Published: October 2025
Reading Time: 8 minutes
In the latest versions of Windows 11, managing which applications launch automatically when you log in is more critical than ever. Whether you want your communication tools (Slack, Teams, Discord) ready immediately or need to disable bloatware slowing down your boot time, knowing how to add programs to startup in Windows 11 updated environments is a fundamental skill.
Microsoft has refined the startup ecosystem with Windows 11’s 2024 and 2025 cumulative updates, introducing new security features and deprecating some older methods. This guide walks you through every verified, updated method—from the modern Settings app to the classic File Explorer trick—so you can take full control.
| Action | Command (Win + R or CMD) |
|--------|---------------------------|
| Open Startup Folder (current user) | shell:startup |
| Open Startup Folder (all users) | shell:common startup |
| Open Task Manager Startup tab | taskmgr → Startup |
| Open Registry (Current User Run) | regedit → HKCU\...\Run |
| Open Task Scheduler | taskschd.msc |
| Download Autoruns | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns |
End of Report
In Windows 11 (as of early 2026), you can add programs to startup using the built-in Settings app Task Manager , or manually via the Startup folder Microsoft Support Method 1: Using Windows Settings (Simplest)
This is the easiest way for apps that are already registered to have a startup task. Microsoft Support (Win + I) and select from the left sidebar. at the bottom of the list. Toggle the switch to On
for any application you want to launch automatically when you sign in. Microsoft Support Method 2: Using the Startup Folder (For Any Program)
Use this method for programs, custom scripts, or portable apps that do not appear in the Settings list. Open the Run dialog Access the folder shell:startup to open your personal Startup folder. : To add a program for on the PC, use the command shell:common startup Create a shortcut : Find the program's executable ( ) or its current shortcut, right-click it, and select Paste into the folder : Right-click inside the Startup folder and select Paste shortcut . The program will now launch on your next login. Method 3: Using Task Manager how to add programs to startup windows 11 updated
Task Manager is ideal if you need to see the "Startup impact" (how much an app slows down your boot time) before enabling it. Microsoft Support Open Task Manager : Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager , or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc Navigate to the Startup apps tab on the left sidebar. Right-click the desired app and select Microsoft Support Advanced Method: Windows Registry
For advanced users, you can manually add entries to the Windows Registry to force a program to run at startup. Microsoft Support , and press Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Right-click in the right pane, select New > String Value , name it, and set its value to the full file path of the program (e.g., "C:\Program Files\App\App.exe" Microsoft Support
Configure Startup Applications in Windows - Microsoft Support How to Add Programs to Startup in Windows
The Task Manager is another way to add programs to startup in Windows 11. Here's how:
Before diving into the "how," let’s understand the "why" and the "when."
Even after following these steps, an application might refuse to auto-start. Here’s why: