Run an App at Startup in Windows 11

This guide shows you how to make any app, script, or file launch automatically every time you sign in to Windows 11. You’ll learn four reliable methods—from the simple Startup folder to Task Scheduler for admin apps—and how to fix common issues when an app doesn’t start.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 11 PC with an administrator account (for Task Scheduler method)
• The app or shortcut you want to run at startup
• File Explorer open (press Win + E)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Use the Startup Folder (Easiest)

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type shell:startup and press Enter. This opens the Startup folder for your user.
3. Create a shortcut to the app you want: right-click the app’s .exe file (or its Start menu icon) and select Create shortcut.
4. Move or copy that shortcut into the Startup folder.
5. Restart your PC or sign out and back in. The app should launch automatically.

Method 2: Use Task Scheduler (For Admin Apps or Delays)

1. Press Win + S, type Task Scheduler, and open it.
2. Click Create Basic Task on the right pane.
3. Give the task a name (e.g., “MyApp Startup”) and click Next.
4. Select When I log on as the trigger, then click Next.
5. Choose Start a program, then click Next.
6. Click Browse and select the app’s .exe file. Add any arguments if needed. Click Next.
7. Click Finish.
8. To run with admin rights, right-click the task in the library, select Properties, go to the General tab, check Run with highest privileges, and click OK.

Method 3: Use the Settings App (For Store Apps)

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Startup.
3. Find the app in the list and toggle it On.
4. If the app isn’t listed, it likely doesn’t support this setting—use another method.

Method 4: Use Registry Editor (Advanced)

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
3. Right-click in the right pane, select New > String Value.
4. Name it anything (e.g., “MyApp”).
5. Double-click the new value and set its data to the full path of the app’s .exe file in quotes, e.g., "C:\Program Files\MyApp\app.exe".
6. Click OK and close Registry Editor. The app will start at next sign-in.

Common Mistakes

• Putting the actual .exe file in the Startup folder instead of a shortcut—this can cause errors.
• Using the wrong Startup folder path (the system-wide one vs. your user one).
• Forgetting to include quotes around the path in Registry Editor if it contains spaces.
• Not enabling “Run with highest privileges” for apps that need admin rights.
• Setting a task to run at startup but not selecting “When I log on”—it may run before you sign in.

Tips

• To delay startup, use Task Scheduler and add a trigger delay (e.g., 30 seconds) in the task’s Triggers tab.
• Keep your Startup folder clean—too many apps slow down boot time.
• For portable apps (no installation), a shortcut in the Startup folder works best.
• If you want an app to start minimized, add --minimized or similar argument to the shortcut’s Target field.
• Use the Settings > Startup page to quickly disable any app without deleting its shortcut.

Troubleshooting

App doesn’t start at all: Check if the shortcut works by double-clicking it. If it does, ensure it’s in the correct Startup folder (shell:startup). If it’s a UWP app from the Store, try the Settings method instead.

App starts but shows an error: Some apps need to be run as administrator. In Task Scheduler, enable “Run with highest privileges”. Also check if the app requires a specific working directory—set it in the task’s Actions tab.

App starts twice: You may have added it both in Startup folder and in Task Scheduler or Registry. Remove one of them.

Startup folder is empty but app still runs: Check Task Scheduler and Registry for entries. Also check the system-wide Startup folder (shell:common startup) and the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Run key.

Task Scheduler task doesn’t run: Right-click the task and select Run to test. If it fails, check the task’s Conditions tab—uncheck “Start the task only if the computer is on AC power” if you’re using a laptop on battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop an app from starting automatically?

Go to Settings > Apps > Startup and toggle the app off. Or remove its shortcut from the Startup folder, delete the registry entry, or disable the Task Scheduler task.

Can I make an app start minimized?

Yes. Create a shortcut, right-click it, select Properties, and in the Run dropdown choose Minimized. Then place that shortcut in the Startup folder.

Will these methods work for scripts or batch files?

Yes. Place a shortcut to the .bat or .ps1 file in the Startup folder, or use Task Scheduler to run it with the appropriate interpreter.

What’s the difference between the Startup folder and Task Scheduler?

The Startup folder is simpler and runs apps after you sign in. Task Scheduler offers more control—delays, admin privileges, and running before sign-in if configured.

Can I run an app as administrator at startup?

Yes, use Task Scheduler and check “Run with highest privileges” in the task’s properties. The Startup folder method does not support this directly.

Why doesn’t the app appear in Settings > Startup?

That list only shows apps that register themselves as startup apps. If your app isn’t there, use the Startup folder or Task Scheduler instead.

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