How to Add an App to Run Automatically at Startup in Windows 11

[Sneakyone]

How to Add an App to Run Automatically at Startup in Windows 11

Windows 11 allows you to configure certain apps to run automatically when you start your PC, which can be useful for programs you frequently use. This guide will show you how to add an app to run at startup using several methods.

Method 1: Add App to Startup via Settings

Step 1: Open Settings

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Apps.

Step 2: Go to Startup Settings

1. In the Apps section, select Startup.
2. You will see a list of installed apps that can run on startup.

Step 3: Enable App for Startup

1. Find the app you want to run automatically at startup from the list.
2. Toggle the switch next to the app to On to enable it for startup.

Method 2: Add App to Startup Folder

The Startup folder in Windows 11 allows you to manually add apps that will run when you start your PC.

Step 1: Open the Startup Folder

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type shelltartup and press Enter.
3. This will open the Startup folder in File Explorer.

Step 2: Add the App to the Startup Folder

1. Find the shortcut of the app you want to run on startup.
  - If the app does not have a shortcut on the desktop, right-click the app in the Start menu, select More, then Open file location. Copy the shortcut from here.
2. Copy and paste the app's shortcut into the Startup folder.
3. The app will now run automatically the next time you start your PC.

Method 3: Add App via Task Manager

You can also use Task Manager to enable apps to run at startup.

Step 1: Open Task Manager

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, or right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. If Task Manager opens in simplified mode, click More details at the bottom of the window to expand it.

Step 2: Enable App for Startup

1. Go to the Startup tab in Task Manager.
2. Find the app you want to enable for startup.
3. Right-click on the app and select Enable.
4. The app will now run automatically at startup.

Method 4: Add App via Registry (Advanced Users)

For more control over startup apps, you can add them via the Windows Registry.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.

Step 2: Navigate to the Startup Key

1. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:

 

Code:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

2. In the right pane, right-click and select New > String Value.
3. Name the new value with the name of the app you want to run at startup.

Step 3: Add the App Path

1. Double-click on the new string value and enter the full path to the app's executable (.exe) file in the Value data field.
2. Click OK to save the changes.
3. The app will now run automatically at startup.

Step 5: Disable an App from Running at Startup (Optional)

If you want to stop an app from running at startup, follow these steps:

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Right-click the app you want to disable and select Disable.

Conclusion

By following these methods, you can easily add apps to run automatically at startup in Windows 11. This can streamline your workflow by ensuring the apps you need are ready when you log in. You can also disable apps that you don't want to run at startup to improve boot speed and system performance.