How to Locate the Startup Folder in Windows 11

Plus what to do when you find it

If you want programs to launch alongside Windows 11, you must include them in its Startup folder. This folder is hidden but easily accessible once you know where to look.

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.

Related: Haven’t made theupgrade to Windows 11yet? Learn how toaccess the Startup folder in Windows 10.

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.

  1. Right-click the WindowsStartbutton on the taskbar and selectRun. Or, pressWindows Key+R.

  2. Type the following into the Rundialog box and selectOK:

The Startup folder will automatically show up in a new File Explorer window.

  1. Open a File Explorer window and selectView>Show>Hidden items.

  2. Navigate to the location you want:

Alternatively, copy the following folder path—replacing[Username]with your Windows PC username—into the address bar in File Explorer and pressEnter:

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.

  1. Open the Startup folder and drag the File Explorer window to a corner of your desktop.

  2. Open a new File Explorerwindow (right-click theFile Explorericon on the taskbar and selectFile Explorer) and navigate to the location of a program’s installation directory. Then, identify the main executable (EXE) file related to the program. SelectView>Show>File name extensionsif you want to unhide the file extensions in File Explorer.

Note: Programs are usually present within theProgram FilesandProgram File (x86)directories on the system drive (Local Disk C).

  1. Drag the executable file into theStartupfolder and release it once the cursor changes toCreate link in Startup.

Tip: Can’t locate a program’s executable file. Just open theStart menuand drag the application from theAll appslist into theStartupfolder to create a shortcut instantly.

  1. Right-click a vacant area within the Startup folder and selectNew>Shortcut.

  2. Select theBrowsebutton and choose the program’s executable file from its installation directory. Then, selectNextto continue.

  3. Enter a name for the shortcut and selectFinish.

Due to folder-related permissions, the all-user Startup folder does not allow you to create shortcuts inside it. Instead:

  1. Add the shortcut to the desktop first.

  2. Drag the shortcut into the Startup folder.

  3. Release when you seeMove to Startup.

This method also works with the current user Startup folder.

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.

  1. Open theStartupfolder for your user account or all user accounts on your computer.

  2. Locate the program you want to stop opening at startup—e.g.,Google Chrome.

  3. Right-click and select theTrashicon.

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 theTask Manager.

  1. Open theStartmenu and selectSettings.

  2. SelectApps>Startupto load a list of startup apps.

  3. Turn off or enable the switch next to any program you want to disable or enable at startup.

  4. Right-click theStartbutton and selectTask Manager.

  5. SelectMore detailsto expand the default Task Manager view.

  6. Switch to theStartuptab to load a list of startup items. Then, highlight a program and select theDisable/Enablebutton at the window’s lower-right corner to disable or enable it at startup.

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, havingtoo 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.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Website

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved