How to Add Programs to Startup in Windows 11 (3 Ways)

Want an app to open automatically every time you sign in to Windows 11, like your notes app, a password manager, or a backup tool? You can add almost any program to startup, and it only takes a minute. Windows 11 has a Startup settings page for apps that support it, and a Startup folder that works for any program, file, or website. This guide covers both, plus Task Scheduler for more control, and how to remove startup apps that slow your PC down.

Quick Answer

Press Windows + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter to open your Startup folder. Put a shortcut to the program in that folder. It will launch the next time you sign in. If the app already appears in Settings > Apps > Startup, just turn its switch on.

Method 1: Turn On an App in Startup Settings

1. Open Settings > Apps > Startup.
2. Find the app in the list and turn its switch On.

This list only shows apps that registered themselves to run at startup (many Microsoft Store apps and utilities do). If your app isn’t there, use Method 2. Many apps also have their own setting, such as “Launch at startup” or “Open when Windows starts,” in their preferences.

Method 2: Add Any Program to the Startup Folder

1. Press Windows + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter. Your personal Startup folder opens.
2. Open a second File Explorer window, or press Windows + R again and type shell:AppsFolder to see all your installed apps (including Microsoft Store apps).
3. Drag the app from the Apps folder into the Startup folder. Windows asks to create a shortcut; click Yes. For a desktop program, you can also right-click its .exe or existing shortcut, choose Show more options > Create shortcut, and move that shortcut into the Startup folder.
4. Sign out and back in (or restart) to test.

Start it for every user

To run a program for everyone who signs in to the PC, type shell:common startup in the Run box instead. You’ll need administrator permission to add shortcuts there.

Open a file, folder, or website at startup

The Startup folder accepts any shortcut. Drag a document or folder into it to create a shortcut, or right-click inside the folder, choose New > Shortcut, and enter a web address like https://calendar.example.com to open a page in your default browser at sign-in.

Method 3: Task Scheduler (Delays and Admin Programs)

Use Task Scheduler when a program needs administrator rights at startup (to avoid a UAC prompt) or should start after a delay.

1. Search for Task Scheduler in Start and open it.
2. Click Create Task (not Create Basic Task) in the right pane.
3. On the General tab, name the task. Check Run with highest privileges if the program needs admin rights.
4. On the Triggers tab, click New, choose At log on, and optionally check Delay task for (for example, 1 minute).
5. On the Actions tab, click New, choose Start a program, and browse to the program’s .exe file.
6. On the Conditions tab, uncheck Start the task only if the computer is on AC power if you use a laptop.
7. Click OK.

Remove or Disable Startup Programs

Too many startup apps make sign-in slow. To trim them:

• Settings > Apps > Startup: Turn off apps you don’t need. Windows shows each app’s estimated startup impact.
• Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, open Startup apps, right-click an app, and choose Disable.
• Startup folder: Delete the shortcut from shell:startup. This removes only the shortcut, not the program.

Keep security software, touchpad or audio utilities, and cloud sync apps you rely on. Disabling an app at startup doesn’t uninstall it; you can still open it manually.

Troubleshooting

• App doesn’t start: Make sure the shortcut works when double-clicked, and check that the app isn’t disabled in Settings > Apps > Startup or Task Manager (both can override the folder).
• App starts minimized or in the tray: That’s the app’s own behavior. Check its settings for a “start minimized” option.
• Program needs admin rights and shows a prompt every time: Use the Task Scheduler method with Run with highest privileges.
• Startup is slow: Disable high-impact apps, and consider delaying non-essential ones with Task Scheduler.

Summary

1. Check Settings > Apps > Startup and turn the app on if it’s listed.
2. Otherwise, open shell:startup and add a shortcut to the program.
3. Use shell:common startup for all users.
4. Use Task Scheduler for admin programs or delayed starts.
5. Disable unneeded startup apps to keep sign-in fast.