What is MsConfig?

Microsoft Windows starting issues can be resolved using the system application MSConfig. In Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, it is officially called System Configuration or Microsoft System Configuration Utility. It can change the boot parameters and turn off or on startup-running programs, device drivers, and Windows services.

The System Configuration Tool, often known as Msconfig, is a Microsoft utility that debuted with Windows 98 and is present in all subsequent versions of Windows. It is used to set up a computer's startup settings, including which applications and services run when Windows starts.

With the help of this practical application, you may modify the boot settings and services that are enabled (or disabled) upon the beginning of your operating system. By doing this, you can prevent Windows from starting up with any incompatible apps or services.

Opening Msconfig

Note: To use MSConfig, users of Microsoft Windows XP and later need administrator permissions. Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows 95 do not support this function.

In Windows 11

• Click the magnifying glass icon in the Windows taskbar.

• Enter MSConfig in the text area at the top of the search window.
• A System Configuration Utility window pops out, which will be as below.

In Windows 10

1. Type MSConfig in the text field next to the Start menu button on the taskbar of the Windows desktop's "Search the web and Windows" section.
2. Select the System Configuration option from the search results by pressing the Enter key.

In Windows 8

1. The first step is to open the Windows Start screen.
2. Then type “MSConfig” and then press Enter.

In Windows Vista and Windows 7

1. The first step is to launch the Start menu.
2.  Then in the search field type “MSConfig” and then press enter.
3. We can see a System Utility Window pop out. Click Continue if the UAC (User Account Control) asks for your authorization.

General Tab

The System configuration's default tab, General, displays how the computer boots up. Normal startups ought to be chosen by default. The selective startup will be chosen if you've modified any Boot tab settings or stopped any services or programs from starting up. When the operating system makes use of Selective Startup, you are reminded via a notification.

There were also two buttons in earlier versions of Windows, such as Windows XP, but they were eventually eliminated. The "Launch System Restore" and "Expand File" buttons, respectively, offered users access to Windows System Restore and the ability to expand any zipped file.

Boot Tab

The System Configuration utility later added the Boot tab (Windows 98 and XP have boot.ini). Without having to edit the Windows boot.ini file, you can use this tab to make the same changes. In Advanced options, you can change additional settings like how many processors are used during boot, how much memory is allowed, and other debug options.

Services Tab

Any Microsoft Windows services or other program services running on your computer can be turned on or off from the Services tab. Check the "Hide all Microsoft services" box at the bottom of the window to only show non-Windows services such as driver and program services. When a box is unchecked, the service cannot start.

Startup Tab

One of the most common reasons most Windows users open the System Configuration utility is to access the Startup tab. By browsing the Startup tab, you can start and stop any of the programs (TSRs) that launch each time your computer starts. A computer's startup and performance are frequently hampered by these startup programs. Remove any program from the list that you want to prevent from starting each time.

Note:

This function was transferred by Microsoft from the System Configuration tool to the Windows 8 Task Manager.

Tools Tab

You can quickly access all of Microsoft Windows' tools from the Tools tab. For instance, by selecting the Event Viewer option from the tool name list, you can utilize the Launch button to open the Event Viewer tool.

WIN.INI

Users of Windows 98 and Windows XP have quick access to editing, enabling, and disabling the Windows win.ini file via the WIN.INI tab.

SYSTEM.INI

Users of Windows 98 and Windows XP have quick access to editing, enabling, and disabling the Windows system.ini file via the SYSTEM.INI tab.

BOOT.INI

Users of Windows 98 and Windows XP have quick access to editing, enabling, and disabling the Windows boot.ini file via the BOOT.INI tab.