While Windows already allows you to enable or disable startup apps from the Task Manager or Windows Settings, it doesn’t provide the option to add your own app to the list. However, there is a hidden Startup Folder within Windows, where you can add any app or program that you wish to run during startup. Here’s how you can access Windows Startup Folder and add app to it.
Table of Contents
How to Find Startup Folder in Windows 11 and 10
One of the ways to find the Startup Folder on your Windows PC is by using the Run dialog box. Simply use the Windows Key + R hotkey to open the Run dialog box, type the following string, and then hit Enter or OK button.
shell:startup
That’s it. This will directly open the Startup Folder on your Windows 10 and 11 PC.
The above command is just for the current user, but what if you want to access the Startup Folder for all the users? Use the following string instead:
shell:common startup
How to Add Apps/Programs to Startup Folder
Now that we know how to to access the Startup Folder, here’s how you can add your favorite app or program to it.
1. Open the Windows Search box and search for the app that you want to add to the Startup Folder.
2. Right-click on it and select Open file location.
3. Copy the app’s shortcut and paste it into the Startup Folder.
That’s all there is to it. Now the app will always launch automatically whenever your computer boots up.
Tips for Managing Your Startup Apps
1. Before moving any apps to the Startup Folder, ensure they are not already listed in the Startup Apps section to avoid conflicts. To verify that, navigate to Settings (Windows Key + I) > Apps > Startup.
2. Only add apps to the Startup Folder that you really want to run automatically upon your PC startup.
3. Don’t add too many apps to the Startup Folder as this might impact your computer’s boot time.
4. Only use the Startup Folder when the app is not listed in the Startup Apps section.
Where Is the Startup Folder Location in Windows 10/11
The Startup Folder is located in two different places in Windows 10/11:
For the current user:
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartupNote: The AppData folder might be hidden, so remember to enable hidden items in File Explorer
For all users:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartupFinding Startup Folder on Windows
Startup Folder is a nifty Windows 10/11 feature. It helps you save time and energy by automatically launching apps when your computer starts up. We wish Microsoft had provided direct access to this folder. Nonetheless, there is a simple workaround to find the Startup Folder on both Windows 10 and 11 and we hope you would find it helpful.
Before you close the tab, you may also consider reading how to force close an app or game on Windows PC.
