Up until Windows Vista, the native tool for managing startup program was ‘msconfig’. While there are more powerful utilities available, this is sufficient for most user’s needs. Windows Vista has done away with this tool and instead has replace it’s startup programs manager with a more powerful tool built into Windows Defender.

Here is how to access it:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click on Performance Information and Tools.
3. Click on Manage Startup Programs.

The interface is intuitive enough, but you will notice this gives you significantly more detail than msconfig. Addtionally, you can also see network enabled programs as well as programs which are currently running in the same detailed view by selecting the appropriate item from the dropdown at the top.

While this certainly isn’t as powerful as other tools available, it should be good enough for the majority of your needs.