How to Access MsConfig in Windows 10

Users can adjust a large number of options in Windows 10. Changing the wallpaper, changing which graphics card an app uses, managing storage space, regulating microphone, camera, and location access for apps, and more are just a few of the options available. These are basic user-end options.

If a user has admin access to a system, they can modify more complicated settings, but these settings aren’t changed very often, and few end users need to access them unless they’re troubleshooting a system.

MsConfig on Windows 10

When a user boots Windows 10, the operating system loads in a normal environment that allows all of the user’s loaded programs to run. All of the services that Windows 10 need are also activated. Also loaded is a broad array of Windows 10 tools.

When a system has a problem, one of the first things to do is see if it happens when third-party apps and services, as well as other non-essential tools and services, are disabled, or if it happens in Safe Mode.

Safe Mode is simple to use, however the MsConfig or System Configuration window allows users to customize the settings. Users can pick which features are deactivated and which are not.

On Windows 10, there are a few different ways to get to the MsConfig dialog.

1. Access MsConfig – Run box

To Access the MsConfig dialog box from the run box;

Tap the Win+R keyboard shortcut to open the run box.
Enter msconfig and tap the Enter key.

2. Access MsConfig – File Explorer

To access the MsConfig dialog box from File Explorer;

Open File Explorer.
Click inside the location bar.
Enter msconfig and tap Enter.

3. Access MsConfig – Task Manager

From Task Manager, open the MsConfig dialog box.

Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager from the context menu.
Go to File>Run new task.
Enter msconfig.
Enable the ‘Create this task with administrative privileges box.
Tap Enter.

4. Access MsConfig – Command Prompt or PowerShell

To use PowerShell or Command Prompt to open the MsConfig dialog box;

Open Command Prompt with admin rights or Open PowerShell with admin rights.
Enter the following command and tap enter (the same command works in both command lines).

start msconfig

MsConfig Settings

The settings are the same regardless of how you enter the MsConfig dialog box.

General: Select which system services and device components will run when you start the system.
Boot: Has extensive settings for configuring safe boot and normal boot options.
Services: Lists every single service that is run on Windows 10 and allows users to unselect the ones they do not want to run at startup.
Startup: This tab is deprecated.
Tools: An exhaustive list of Windows 10 tools and a quick launch button for each one along with the path to the tool’s EXE is given in this tab.

MsConfig – Conclusion

MsConfig does not include any settings that the normal user should modify, but it can be difficult to ignore this popup while trying to solve a complex problem on Windows 10. Before you make any changes, make sure you understand what you’re doing and how to undo it.