Quick Links
MSConfig, also known as System Configuration, is a handy tool for configuring your PC’s boot settings and managing system services. Whether you need to troubleshoot startup issues or adjust how Windows boots, here are three quick ways to open MSConfig.
How to open msconfig
Windows 11
- In the text field at the top of the search window, type msconfig and press Enter.
- The System Configuration Utility window should open, as shown in the example pictures and overview.
Windows 10
- On the Windows desktop, type msconfig in the “Search the web and Windows” text box next to the Start menu button on the taskbar.
- Select the System Configuration option in the search results or press Enter.
- The System Configuration Utility window should open, as shown in the example pictures and overview.
Windows 8
- Open the Windows Start Screen.
- Type msconfig and press Enter.
- The System Configuration Utility window should open, as shown in the example pictures and overview.
Windows Vista and Windows 7
- Open the Start menu.
- In the Search programs and files text box, type msconfig and press Enter.
- The System Configuration Utility window should open, as shown in the example pictures and overview. If the UAC (User Account Control) prompts you for permission, click the Continue button.
Windows 98 and Windows XP
- Open the Start menu and select the Run option.
- Type msconfig and press Enter.
- The System Configuration Utility window should open, as shown in the example pictures and overview.
Windows msconfig example pictures and overview
After running the msconfig command, a System Configuration window should open, similar to what is shown in the picture below.
Click any of the links below for additional information and examples about each of the available options.
General tab
The General tab is the default tab in the System configuration and shows how the computer starts. By default, Normal startup should be selected. If you’ve changed any of the settings in the Boot tab or disabled any programs or services from starting up, the Selective startup will be selected. When the operating system uses Selective Startup, it gives you a reminder notification that Selective Startup is being used.
Boot tab
The Boot tab is an option added later into the System Configuration utility (Windows 98 and XP have boot.ini). This tab lets you make the same adjustments you can make in the Windows boot.ini file without editing the file. You can adjust additional settings in Advanced options, such as the number of processors to use during boot, maximum memory, and other debug options.
Services tab
The Services tab lets you enable or disable any Microsoft Windows services or other program services you have running on the computer. Check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box at the bottom of the window to only see non-Windows services such as driver services and program services. Unchecking a box disables the service from starting.
Startup tab
In Windows 8, Microsoft has removed this feature in the System Configuration utility and moved it into the Windows 8 Task Manager.
Tools tab
The Tools tab gives you quick access to all the Microsoft Windows tools. For example, you can access the Event Viewer tool by selecting the Event Viewer option in the tool name list and clicking the Launch button.
SYSTEM.INI
WIN.INI
BOOT.INI
Msinfo32, Operating system terms, Startup, Sysedit, Windows Accessories
Deciphering the Full Form of MSConfig
The acronym MSConfig stands for
Microsoft System Configuration Utility
.
MSConfig is a powerful tool that can configure the startup process on Windows Operating System, manage startup services, disable startup programs, and even alter system boot parameters.
How to Access MSConfig
Step #1:
Start from your Desktop, press the Win + R keys simultaneously. This will open the
Run
dialog box.
Step #2:
In the Run dialog box, type
msconfig
and press Enter.
Step #3:
The System Configuration window will open on your screen.
Applications of MSConfig
While MSConfig is often used to speed up the startup process of a Windows-based machine, Microsoft does not categorize it as a startup management program. It is, however, a potent tool for managing the startup process.
Key Features of MSConfig
Certain features of MSConfig vary depending on the version of Windows being used:
- In Windows Me and Windows 98, MSConfig can adjust advanced troubleshooting settings and even launch common system tools.
- MSConfig in Windows 98 can also backup and restore various files.
- Windows Me features an updated version of MSConfig with three new tabs: Static VxDs, International, and Environment.
- The Environment tab allows users to control environment variables.
- The Static VxDs tab allows users to control the loading of static virtual device drivers at startup.
- The Startup tab features a Cleanup button that enables users to clean up invalid or deleted startup entries.
- The International tab allows users to control the keyboard layout settings for different languages.
- In Windows XP and Windows Me, MSConfig can restore files from the original Windows installation set.
