When You First Start Your Computer What Software Starts First?

Tyler Yates

When you start your computer, a lot of software starts running in the background. This software is responsible for various tasks such as managing system resources, running essential applications, and providing necessary functionalities. Here’s a breakdown of some of the software that starts first when you turn on your computer.

Operating System

The first software that starts when you turn on your computer is the operating system. The operating system is the most essential piece of software that manages all the resources of your computer. It loads various device drivers and other necessary programs to ensure that your hardware components work correctly.

BIOS/UEFI Firmware

Before the operating system loads, your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware runs its startup program. The BIOS/UEFI firmware initializes and tests hardware components such as memory, hard disk, and other connected devices. It also checks if any hardware components are malfunctioning or not.

Device Drivers

After BIOS/UEFI firmware completes its job, operating systems load device drivers to ensure proper functioning of hardware devices such as keyboard, mouse, graphics card, etc. These device drivers allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices and use them efficiently.

Startup Programs/Applications

Once all the essential software is loaded properly, your operating system loads startup programs/applications that are set to run automatically when you start your computer. These programs can be essential utilities like antivirus software or non-essential application like social media apps.

  • Antivirus Software: Antivirus software is one of the most crucial applications that should start automatically as it protects your computer from malware attacks.
  • Social Media Apps: Non-essential applications such as social media apps can also be set to start automatically when you log in.
  • Productivity Apps: Productivity applications such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, or other software that you use on a daily basis can also be set to start automatically.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when you start your computer, the operating system is the first software to load. The BIOS/UEFI firmware then initializes and tests hardware components, and device drivers are loaded to ensure proper functioning of hardware devices.

Finally, startup programs/applications are loaded based on user preferences. Understanding what software starts first when you turn on your computer can help you diagnose any issues that may arise during startup and improve your computer’s performance by managing startup programs effectively.