2 Ways to Find Startup Folder in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Whether you wish to monitor what programs run when your PC boots or wish to add a favorite program to the list of startup applications, the reasons to access the Startup folder on Windows could be numerous. So, we are here with two ways to locate the startup folder in Windows 10 and 11.

Startup Folder in Windows 10 and 11

If you don’t already know, a startup folder contains a list of shortcuts for those applications that start when Windows starts. Although this folder is hidden, it can easily be accessed once you know where to look. Here’re different ways to find the Windows 10 and 11 startup folder.

1. Find Windows Startup Folder Location Using File Explorer

This is one of the most convenient ways to find the startup folder on Windows 10 and 11. Follow the below steps.

 Step 1: Press ‘Windows + E’ to launch Windows File Explorer.

launch Windows File Explorer

Step 2: Click on the three-dot menu on the title bar and select Options.

Click on the three-dot menu

Step 3: In the Folder Options dialog box, go to View and Select ‘Show hidden files, folders, and drives,’ under Hidden files and folders.

Select Show hidden files, folders, and drives

Step 4: Click on Apply and OK. 

Click on Apply and OK

Step 5: Under the address bar, click on the drop-down arrow and go to the user profile (usually your PC name). 

click the downward arrow

Step 6: Open the AppData folder under the user profile.

Note: It may appear translucent because it is hidden from general users, but it is clickable.

Open the AppData folder

Step 7: Navigate to Roaming > Microsoft > Windows > Start Menu > Programs. Now, click on the Startup folder.

find the startup folder

If you click-open the startup folder, you will find shortcuts to all the programs on Windows 11 startup apps list.

If you want a shortcut to directly open the startup folder on Windows 10 and 11, just copy and paste the below file location into the File Explorer’s address bar.

Note: Replace the username with your PC’s username.

C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

directly open the startup folder

2. Locate Windows Startup Apps Folder Using Shell Commands

 There are two ways to use the Run command to find the startup folder on Windows 10 and 11. These are pretty easy to execute. Follow along.

I. Find the Startup Folder Location for a Specific User

Step 1: Press ‘Windows key + R’ on your keyboard to open the Run command and press Enter.

open the Run command

Step 2: Enter the below command in the Run command box’s open field and press OK.

Shell:startup

Enter the below command

Alternative Method: You can also enter the below command in the Run command box’s open field instead of the above command in step 2.

%appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Enter the below command

This will directly open the Startup folder from where you can add or remove applications/program shortcuts as per your requirements.

2. Find the Startup Folder Location for All Users

This is another way to open the Windows startup folder using the Shell command for all users. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the Run command using ‘Windows key + R’ and press Enter.

open the Run command

Step 2: Enter any of the below two commands in the Run Command’s Open field and press OK.

%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
Shell:common startup

Enter the below command

This will immediately open the startup folder for all users no Windows 10 and 11. Pretty easy, right?

Well, all that said, if you want to disable or change what runs on Windows startup, you can check out our comprehensive guide on ways to disable startup apps on Windows.

FAQs on Finding Startup Folder on Windows 10 and 11

1. How do I remove programs from Startup in Windows 11?

There are multiple ways to remove programs from Startup in Windows 11. One way is to go to settings > apps > startup navigation option. You can also check our guide where we’ve gone over how to add and remove programs from the Windows 10 startup in great detail.

2. How do I access Startup services?

Press ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’ to go to Task Manager and from there you can access Startup services.

3. Where is Startup in registry?

You can find auto-start programs in two sections of registry. One is by going to 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run‘ and the other by going to ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.’

Quickly Find the Startup Folder

Having your programs start automatically when Windows boots allow you to start using them right away. It minimizes potential distractions, but too many programs can also impact the performance of the computer. By following the steps described above, you will be able to delete any applications or programs that you no longer use from the startup folder in Windows 10 and 11.

Last updated on 26 October, 2022

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