How To Enable Programs to Launch at Startup in Windows 11

Adding programs to startup in Windows 11 is one of those little tricks that can save a bunch of time every morning. Basically, it lets certain apps launch automatically as soon as you turn on your PC—no more manually opening Chrome, Spotify, or whatever else you want ready to roll. But here’s the thing: figuring out how to do it isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, you just want a quick way to add something without digging through all sorts of menus. Other times, apps refuse to start, or Windows makes it harder than it needs to. This guide walks through a few solid methods so you can get your favorite programs booting up right along with Windows, and maybe stop wasting time clicking around.

How to Add Programs to Startup in Windows 11

Method 1: Use the Startup Folder

This is probably the easiest way for most folks and works well if you want specific apps to launch every time. The trick is hitting that directly where Windows checks what should run at startup—the Startup folder. It’s hidden in the system, but easy enough to get to. Why it helps? Because dropping a shortcut here is basically telling Windows, “Hey, run this app whenever you start.” Just keep in mind: it only works if the shortcut is correct and in the right place.

So, let’s walk through the steps:

First, locate the program you want to add. If it’s not already a shortcut, right-click its executable file (.exe) and pick Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). On some setups, creating the shortcut on the desktop is a good first step — because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Next, open the Run dialog with Windows + R, then type shell:startup and hit Enter. This opens the Startup folder for the current user. If you want a program to launch for all users, use shell:common startup instead, but usually, the user-specific folder does the trick.
Finally, drag the shortcut from your desktop into that folder. Now, Windows will load that app every time you start up. On some machines, this works instantly, but on others, you might need to restart once or twice for it to kick in.

Method 2: Use Task Manager

If you prefer a more visual approach and want to tweak things without fussing with shortcuts, the Task Manager is your friend. It’s designed to control what runs at startup, and it’s a good place to disable/enable or even add new ones, depending on what you’re after. Besides, it shows the impact of each startup program, which is helpful if your PC feels sluggish.

Here’s how to do it:

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-clicking the Taskbar and selecting Task Manager. On some fresh installs, it might open in simplified mode; click More details at the bottom to see all tabs.
Go to the Startup tab. You’ll see a list of all the apps that are set to launch at startup, along with their impact estimates. These impact ratings are kind of subjective, but they give a ballpark idea of what’s slowing you down.
To add a new program, you usually need to create a shortcut and place it in the Startup folder, but you can disable or enable the existing ones here easily. If you really want to add new ones, just make a shortcut and then drop that into the Startup folder as explained above.

Why use this? Because it’s quick, visual, and makes you think twice before piling in every app you install. On some machines, a few extra startup apps will cause longer boot times, so keep that in mind.

Tips for Adding Programs to Startup in Windows 11

Only add apps that truly need to launch on startup—your PC doesn’t need a full zoo of apps trying to start.
Check the impact ratings in Task Manager. If something’s taking forever to load, see if you can disable it.
If you add a program but it doesn’t run at startup, double-check that the shortcut is in the right place (shell:startup folder) and that it’s pointing to the correct executable.
Be cautious about adding apps that require admin permissions; they may not run smoothly without troubleshooting.
Remember, Windows sometimes misreports impact, so test after adding new programs and see how your boot times look.

FAQs

How can I disable a startup program in Windows 11?

Just open Task Manager, go to Startup, find the app, and click Disable. Easy. This is useful if your PC is slow to boot or getting cluttered.

Can any program be added to startup?

Most, yes. But some might need admin rights or special setup. Usually, just making a shortcut and dropping it in the startup folder works fine.

What if a program doesn’t start even after adding it?

Make sure the shortcut points to the right executable (.exe) and that it’s placed in shell:startup. Sometimes, a restart is needed for changes to take effect, but on some setups, it’s not immediate.

Will piling up too many in startup slow everything down?

Yup. Less is more here. Add only what you really need at boot, or your PC might drag for minutes before settling down.

How to remove a program from the startup folder?

Just delete its shortcut from shell:startup. Done. Easy peasy.

Summary

Use Run with shell:startup to access the folder.
Create shortcuts to your apps and drop them in.
Check in Task Manager for impact info and to disable apps if needed.
Be mindful of how many programs you add; too many slow things down.
Review periodically—don’t just set it and forget it.

Wrap-up

Getting apps to start with Windows 11 can really smooth out your workflow, especially if you rely on certain tools every day. The key is balancing convenience with performance; don’t overload your startup with everything you’ve ever installed. The easiest way? Drop shortcuts into the Startup folder and use Task Manager to keep an eye on impact. Sometimes, a quick restart or a toggle can make all the difference. Just remember—Windows makes some things simple, but others kinda grind your gears. Still, a little effort here can save you endless clicking later. Fingers crossed this helps to speed up your mornings.