How to Disable and Stop Windows Live Messenger from Loading at Startup Automatically (Auto Start)

After installing Windows Live Messenger (WLM), which previously known as MSN Messenger, the messenger instant messaging client will automatically start and load itself on Windows startup. Autostart of Windows Live Messenger allows frequent users or IM addicts to quickly sign onto the WL Messenger service to chat with friends and contacts.

Loading and starting the Windows Live Messenger when Windows starts slow down the startup process, and for people who seldom or rarely uses the Windows Live Messenger client, letting the program runs at the background waste valuable system resources. Here’s how to disable and turn off auto-start of Windows Live Messenger to forbid, prevent and stop Windows Live Messenger to automatically starts up.

1. Open Windows Live Messenger window (sign into Messenger if you haven’t do so).
2. Press Alt key to reveal menu bar, then click on Tools and select Options. It’s also possible to click on Show menu icon after the “Search contacts or the web” box.

   Alternatively, click on the logged on contact’s name on the top of the Messenger client window, and select Options.

3. Select General (earlier version of WLM) or Sign In (current latest version of WLM) on the left pane.
4. Deselect and uncheck the Automatically run Windows Live Messenger when I log on to Windows check box.

   

5. Click OK.

Windows Live Messenger will not start itself automatically from next system boot up. User will need to start the program manually from Start Menu.