- In Windows Vista and Windows XP, MSConfig can hide all Operating System services for troubleshooting.
- In NT-based Operating Systems prior to Windows Vista, MSConfig can set various BOOT.INI switches.
Benefits of Using MSConfig
- MSConfig can be used to perform a safe mode boot, which only allows selected drivers and apps to load during startup. This can be very useful for diagnosing startup-related problems.
- MSConfig provides an easy way to access various Windows features like Event Viewer, System Restore, Command Prompt, and UAC Settings.
- By disabling certain settings on the Boot tab, MSConfig can help speed up the startup process.
- MSConfig allows users to specify the amount of resources used during and after bootstrapping.
Drawbacks of MSConfig
- In newer versions of Windows, MSConfig includes some obsolete features, such as the Startup Tab.
- Some features are transient and only exist in specific versions. For instance, the Environment Variable tab in Windows ME, which allowed users to modify their Operating System’s non-volatile variables, is not present in newer versions.
- Using MSConfig, one can disable essential Microsoft services, which could potentially lead to instability in the Operating System.
- MSConfig allows users to disable device drivers from the Services or Startup tab, which could lead to device malfunctions. For example, disabling a Graphics Driver service could prevent Windows from initializing the driver at startup, causing certain features, like brightness regulation, to malfunction.
- Although MSConfig is a very useful tool for troubleshooting startup problems and accessing essential Windows features, it should be used with caution to avoid causing harm to the Operating System.
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- How to Open and Use MSConfig on Windows 10
MSConfig is a good, versatile tool for managing the startup process on your computer. Additionally it can be of a lot more use if you are looking to troubleshoot performance and stability issues. MiniTool shows you how to access and use it on Windows 10.
How to Access MSConfig
Method 1. Access MSConfig Through Windows Search Box
Click inside the Windows search box on the taskbar and type “msconfig” into it. Then click the best-matched search result: System Configuration.
Method 2. Access MSConfig Through Run Dialog
Step 1: Press “Windows + R” keys simultaneously to call out Run dialog.
Step 2: Type “msconfig” in the Run box and then press Enter key to open System Configuration.
How to Use MSConfig
The System Configuration window consists of 5 different tabs: General, Boot, Services, Startup, and Tools. These tabs and various options under them are very useful for managing your computer. Let’s learn their functions.
1. General Tab
When you open System Configuration, the General tab will be displayed by default. It provides you with 3 Startup selections: Normal startup, Diagnostic startup, and Selective startup.
- Normal startup: This mode will boot up Windows as is, with all the installed startup items, drivers, and services. In this mode, there is almost no restriction on what ads to the boot process.
- Diagnostic startup: Similar to booting into safe mode, this mode only runs Windows services and drivers. It can help you rule out Windows files and services as being the source of possible system stability problems.
- Selective startup: This mode runs basic Windows services and drivers and allows you to select other services and startup items you want to run, from the Services and Startup tabs. In this way, you can slowly determine what is causing the problem in your boot process.
2. Boot Tab
In the top area, a white box lists operating systems installed on the current machine. Under the white box, there are other important functions like Advanced options and Boot options.
Warning: Be cautious about selecting Make All Boot Settings Permanent. Once you choose this option and save it, there is no easy way to revert to the previous settings. You will have to change everything manually.
- Advanced options: This feature enables you to configure such things as the number of processors, the amount of memory, and Global Debug settings.
- Boot options: This feature allows you to trigger your Windows into different booting modes by checking different options.
- Safe Boot Minimal: Boots to the Windows GUI only running critical services running and disabling networking.
- Safe Boot Alternate Shell: Boots to a command prompt running critical services running and disabling networking and the GUI.
- Safe Boot Active Directory Repair: Boots to the Windows GUI running critical services and Active Directory.
- Safe Boot Network: Boots to the Windows GUI running critical services and networking.
- No GUI Boot: Does not display the Windows Vista splash screen when you are booting.
- Boot Log: Stores information from the boot process in a log located in %systemroot% called ntbtlog.txt.
- Base Video: Loads the system with standard VGA drivers instead of those that specifically relate to your hardware.
