msconfig

Msconfig, also known as System Configuration, is a Microsoft Windows utility that allows users to troubleshoot problems with the Windows startup process and to change settings that affect the way Windows starts up. It can be accessed by typing msconfig in the Run dialog box (Windows Key + R) or in the Windows search bar.

The msconfig utility provides access to several tabs, each offering different system configuration options. The General tab allows users to choose between Normal startup, Diagnostic startup, and Selective startup. Normal startup loads all device drivers and services. Diagnostic startup loads only basic devices and services, which is useful for troubleshooting. Selective startup allows users to choose which startup programs and services to load.

The Boot tab is used to configure boot options for Windows. This includes setting the default operating system, configuring boot delays, and enabling Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, which is a crucial troubleshooting step for diagnosing software or driver conflicts.

The Services tab lists all the services installed on the computer and allows users to enable or disable them. This is helpful for identifying and disabling services that may be causing startup issues or consuming excessive system resources. The Startup tab, in Windows 10 and later, redirects users to the Task Manager's Startup tab, which manages applications that launch automatically when Windows starts. In older versions of Windows, this tab directly listed startup programs.

The Tools tab provides access to various system utilities, such as Event Viewer, Task Manager, and System Restore, which can be useful for advanced troubleshooting and system management. Msconfig is a powerful tool for managing the Windows startup environment and diagnosing boot-related problems.