How to Automatically Start Programs When You Turn On Windows 11

Why Make Programs Start Automatically?

Letting programs automatically start when you turn on Windows 11 saves you time and makes sure your important apps are ready to use right away.

Also, programs like antivirus or backup tools run quietly in the background and keep you safe. Starting them automatically means you don’t have to remember to open them yourself.

Step 1Find the Program You Want to Start

To make a program automatically start in Windows 11, you first need to find its shortcut and know where its file is saved.

For example, if you want Microsoft Edge (the web browser) to start automatically, here’s how to find it:

1. Look for the program icon (like Edge) on your desktop or in the ⊞ Start menu.
2. 🖱️ Right-click on the icon, then choose Properties.
3. In the window that opens, click the Shortcut tab.
4. Look at the Target box. This shows the path where the program is located.
5. You can also click Open File Location to see the program’s folder.

Here is an example of the Properties window for Microsoft Edge:

The Target might look like this:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Applicationmsedge.exe"

Step 2Open the Startup Folder

The Startup folder in Windows 11 is a special place where you put shortcuts for apps you want to open automatically every time you log in.

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard at the same time. This opens a small box called Run.
2. Type shell:startup in the box and press Enter.

This opens the Startup folder, which is where Windows checks for programs to launch automatically.

Step 3Add Your Program to Startup

1. Inside the Startup folder, 🖱️ right-click on any empty space.
2. Choose New > Shortcut.
3. In the box that appears, paste the program path you copied from the Target box earlier.
4. Click Next.
5. Give the shortcut a name you will recognize, like “Microsoft Edge”.
6. Click Finish.

To add a program to automatically start in Windows 11, you’ll create a new shortcut inside the Startup folder you just opened.

Step 4Test It Out

After adding a program to the Startup folder, the best way to test if it will automatically start in Windows 11 is to 🔄 restart your computer.

To check, you can open the 📊 Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc, then click the Startup tab. You’ll see the programs that start automatically here.

Alternative: Use 📊 Task Manager to Add Startup Programs

You can also use 📊 Task Manager as another way to manage programs that automatically start when you turn on Windows 11, and it helps you get to the Startup folder.

1. Right-click the ⊞ Start button and select 📊 Task Manager.
2. Click the File menu, then choose Run new task.
3. Type shell:startup and check Create this task with administrative privileges if you want.
4. Click OK to open the Startup folder and add shortcuts as shown above.

Summary

• Starting programs automatically saves you time and makes your computer ready when you log in.
• You can add shortcuts to your favorite programs in the Startup folder.
• Use the Run box (Windows + R) and type shell:startup to open this folder quickly.
• 📊 Task Manager is another way to manage startup programs.
• This is helpful for programs you use often or need running in the background.

Automatically starting programs in Windows 11 saves you time by having your computer ready with your favorite apps as soon as you log in.