- OS Boot Information: Shows all the drivers during the boot process as they load up.
3. Services Tab
When the operating system boots up, only services that are checked here can run at startup. If you don’t want some services to run at startup, uncheck them here.
If you believe that any of the Windows Services is causing an issue, then this section lets you deselect, and help you figure. However, be careful when you decide to disable a service because you might cause other problems.
4. Startup Tab
In this tab, there is only one option: Open Task Manager. As the name suggests, it will help you open Task Manager. In Task Manager, you can monitor processes and hardware performances, disable startup items, end tasks, etc.
5. Tools Tab
About The Author
Linda has been working as an editor at MiniTool for 5 years. She is always curious about computer knowledge and learns it crazily. Her articles are simple and easy to understand. Even people who do not understand computer can gain something. By the way, her special focuses are disk management, data recovery and PDF editing.
Open MSConfig Using Windows Search
The Windows Search menu makes it easy to open the built-in tools and programs on your PC. Here’s how you can use it to open the MSConfig tool.
- Click the magnifying glass on the taskbar or press Win + S to bring up the search menu.
- Type MSConfig in the search box.
- Select the first result that appears, or click the Run as administrator on your right.
Importance
This utility plays a crucial role in improving computer performance and diagnosing startup issues since it provides a centralized interface for managing these essential components.
Microsoft System Configuration Utility FAQ
What is Microsoft System Configuration Utility?
The Microsoft System Configuration Utility, also known as msconfig.exe, is a built-in troubleshooting tool for Windows operating systems. It helps you identify problems that might be preventing your computer from functioning correctly by letting you selectively disable certain applications, services, startup items, and change system settings.
How do I access the Microsoft System Configuration Utility?
To access the Microsoft System Configuration Utility, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type “msconfig” (without quotes), and press Enter. The utility will open, and you can make adjustments as needed.
What can I do with the Microsoft System Configuration Utility?
- Modify startup options and programs
- Enable or disable services
- Switch between different startup modes (normal, diagnostic, selective)
- Configure boot, services, and startup settings
Is it safe to use the Microsoft System Configuration Utility?
Yes, using the Microsoft System Configuration Utility is generally safe. However, you should be cautious when disabling system services or startup items, as this can cause certain applications or system components to not work correctly. It is best to only disable items if you are sure they are causing problems or are not necessary for your system to function properly.
How do I restore my system settings if I encounter problems after using the Microsoft System Configuration Utility?
You can revert any changes made using the Microsoft System Configuration Utility by opening the utility again (Windows key + R, type “msconfig” and press Enter). Then, go to the appropriate tab (Startup, Services, Boot) and re-enable the items you had disabled. Once done, click “Apply” and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Key Takeaways
- The Microsoft System Configuration Utility, also known as “msconfig,” enables users to manage system startup applications, services, and settings for troubleshooting and performance optimization.
- Through the utility, users can control boot options, modify the startup selection, enable or disable services, and access various tools that help streamline system performance while identifying any conflicting or unnecessary programs.
- Msconfig is primarily designed for Windows operating systems and can be launched by typing “msconfig” in the Run dialog box or the Windows search bar. Users should exercise caution when making changes, as some adjustments may lead to system instability or other issues.
Related Technology Terms
- msconfig.exe
- Startup Configuration
- Diagnostic Mode
- Services Management
- Boot Options
Use Windows Terminal to Launch MSConfig
Windows Terminal is an app that incorporates both Command Prompt and PowerShell. You can open MSConfig with either of these command-line tools in the same way as the Run dialog. Here’s how you can go about it.
- Right-click the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the context menu.
- Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
- Type msconfig in the Terminal window and hit Enter.
So, these were some of the easiest and quickest ways to open MSConfig in Windows 11. If you use this tool frequently, you can also add it to your Windows 11 desktop or pin it to the taskbar for quicker access.
Open MSConfig via Run
Using the Run tool is one of the simplest ways to open the MSConfig on your Windows 11 PC. So, let’s start with that.
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type msconfig in the text box.
- Hit the Enter key or click OK to bring up the System Configuration window.
