How to Add App to Run Automatically at Startup in Windows 11

Why Add Startup Apps?

Startup apps are programs that open automatically when a user logs into Windows 11. This startup app feature saves users time by eliminating the need to manually open applications each time they use their Windows 11 computer, which runs Windows 11 operating system version 22H2 or later.

What Can You Add?

Windows 11 startup items allow users to run a wide range of items automatically when the computer starts. This includes common items such as applications, shortcuts to applications or folders, entire folders, access to drives, specific files like documents, and even simple scripts designed to perform automated tasks.

Reference:

Configure Startup Applications in Windows – Microsoft Support

Learn how to optimize system performance by managing startup applications in Windows.

Important Note About Admin Apps

Option 1Add Startup App for Your Account Only

1. Open 📁 File Explorer by pressing ⊞ Win+E.
2. Copy this text: shell:startup and paste it into the address bar at the top of 📁 File Explorer. Press Enter. This opens your Startup folder. (see screenshot below)
3. Add or create a shortcut of any app, folder, drive, file, or script you want to run at startup. Put it in this Startup folder.

You can easily add an app to start automatically just for your own user account in Windows 11 by using the Startup folder.

Option 2Add Startup App for a Specific User

Making an app start automatically for a specific user in Windows 11 is possible if you have admin rights and can access that user’s Startup folder.

1. Open 📁 File Explorer by pressing ⊞ Win+E.
2. Navigate to this folder in 📁 File Explorer (see screenshot below):
   

   📝Good to Know

   C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

   
   

   Replace <username> with the actual username. For example: C:\Users\Richard\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

   
   

   Windows may prompt you to click "Continue" to open a specific folder. Clicking this button allows the application to run automatically when Windows 11 starts. This step is necessary for certain program installations.

3. Add or create a shortcut of any app, folder, drive, file, or script you want to run at startup for this user. Put it in this Startup folder.

For Microsoft Store apps: Go to ⊞ Start menu > All apps. Find the Microsoft Store app you want. Drag and drop it into this Startup folder to create a shortcut.

Option 3Add Startup App for All Users

Adding an app to run automatically for all users on a Windows 11 computer requires admin privileges and placing a shortcut in the system’s shared Startup folder.

1. Open 📁 File Explorer by pressing ⊞ Win+E.
2. Navigate to this folder in 📁 File Explorer:
   

   C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

3. Copy or move a shortcut of any app, folder, drive, file, or script you want to run at startup for everyone. Put it in this Startup folder. (see screenshot below)

For Microsoft Store apps: Go to ⊞ Start menu > All apps. Find the Microsoft Store app you want. Drag and drop it to your desktop to create a shortcut. Then copy or move that shortcut from your desktop into the Startup folder.

4. Click Continue to approve copying or moving the shortcut into this Startup folder.

That’s it!

Summary

Windows 11 lets you add apps to start automatically when you sign in, making your computer ready to go.