To add programs to startup in Windows 11 as of April 2026, you can use the Settings menu for listed apps or the Startup folder for any other program or file . Method 1: Using Windows Settings (Easiest) This is the fastest way for standard apps already recognized by Windows. Right-click the Start button and select Settings . Navigate to Apps > Startup . Locate the program in the list and toggle the switch to On . Tip: You can see the "startup impact" here to ensure the app doesn't slow down your boot time significantly. Method 2: Using the Startup Folder (For Any Program) If your program isn't in the Settings list, you can manually add its shortcut to the Startup folder. Open the Startup folder : Press Win + R , type shell:startup , and hit Enter . Find your program : Search for the program in the Start menu, right-click it, select More , and then Open file location . Copy the shortcut : Right-click the program's shortcut in its folder and select Copy . Paste in Startup : Go back to the Startup folder (from step 1), right-click an empty space, and select Paste . Method 3: Using Task Manager Task Manager is useful for enabling apps that are already in your startup list but currently disabled. Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager . Click the Startup apps tab on the left sidebar. Find the app, right-click it, and select Enable . To see the process for locating hidden startup folders and toggling apps in real-time: How To Add Programs To Startup in Windows 11/10 (2026) Topical Talks YouTube• Jan 24, 2026 How To Add Programs To Startup in Windows 11
In Windows 11, you can add programs to your startup sequence through the built-in Settings menu for common apps or use the manual "Startup folder" method for programs that don't appear in the standard list Method 1: Using Windows Settings (Easiest) This method works for most mainstream applications installed via the Microsoft Store or standard installers. Start menu and select In the left sidebar, click on , then select at the bottom of the list. Find the application you want to launch automatically and flip the toggle to You can see the "Startup impact" here to understand if the app will slow down your boot time. Add App to Startup | Microsoft Community Hub
To add programs to startup in Windows 11, you can use the Settings menu for registered apps or the Startup folder for custom shortcuts and scripts . 1. Using Windows 11 Settings (Recommended) This is the simplest method for managing apps already installed on your system. Open Settings : Press Windows Key + I or right-click the Start button and select Settings . Navigate to Startup : Go to Apps > Startup . Toggle Apps : Find the application you want to run at boot and set the toggle to On . Note : This list also shows the "Startup impact" of each app on your boot time. 2. Using the Startup Folder (For Custom Shortcuts) If an app doesn't appear in the Settings list, you can manually add a shortcut to the system's hidden Startup folder. Open the Startup Folder : Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type shell:startup , and press Enter . Find Your Program : Locate the executable ( .exe ) file or an existing shortcut for the program you want to add. Create a Shortcut : Right-click the program file and select Show more options > Create shortcut . Copy and Paste : Move or copy this new shortcut into the Startup folder you opened in the first step. System-wide : To add an app for all users on the PC, use shell:common startup in the Run dialog instead. 3. Using Task Manager Task Manager allows you to quickly re-enable apps that were previously disabled. Open Task Manager : Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc . Switch to Startup Apps : Click the Startup apps tab on the left-side menu. Enable Program : Right-click any app with a status of "Disabled" and select Enable to allow it to run at startup. Troubleshooting Add App to Startup - Microsoft Community Hub
In Windows 11, users can manage startup programs through the Settings app (Apps > Startup) or by manually placing application shortcuts into the shell:startup folder for custom apps. Task Manager allows for enabling or disabling these applications, with the option to manage startup for all users via shell:common startup . For official guidance, visit Microsoft Support . Configure Startup Applications in Windows - Microsoft Support how to add programs to startup windows 11 updated
The Ultimate 2026 Guide: How to Add Programs to Startup in Windows 11 (Updated) In the fast-paced digital world of 2026, every second counts. When you boot up your Windows 11 PC, the last thing you want to do is manually launch the same six applications every single time—your email client, browser, team collaboration tool, music player, or password manager. Windows 11 has evolved with frequent updates, but the core mechanisms for managing startup programs have become more refined, secure, and user-friendly. Whether you want to speed up your workflow by auto-launching essential tools or clean up a sluggish boot time by removing bloatware, this guide will walk you through every official and advanced method to add programs to startup in the latest version of Windows 11 (2026 Update).
Why Add Programs to Startup? The Pros and Cons Before diving into the "how," let’s understand the "why" and the "when." When You Should Add a Program:
Productivity tools you use daily (Slack, Teams, Outlook, Notion). System utilities (cloud storage: OneDrive, Google Drive; clipboard managers; antivirus). Accessibility software (screen readers, magnifiers, voice control). Hardware controllers (RGB software for your keyboard/mouse, audio mixers). To add programs to startup in Windows 11
When You Should Not :
Heavy applications (Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, AAA games) – they dramatically slow down boot time. Rarely used tools – they waste RAM and background CPU. Unverified or old software – can cause boot loops or security risks.
Pro Tip from 2026: Windows 11 now includes a "Startup Impact" rating in Task Manager. "High" impact programs should be avoided at startup unless absolutely necessary. Navigate to Apps > Startup
Method 1: The Official Windows 11 Settings App (Easiest & Safest) Microsoft has gradually moved startup management away from legacy tools into the modern Settings app. This is the recommended method for most users. Step-by-Step Instructions:
Open Settings: Press Windows + I on your keyboard or right-click the Start button and select Settings .