Read on to learn how to locate the Startup folder in Windows 11 and what you must then do to add programs to it. We’ll also go over how to manage applications that already open at startup.
Access Startup Folder in Windows 11
Access Startup Folder in Windows 11
Windows 11 provides separate Startup folders for each user account on your PC. However, it also includes a global Startup folder that affects all accounts. You can get to either location using a couple of methods—using the Run command or manually navigating to the folder location.
Use Shell Command
Open the Startup folder for your user account—shell:startupOpen the Startup folder for all user accounts—shell:common startup
The Startup folder will automatically show up in a new File Explorer window.
Navigate to Startup Folder Manually
Startup folder for your user account—Local Disk C > Users > [Username] > AppData > Roaming > Microsoft > Windows > Start Menu > Programs > StartupStartup folder for all user accounts—Local Disk C > ProgramData > Microsoft > Windows > Start Menu > Programs > Startup
Alternatively, copy the following folder path—replacing [Username] with your Windows PC username—into the address bar in File Explorer and press Enter:
Startup folder for your user account: C:\Users[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartupStartup folder for all user accounts: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Add Programs to Startup Folder in Windows 11
Add Programs to Startup Folder in Windows 11
Getting a program to autostart alongside Windows 11 requires adding a shortcut to its executable file into the Startup folder for your user account. If you want it to open for all user accounts on your PC, you must add it to the all-user global Startup folder. Here are several ways to create and add a shortcut.
Drag and Drop Executable (Current User Startup Folder Only)
Directly Create New Shortcut (Current User Startup Folder Only)
Move Shortcut From Desktop (Current User and All-User Startup Folders)
Due to folder-related permissions, the all-user Startup folder does not allow you to create shortcuts inside it. Instead:
Delete Programs From Startup Folder in Windows 11
Delete Programs From Startup Folder in Windows 11
Just delete the shortcut if you want to stop a program from starting alongside Windows 11 at startup.
Manage Other Startup Programs in Windows 11
Manage Other Startup Programs in Windows 11
The Startup folder in Windows 11 is a location you use to add programs that can’t otherwise open automatically at startup. Suppose you want to manage applications that do come pre-configured to auto-start alongside the operating system. In that case, you must use the Startup management options within the Settings app and the Task Manager.
Manage Startup Apps via Settings
Manage Startup Apps via Task Manager
Wrapping Up
Wrapping Up
Although getting your favorite programs to load automatically at Windows 11 startup allows you to begin using them right away and minimizes the potential for distractions, having too many startup apps can also adversely impact performance. So, remember to delete any programs you no longer use from the Startup folder and use the Settings app or the Task Manager to manage other startup items on your computer.
