How To — Add Programs To Startup Windows 11 Updated

If your computer is starting too slowly, you may want to remove unnecessary apps. Go to and toggle the app off.

Adding programs to startup in Windows 11 (updated for 2026) is no longer a dark art. Whether you use the simple Startup Folder or the powerful Task Scheduler, you have full control. Start with the essentials, avoid overloading your boot cycle, and enjoy a PC that’s ready to work the moment you are. how to add programs to startup windows 11 updated

For most standard applications downloaded from the Microsoft Store or installed traditionally, the Windows 11 Settings app offers a centralized dashboard to toggle startup behavior. Press to open the Settings menu. Select Apps from the left-hand sidebar. Click on Startup at the bottom of the right pane. Locate the program you want to launch at boot. Toggle the switch next to the program to On . If your computer is starting too slowly, you

Look through the list of applications and next to any program you want to launch automatically. Whether you use the simple Startup Folder or

Type shell:startup into the text field and press or click OK . This command instantly opens your user account’s specific Startup folder in File Explorer. Step 3: Locate the Program File

With each Windows 11 update, Microsoft refines user interface elements and backend processes. While core functionalities remain stable, the location and labeling of certain options have evolved. As of the 2024-2025 update cycle (versions 23H2 and 24H2), adding a program to startup remains a straightforward process, but it requires understanding the distinction between user-specific startup and system-wide startup. This paper clarifies these methods to ensure users can reliably auto-launch essential applications (e.g., communication tools, backup clients, productivity software) without inadvertently degrading boot times or security.