How to Add Apps to Startup in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 25, 2025

Do you find yourself opening the same apps every time you start your PC — like Spotify, Chrome, or Discord?

Instead of launching them manually, you can add apps to Windows 11 startup so they open automatically when your computer boots.

Whether you’re a gamer who wants Steam ready to go, or a professional who needs Outlook open right away, this guide will show you how to add and manage startup apps in Windows 11 — step by step.

Let’s make your PC more convenient and efficient!

Table of Contents

🧩 What Are Startup Apps in Windows 11?

Startup apps are programs configured to launch automatically when Windows starts.

Windows 11, like previous versions, allows you to:

  • Enable or disable startup apps

  • Add new ones manually

  • Control startup impact (low, medium, high)

The more apps you load at startup, the longer your boot time, so it’s best to only include essential ones.

⚙️ Why Add Apps to Startup?

Adding certain apps to startup can improve workflow and productivity.

✅ Common Reasons:

  • Launch productivity tools (e.g., Slack, Notion, Microsoft Teams)

  • Start background services (e.g., VPN, antivirus)

  • Keep monitoring apps running (e.g., hardware stats)

  • Automatically start communication tools (e.g., Skype, Discord)

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your startup list light — too many startup apps slow down Windows boot time.

🧭 Step 1: Add Apps to Startup via Windows Settings

Windows 11 makes it simple to manage startup apps right from Settings.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Apps → Startup.

  3. You’ll see a list of installed apps that can start automatically.

  4. Toggle the switch ON for the apps you want to launch at startup.

  5. Restart your computer to confirm.

🧠 Notes:

  • The Startup impact indicator shows how much each app affects boot time.

  • Some apps (like system services) may not appear in this list.

🧭 Step 2: Add Apps to Startup Using Task Manager

Task Manager gives you more control and visibility over what runs at startup.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Click Startup apps in the left panel.

  3. You’ll see a list of apps with Status (Enabled/Disabled) and Startup impact.

  4. Right-click any app and choose Enable to add it to startup.

  5. Restart your PC.

🧠 Pro Tip:

Right-click any app and select Open file location to see where it’s stored. You can also use this trick to add custom shortcuts to the startup folder (next step).

🧭 Step 3: Add Apps to Startup via the Startup Folder (Manual Method)

This classic Windows method still works perfectly in Windows 11.

The Startup Folder contains shortcuts to programs that automatically start when you log in.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

  2. Type:

    shell:startup

    and press Enter.

  3. The Startup folder will open in File Explorer.

  4. Right-click inside it → select New → Shortcut.

  5. Browse to the app’s .exe file (e.g., Chrome, Spotify).

  6. Click Next → Finish.

Now, your app will automatically start every time you log in.

💡 Example:
To add Chrome:
Browse to → C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe

🧭 Step 4: Add Apps for All Users (Global Startup Folder)

If multiple users share your PC and you want the app to launch for everyone:

🪜 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R.

  2. Type:

    shell:common startup

  3. Hit Enter.

  4. Create a shortcut for your desired app here.

Now, that app will run for all users when Windows 11 starts.

🧭 Step 5: Add Apps to Startup Using the Registry (Advanced)

For advanced users or administrators, you can add startup apps directly through the Windows Registry.

⚠️ Warning:

Be careful — incorrect edits can affect your system. Always create a restore point first.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to the following path:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

  3. Right-click the Run key → select New → String Value.

  4. Name it after your app (e.g., Chrome).

  5. Double-click it and enter the full path to the .exe file.

    "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"

  6. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

Restart your PC — your app should start automatically.

💡 For all users, use:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

🧭 Step 6: Add Apps to Startup with Task Scheduler

Task Scheduler allows you to set custom triggers for startup — perfect for power users.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, search for Task Scheduler, and open it.

  2. Click Create Basic Task in the right panel.

  3. Name your task (e.g., “Start Chrome”).

  4. Under Trigger, choose When I log on.

  5. Under Action, choose Start a program.

  6. Click Browse and select your app’s .exe file.

  7. Click Finish.

Your app will now start every time you log in to Windows 11.

⚙️ Bonus: You can use Task Scheduler to start apps with a delay to improve boot performance.

🧭 Step 7: Add Microsoft Store Apps to Startup

If you want a UWP app (like Spotify, WhatsApp, or Mail) to start automatically:

🪜 Steps:

  1. Open Settings → Apps → Startup.

  2. Scroll down to find your app (if available).

  3. Toggle the switch ON.

If it’s not listed, you’ll need to add it manually through Task Scheduler (Step 6) or the Startup Folder.

🧭 Step 8: Manage Startup Impact

Too many startup apps can slow down your boot time.

