Do you want some programs to open by themselves every time you start your computer? Windows 11 can do that for you! This guide will show you easy steps to make your favorite programs start automatically.

Why Make Programs Start Automatically?

Some programs, like your web browser or email app, you use a lot. It’s handy if they open right away when you turn on your computer.

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 1: Find the Program You Want to Start

First, you need to find where your program is on your computer.

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 2: Open the Startup Folder

Next, you need to add a shortcut of the program to the Startup folder. Here’s how:

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 will open the Startup folder where Windows looks for programs to start automatically.

Step 3: Add 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.

Now, your program shortcut is in the Startup folder!

Step 4: Test It Out

Restart your computer or log out and log back in. Your program should open by itself!

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 add programs to start automatically using Task Manager:

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.

Now you know how to make programs start automatically on Windows 11! Happy computing!