How to Automatically Start Programs When You Turn On Windows 11

Why Make Programs Start Automatically?

Configuring boot-time execution saves time and ensures critical tools are ready for action.

Antivirus and backup software require background execution to protect the system without manual intervention.

Step 1Find the Program You Want to Start

Finding the application file for your program is the first step to making it run on its own when you turn on your computer. You need the exact path to this file so Windows knows where to look. Look for the program icon on your desktop or search for it in the Start menu ⊞ to get started.

Acquiring this file path guarantees the web browser boots up alongside the operating system.

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 field might look something like this:

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

Step 2Open the Startup Folder

Opening the Startup folder lets you drop in shortcuts for any apps you want to launch right away. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box, type shell:startup, and press Enter to open this hidden system folder instantly.

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.

Dropping an application shortcut into this designated directory forces the operating system to execute it at login.

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.

Adding your program to the Startup folder tells Windows to launch it every time you log in. Right-click any empty space in the folder, choose New › Shortcut, paste the path to your program, and finish the wizard to set it up.

Step 4Test It Out

Restart your PC to test whether the program opens automatically. Pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc opens the Task Manager where the Startup tab lists every active boot item.

Active boot items appear clearly within this dedicated interface panel.

Alternative: Use Task Manager to Add Startup Programs

Using Task Manager is another way to control which apps run when your computer boots up. Right-click the Start button, select Task Manager, and check your startup apps to turn them on or off without digging through folders.

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 when you turn on Windows 11 saves you time and gets your favorite apps ready right away. You can use the Startup folder or Task Manager to control what opens when you log in, making your daily computer routine much faster.