How To Add Programs To Startup Windows 11 Updated Guide

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)

Configure Startup Applications in Windows - Microsoft Support how to add programs to startup windows 11 updated

1. Open the Task Manager: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
2. Click on "Startup": Click on the "Startup" tab in the Task Manager.
3. Click on "Open Task Manager": Click on the "Open Task Manager" button.
4. Click on "File": Click on "File" and then select "Run new task."
5. Enter the program path: Enter the path to the program you want to add to startup, or browse for it.
6. Check "Create this task with administrative privileges": Check the box next to "Create this task with administrative privileges" if you want the program to run with admin rights.
7. Click "OK": Click "OK" to add the program to startup.

Method 3 — Use Settings (per-app toggle)

1. Open Settings (Win+I).
2. Go to Apps → Startup.
3. Find the app in the list and toggle it On to launch at sign-in.
4. Check the “Startup impact” column if you want performance info.

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. In Windows 11, you can add programs to

4. Check Event Viewer

Press Windows + X > Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Application. Look for errors with source "Application Error" or "Windows Error Reporting" at the time of login. Open the Task Manager : Press the Ctrl

This opens the personal Startup folder for your user account:
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Step 1: Open the Startup Folder

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type the following command and press Enter: