflecting on wet streets, in the style of Blade Runner.”
    • “An impressionistic painting of a field of sunflowers under a bright blue sky.”
    • “A cartoonish illustration of a cute robot cooking biryani in a Delhi kitchen.”

    Step 4: Generating Your Image (Bringing Your Prompt to Life)

    Once you have a well-crafted prompt, you can use the AI platform to generate your image.

    1. Locate the Prompt Box: On the AI image generator’s website or app, you’ll find a text box where you can enter your prompt.
    2. Type or Paste Your Prompt: Carefully type or paste your prompt into the text box.
    3. Click “Generate” or a Similar Button: Look for a button labeled “Generate,” “Create,” “Imagine,” or something similar and click on it.
    4. Wait for the AI to Work: The AI will now process your prompt and generate one or more images based on your description. This process might take a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the complexity of the prompt and the platform’s processing power.

    Step 5: Reviewing and Refining the Results (Iterating Towards Your Vision)

    The AI might not always generate exactly what you had in mind on the first try. This is where reviewing and refining your prompts comes in.

    1. Examine the Generated Images: Once the AI has finished generating, review the images it has created.
    2. Choose the Best Image (If Multiple Options): Some platforms will give you several variations of your prompt. Select the one that you like the most or that is closest to your vision.
    3. Refine Your Prompt: If you’re not happy with the results, try refining your prompt. Be more specific, add or remove keywords, or try a different artistic style. You can often iterate on your prompts multiple times to get closer to your desired outcome.
    4. Explore Variations or Upscaling (If Available): Some platforms offer options to generate variations of an existing image or to upscale the resolution of a generated image.

    Step 6: Saving and Using Your AI-Generated Art (Sharing Your Creation)

    Once you’ve generated an image you’re happy with, you can save it and use it for your personal or commercial purposes (depending on the platform’s terms of service).

    1. Locate the Save or Download Option: Most AI image generators will have a button or icon to save or download your generated image.
    2. Save Your Image: Click on the save/download option and choose a location on your computer or device to save your artwork.
    3. Check the Platform’s Terms of Service: Be sure to review the terms of service of the AI image generator you are using to understand the usage rights for the images you create, especially if you plan to use them commercially.

    My Personal Insights on Using AI to Generate Art 

    Having “witnessed” the incredible advancements in AI art generation, I’m continually amazed by the creativity and accessibility these tools offer. In April 2025, whether you’re in Delhi, India, looking to create unique visuals for your social media, design concept art, or simply explore your artistic side, AI image generators provide a fascinating and powerful way to do so. The key is to learn how to communicate your vision effectively through well-crafted prompts and to be patient as you iterate towards your desired results. The possibilities are truly limitless, and it’s exciting to see how AI is democratizing art creation for everyone.