To check their impact:

🪜 Steps:

  1. Open Task Manager → Startup apps.

  2. Check the Startup impact column:

    • High: Noticeable delay during boot

    • Medium: Moderate delay

    • Low: Minimal delay

💡 Pro Tip: Keep only essential apps enabled — disable the rest for faster performance.

🧭 Step 9: Disable or Remove Apps from Startup

To remove or stop apps from launching automatically:

From Settings:

  1. Go to Settings → Apps → Startup.

  2. Toggle off the switch next to the app.

From Task Manager:

  1. Open Task Manager → Startup apps.

  2. Right-click the app → choose Disable.

From Startup Folder:

  1. Open shell:startup.

  2. Delete the shortcut.

🧭 Step 10: Delay Startup Apps (Optional for Performance)

To prevent performance issues, you can delay startup apps using Task Scheduler.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Open Task Scheduler.

  2. Right-click your existing startup task → Properties.

  3. In the Triggers tab → click Edit.

  4. Check Delay task for: and choose (e.g., 30 seconds).

  5. Click OK.

Now the app will start after Windows has finished booting.

🧭 Step 11: Add Background Apps to Startup

For background programs (like OneDrive or Dropbox):

  1. Open the app’s Settings or Preferences.

  2. Look for an option like “Launch at startup” or “Run when Windows starts.”

  3. Enable it.

Many background apps include their own startup settings for convenience.

🧭 Step 12: Verify Startup Apps After Restart

After setting up, restart your computer:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open Task Manager.

  2. Go to Startup apps.

  3. Confirm your desired apps are listed as Enabled.

🧩 Step 13: Troubleshooting – App Not Starting Automatically?

If your app doesn’t start at login:

Problem Likely Cause Solution
App shortcut missing Shortcut deleted from Startup folder Recreate shortcut
Permission issue App requires admin privileges Run Task Scheduler task as administrator
Background apps disabled Background permission denied Enable background activity in Settings
Corrupt registry entry Incorrect path Double-check .exe path in Registry

🧩 Step 14: Use PowerShell to Add Startup Apps

For automation or IT admins, PowerShell can make startup configuration faster.

🪜 Example Command:

New-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" -Name "MyApp" -Value "C:\Program Files\MyApp\MyApp.exe" -PropertyType String -Force

To remove a startup app:

Remove-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" -Name "MyApp"

🧩 Step 15: Security Considerations

Be cautious when adding programs to startup:

  • Avoid unknown or untrusted apps.

  • Malware sometimes auto-adds itself to startup.

  • Regularly review startup entries in Task Manager.

💡 Tip: Use Windows Security or Defender to scan for malicious startup programs.

🧮 Summary Table: Startup Methods in Windows 11

Method Ease Applies To Works Offline
Settings ⭐⭐ Microsoft Store & installed apps ✅
Task Manager ⭐⭐ All desktop apps ✅
Startup Folder ⭐⭐⭐ Manual apps/scripts ✅
Registry Editor ⭐⭐⭐⭐ System-level startup ✅
Task Scheduler ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Custom timing & triggers ✅
PowerShell ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Automation ✅

🎯 Key Takeaways

  • Add essential apps (like VPNs, messaging tools, or browsers) to startup for convenience.

  • Use Settings or Task Manager for simplicity.

  • For advanced control, use Registry or Task Scheduler.

  • Limit startup items to maintain fast boot performance.

  • Always verify after restarting your PC.

🧠 Conclusion

And that’s it — now you know how to add apps to startup in Windows 11 step by step.

Whether you use the Settings app, Task Manager, or the classic Startup folder, Windows 11 gives you full flexibility to decide which apps run automatically at login.

A few clicks can transform your PC into a personalized, productivity-boosted machine that’s ready to go as soon as you turn it on.

💬 Next time you open your computer, let it greet you with your favorite tools already running.

❓ FAQs: Add Apps to Startup in Windows 11

1. How do I see what programs run at startup?

Open Task Manager → Startup apps to view and manage them.

2. Can I add Microsoft Store apps to startup?

Yes — from Settings → Apps → Startup, if the app supports it.

3. Does adding more startup apps slow my PC?

Yes, slightly. Keep only essential apps enabled to improve boot time.

4. Where is the Startup folder located?

Press Windows + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter.

5. Can I delay startup apps?

Yes, through Task Scheduler → Trigger → Delay task for X seconds.

6. Do startup apps work in Safe Mode?

No, only essential system services run in Safe Mode.

7. Can I make a script run at startup?

Yes, add a shortcut to your script file in the Startup folder or use Task Scheduler.

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