Windows users can improve system performance without expensive hardware upgrades by utilizing a lesser-known feature called Startup App Notification. This feature notifies users when new apps are added to the startup process, preventing unnecessary resource consumption without their consent. By enabling this feature in Windows 11 settings, users can receive alerts for any additional apps attempting to run at login. To set up Startup App Notification, users need to navigate to Settings, System, and Notifications in Windows 11. By toggling the Startup App Notification setting to On, users will receive notifications or alert banners when new apps are added to startup. This feature allows users to control which apps run at login, optimizing system efficiency. While this feature doesn't cover all background processes, it serves as a valuable tool for managing startup applications and maintaining system performance.