4 Ways to Run Apps at Startup on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• The simplest way to make an app run at startup is by adjusting its in-app settings.
• To enable an app to run at startup through Windows Settings, go to Apps > Startup and toggle it on.
• You can also use Task Scheduler to set up an app or program to run every time you start your computer.

Method 1: Modify In-App Settings

Probably the simplest way to run an app at startup is by tweaking its in-app settings. Several apps like Spotify, Telegram, Microsoft Teams, and such carry in-app settings that you can configure to launch them at startup.

If your favorite app doesn’t carry such a setting, you can always use the methods below to run them at startup.

Method 2: Use Settings App

Another way to enable an app to run at startup is via the Settings app on Windows 11. This method can be useful if you want to change startup behavior for multiple apps at once. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I shortcut to launch the Settings app and head to Apps > Startup.

Step 2: Turn on the switch next to an app to configure it to run at startup.

Make sure not to run too many apps at startup, as this could lead to issues like slower boot times or faster battery drain on Windows 11. To get a good sense of how a Startup app will impact Windows 11, try sorting the apps based on their “Startup impact.”

Method 3: Use Startup Folder

The Startup folder in Windows provides yet another way to launch programs, run scripts, and more, automatically. Here’s how to use it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box. In the Open field, type shell:startup and press Enter.

Step 2: Click the New menu in the top left corner and select Shortcut from the list.

Step 3: Use the Browse button to locate and select the executable file of a program you wish to launch. Then hit Next.

Step 4: Write a suitable name for the shortcut and click on Finish.

Method 4: Use Task Scheduler

Task Scheduler is arguably one of the most underappreciated utilities on Windows. Whether you want to regularly empty the Recycle Bin, schedule your PC to shut down, or launch a program at startup, Task Scheduler can automate nearly any task on your computer. Here’s how to use Task Scheduler on Windows 11 to run apps at startup.

Step 1: Open the search menu, type task scheduler in the search box, and select the first result that appears.

Step 2: Right-click on the Task Scheduler Library folder on your left and select the New Folder option. Give a suitable name to that folder, such as Startup Apps.

Step 3: Select the newly created folder and open the Actions menu at the top to select Create Basic Task.

Step 4: Enter a name and a short description of the task. Then, hit Next.

Step 5: Select When the computer starts and click Next.

Step 6: In the Action tab, select the Start a program option and hit Next.

Step 7: Use the Browse button under Program/script to select the executable file of a program you wish to launch. Then, click Next.

Step 8: Finally, review the task details before hitting Finish.

That’s it. Windows will launch the app every time your PC starts. You can repeat the same steps above to create more tasks and launch other apps at startup.