How to Automatically Launch Programs on Windows 11 Startup

This article explains how to automatically start programs when Windows 11 boots up. Let’s explore why you’d want to do this and how to set it up.

Why Automatically Launch Programs?

Windows lets some programs start on their own when you turn on your computer. Programs like web browsers or email clients are great candidates for this. Background tools like antivirus software and backup programs also benefit from automatic startup. This saves you time because these apps are ready to use the moment you log in.

What Happens When You Set This Up?

Once configured, your chosen programs will open automatically every time Windows starts. You won’t have to manually launch them anymore.

Find Your Program’s Details

Before setting up automatic startup, you need to find information about the program. Windows uses a special Startup folder to launch programs automatically.

Let’s use Microsoft Edge as an example. Right-click the Edge icon on your desktop and select Properties.

The Properties window opens. Look at the Shortcut tab. You’ll see a field called Target. This shows the location of the program file. Write down this path or copy it.

For Microsoft Edge, the path looks like this:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe

You can also click the Open File Location button to find the program folder.

Add Your Program to the Startup Folder

Now you’ll add your program to Windows’ Startup folder. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard.

A small box called the Run dialog will pop up. Type this command:

shell:startup

Then press Enter.

The Startup folder opens. Right-click in an empty area and choose New → Shortcut.

A wizard appears. Paste the program’s target path that you copied earlier. Click Next.

Give your shortcut a name. This is what you’ll see in the Startup folder. Click Finish.

Done! A new shortcut is created in the Startup folder.

Now, whenever you log in to Windows, Edge will automatically launch.

Want to verify it’s working? Open Task Manager and look at the startup list. You should see Edge listed there.

Alternative Method: Using Task Manager

You can also set up startup programs directly from Task Manager. Open Task Manager and click the Startup tab.

Click File and select Run new task.

A task wizard appears with a command field. You can start programs this way too. This method also lets you give programs admin privileges %%SC0%% if needed.

Summary

Automatically launching programs in Windows 11 makes your computer work harder for you. By using the Startup folder or Task Manager, you can configure programs to open when you log in. This is especially helpful for apps you use every day or tools that run in the background. Just find the program’s target path, add it to the Startup folder, and you’re set. Your most important applications will be ready to use instantly.