If you want Windows to start certain apps the moment you turn on your computer, you have to put them in the correct location. Important software, such as antivirus, cloud storage services or downloaders, will automatically start up so that you don’t forget them.
Windows provides two folders for the Startup apps. Those apps can be found in the folder called Startup. The difference in folder is in the accounts: per account there is a personal startup folder, but there is also a shared version. This therefore applies to all users on one PC.
You reach your personal folder to open the Explorer (use the shortcut Windows key + R) and enter the text in the address bar shell:startup in. There you will find your personal apps that start automatically.
For the shared folder, go to shell:common startup.
Start Windows apps automatically
Many programs offer the option via the settings to be started when you turn on your computer. That’s the easiest way to make sure this happens. If you don’t find that option, you can place it in your personal Startup folder.
All you need to do is put a shortcut in that folder. You do that as follows:
- Locate the .exe file of the program you want to add. You can find the app by searching for it via the Start menu. Select the program with the right mouse buttongo to More and choose the option Open file location.
- You will find a lot of files at that location, but we are looking for the .exe file. Right-click that file and create a shortcut for the desktop.
- Now open the Windows Startup folder (using the quick method above) and drag the newly created shortcut into that folder. You do not need to touch the original file. Plus: if you change your mind later, you can also remove the shortcut again.
Also read: Cleaning up Windows 10 – this is how you keep Windows fast and organized
If you want each user on the computer to activate a specific program after Windows boots, copy that file to the shared Startup folder.
Manage programs through Task Manager
It is also possible to manage your automatically starting software via Windows Task Manager. You open Task Manager with your right mouse button on Start pressing and then task management to select. Or you press Ctrl + Alt + Del and then choose task management.
Click at the bottom left of the new screen More detail (is there now Less details, then you don’t have to) and then go to the tab Startup. Here you will find a list of programs that start automatically when you turn on Windows.
below Status see if a program Switched on or Turned off is. Is there Turned off? Then the program will not start automatically. Is there Switched on, so yes. You change the status by selecting a program with your right mouse button and for the option Switch or Switch off to choose (depending on the current status).
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