Prevent iTunes from launching on Windows 7 startup

Question

iTunes starts every time I boot my Windows 7 computer. How can I prevent iTunes from starting on Windows startup? Is there a simple setting or do I need to edit the Windows registry to accomplish this?

Answer 1

1. Go to "Start"
2. Click on "Run"
3. In the Open box type "msconfig" and then click "OK"
4. Select the "Startup" tab at the top
5. De-select iTunes from the list and click "Apply" then "OK".

You may need to restart your computer for this change to take effect.

Answer 2

If you do what wizlog suggested and iTunes is still starting automatically, it could be related to your iPod. iTunes is set--by default--to automatically launch iTunes if it detects an iPod. There is a setting in iTunes, which disables this function.

Answer 3

Since MSConfig has already been suggested I can advise you to try CCleaner, a freeware program for cleaning cookies and unnecessary data and with which you can also disable unneeded programs from starting up with a really simple dialogue.

What you (also) need to disable is iTunesHelper which boots up iTunes everytime it detects an iPod/iPhone plugged in. You will be able to find the entry for ituneshelper.exe if you use msconfig or any other start-up application manager.