Windows 🟡 Intermediate

How to Configure Startup Applications from File Explorer in Windows 11

Written by

Richard

Jun 23, 2026 Updated Sep 15, 2026 3 min read

Windows File Explorer open to Startup folder displaying Spotify, Discord, and OneDrive shortcuts

Startup applications in Windows 11 are programs that open automatically the moment you sign in to your PC. You can manage these apps directly through File Explorer by putting shortcut files into a special system folder that Windows checks every time the system boots up.

Placing too many programs in this folder slows down boot times and wastes memory. Managing these shortcuts manually gives you a fast way to stop unwanted apps from running in the background without opening the Settings app.

⚡ Quick Answer

Manage startup applications by opening the Run box (Win+R), typing shell:startup for your apps or shell:common startup for all users, and then dragging or deleting application shortcuts in the opened File Explorer window.

What are Startup Folders?

Windows startup folders are special system directories that tell your PC which apps to open automatically when you log in. Your computer checks these locations during boot-up so you can access your favorite tools right away without launching them manually. The windows startup folder exists in two versions on your PC: one for your specific user account and one for every user on the system.

The Current User’s Startup Folder: Apps in this folder only start when your account logs in. Consider it your personal startup app list.
The All Users Startup Folder: Apps in this folder start for anyone who logs into the computer. This is good if multiple people use the PC and you want certain programs ready for everyone.

💡TipWindows 11 provides a quicker method than File Explorer to access startup application folders.

Users can type special commands, known as "shell commands," into the Run box. This method directly opens the relevant folders, acting as a direct pathway to the PC's startup system.

How to Add Startup Apps Using File Explorer

💡TipUsers can manage startup applications in Windows 11 by directly using File Explorer.

Adding or removing programs that launch automatically when the computer starts gives users more control over system performance. This process avoids needing to open complex settings menus.

Open the Run Box
First, open the Run command. Press the Win and the R key on your keyboard together. A small window will pop up with a text box.
Find All Applications
In the Run box, type shell:AppsFolder and press Enter or click OK. This opens a File Explorer window showing a list of almost all applications on your computer. Keep this window open. It’s like your app library!
Open the Startup Folder
Now, you need to open the specific startup folder you want to change. Press Win + R again to open the Run box. This time, you have a choice:
To open the windows startup folder in Windows 11, press the Win and R together on your keyboard to launch the Run dialog box. Type shell:startup into the text field and press Enter to instantly reveal the directory for your current user account. You can also use shell:common startup to access the folder that affects every user profile on your PC.

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Tip: If you are not sure which folder to use, start with shell:startup. It's the most common for personal apps.
- To change startup apps for your account only, type shell:startup and press Enter.
- To change startup apps for all users on the computer, type shell:common startup and press Enter.
Remove Apps from Startup
To stop an app from starting automatically, go to the startup folder window (the second one you opened). Find the shortcut for the app you want to remove. Right-click on it and select Delete. Confirm if asked.
To remove apps from startup using the windows startup folder, open the directory containing your login shortcuts and find the program you want to stop. Right-click the app shortcut inside the folder and select Delete to keep it from launching automatically the next time you turn on your computer. This halts the background process immediately without needing to change deep system settings.

Run application box in Windows 11 for configuring startup apps.

Windows 11 File Explorer showing the Startup folder for apps.

Adding an application to the Windows 11 startup folder for automatic launch.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configure-startup-applications-in-windows-115a420a-0bff-4a6f-90e0-1934c844e473

Summary

You can easily manage which apps start automatically when you log into Windows 11 by using File Explorer and its startup folders.

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Tags: #Windows 11

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About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.

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