The Startup folder is a function in operating systems (including Windows 7) that launches selected programs when the system is loaded. Besides the applications the system needs to function, the Startup folder also contains some programs the user needs every time anyway. These can include an e-mail client, your antivirus software or your productivity programs. Instead of launching these programs manually every time, Windows loads the programs immediately on startup. However, as this slows down the boot process, you should only include programs you really use.
Programs that don’t belong in your Startup folder can also add themselves to it. If there is malware on your PC or laptop, it will more than likely be in the list of Startup programs in Windows 7. The harmful software is launched with the operating system and then runs unnoticed in the background. That is why it is important to choose the programs in the Startup folder carefully. The folder contains links to the programs that Windows launches automatically as it boots up. If you know how to access the folder, you can optimize the Startup programs.