If the program is already installed but isn't launching, you can often toggle it within the Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open .
Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Right-click on the right pane, select > String Value . Name it after your application.
Copy and paste the following path into the Registry Editor address bar, then press Enter : HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Open the Windows dialog box by pressing the Win + R key combination. Type exactly shell:startup into the text field.
To begin, the user must locate this folder. While there are two Startup folders (one for the current user and one for all users), the per-user folder is the safest and most common. The quickest way to access it is by pressing Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, typing shell:startup , and pressing Enter. This action opens File Explorer directly to C:\Users\[YourUserName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup . how to add exe file to startup windows 11
: Drag or copy-paste the shortcut you created into this newly opened Startup folder. Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Startup apps tab, and you should see your program listed as "Enabled". Method 2: Using Windows Settings (For Installed Apps)
👥 To make the application run at startup for on the computer instead of just you, type shell:common startup in the Run box instead of step 2 above.
This is the standard way to ensure a specific program launches every time you log in.
The Startup folder is simple, but is the most powerful and reliable method available. It gives you granular control over how and when a program runs. This is the best choice for programs that require administrator privileges (bypassing the UAC prompt) or tasks that need to run with specific conditions, such as a slight delay. If the program is already installed but isn't
Drag and drop (or copy and paste) the you created in Step 1 directly into the newly opened Startup folder.
: Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
Method 2: Use Windows Task Scheduler (Best for Admin or Delayed Launch)
If the program is already installed on your computer (like Spotify, Discord, or Steam), you don't need to hunt down the .exe file. You can toggle it on directly from Windows Settings. Name it after your application
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Step 3: Create a New String Value
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Press , type regedit , and press Enter . Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control. Step 2: Navigate to the Run Key
Re-open shell:startup and delete the shortcut.
If the program is already installed but isn't launching, you can often toggle it within the Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open .
Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Right-click on the right pane, select > String Value . Name it after your application.
Copy and paste the following path into the Registry Editor address bar, then press Enter : HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Open the Windows dialog box by pressing the Win + R key combination. Type exactly shell:startup into the text field.
To begin, the user must locate this folder. While there are two Startup folders (one for the current user and one for all users), the per-user folder is the safest and most common. The quickest way to access it is by pressing Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, typing shell:startup , and pressing Enter. This action opens File Explorer directly to C:\Users\[YourUserName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup .
: Drag or copy-paste the shortcut you created into this newly opened Startup folder. Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Startup apps tab, and you should see your program listed as "Enabled". Method 2: Using Windows Settings (For Installed Apps)
👥 To make the application run at startup for on the computer instead of just you, type shell:common startup in the Run box instead of step 2 above.
This is the standard way to ensure a specific program launches every time you log in.
The Startup folder is simple, but is the most powerful and reliable method available. It gives you granular control over how and when a program runs. This is the best choice for programs that require administrator privileges (bypassing the UAC prompt) or tasks that need to run with specific conditions, such as a slight delay.
Drag and drop (or copy and paste) the you created in Step 1 directly into the newly opened Startup folder.
: Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
Method 2: Use Windows Task Scheduler (Best for Admin or Delayed Launch)
If the program is already installed on your computer (like Spotify, Discord, or Steam), you don't need to hunt down the .exe file. You can toggle it on directly from Windows Settings.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Step 3: Create a New String Value
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Press , type regedit , and press Enter . Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control. Step 2: Navigate to the Run Key
Re-open shell:startup and delete the shortcut.
