A number and code in Startup Task Manager [Fix] (2024)

If you notice a process with a number and code in the Startup Task Manager on your Windows 11/1 computer, this post will help you determine and resolve the issue.

Why is there a program with a number and code in Startup Task Manager

Possible Virus or Malware infection:Virus or malware can get into the startup unnoticed. They generally hide under random-looking names, numbers, or a combination of both. If the malware is coded poorly or is specifically designed to insert itself into the startup, it may appear as some random text or number in the process list.

Incomplete or corrupt application installation:Incomplete or corrupt software installations may lead to improper application functioning. In such cases, the OS may not be able to recognize the program properly, and hence, it may appear as random codes in the Task Manager.

Also, when applications are uninstalled, they may remain in the startup program list as orphaned or unrecognized entries. Such entries may appear in the Task Manager as a random set of numbers or characters.

Incorrect Registry Entries: Along with other OS and application details, the Windows Registry also maintains the details of the programs launched at startup. Errors in the registry entries can affect the functionality of the concerned software and, therefore, may be seen in the startup entries as a combination of random numbers and characters.

Misconfigured Startup Entries:At times, users may manually add programs at startup, which, if not done correctly, can lead to incorrect entries. Such misconfigured entries can lead to slowing down and errors during the boot process. Such errors might be represented in the task manager as unrecognized codes.

Checking the startup programs and removing the unnecessary ones, along with checking and repairing system files, would help us resolve the issue using the below-mentioned methods:

1. Use Autorun Utility
2. Run Windows Defender or Antivirus Scans
3. Modify Registry Settings
4. Run SFC and DISM
5. Clean Startup Folder Items

1] Use Autorun Utility

The Autorun Utility from Microsoft provides a detailed overview of the programs configured to run when the system boots or the user logs in. Following the steps below, unidentified or suspicious processes can be removed from startup.

• Download and install the Autorun Utility from Microsoft website
• Once installed, run the Autoruns64 executable file for a 64-bit system.
• On the main screen of the application interface, click on the Logon Tab
• Find the incorrect entries that were detected in the Task Manager.
• Right-click on it, then click Delete and restart the system for the changes to take effect.

2] Run Windows Defender or Antivirus Scans

Since Viruses or Malware can also be responsible for improper program entries, scanning the system for any such infection and removing it can help resolve the issue. To do so,

• Open the Windows Security settings by typing them in the search bar.
• Navigate to Virus and Threat Protectionand click on Scan Options.
• Choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and then click Scan Now.

Read: SandBoxie lets you run programs in a secure environment on Windows.

3] Modify Registry Settings

• Press the Windows+R key to open the Run dialogue box and type regedit to open the Registry Editor.
• Navigate to each of the below-mentioned keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceHKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

• On each of the above registry keys, check the String values in the right pane. The String Values contain the entries for the startup programs and the path of the executable file for each program.
• If either of the String values contains the entries for programs that have already been uninstalled from the system, right-click on them and click on Delete to delete them from Startup.

4] Run SFC and DISM

Since corruption in system files can also lead to problems, repairing the same using SFC or DISM can also resolve the issue. To do so, open the Windows Terminal as an Administrator and:

• Type sfc/scannow, to run the scan and fix any errors.
• Type the below-mentioned commands on the Terminal Prompt:

dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealthdism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealthdism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

5] Clean Startup Folder Items

• Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp by typing the path in the Run Dialogue box.
• Right-click on the programs that need to be removed from the startup and click on Delete.

I hope the post was easy to follow, that you could fix the issue, and that you did not see any random process with numbers and codes in the startup.

Can Random Name and text in the program name be a game?

People have often reported that when they run a simple game or program, it does not have a proper name but random text that appears in the task manager. If you have run the program, close it and check if it disappears; if yes, there is nothing to worry about.

Why is there a process with the name “Program” in Task Manager?

That is another classic bug in which an uninstalled program remains in the process for some time or until the PC is restarted. So, don’t worry much if you see that, but confirm it with a restart.