How to add Startup items to Windows 11

Adding startup items in Windows 11 can be done in a few different ways depending on how permanent or advanced you want the setup to be.

Method 1: Startup Folder (quick and reliable)

Steps:

1. Press Win + R

2. Type:

shell:startup

and press Enter → This opens your personal Startup folder

3. Add a shortcut:

• Right-click → New → Shortcut
• Select the app you want to launch at login

For all users:

• Press Win + R
• Type:

shell:common startup

Add shortcuts here to apply system-wide

Method 2: Settings app (modern way)

1. Open Settings

2. Go to Apps → Startup

3. Toggle apps On/Off

Note:

• This only works for apps that already register themselves with startup
• You can’t manually add new programs here

Method 3: Task Manager

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc

2. Go to the Startup apps tab

3. Right-click an app → Enable/Disable

Again, this is for managing existing entries, not adding new ones.

Method 4: Task Scheduler (advanced control)

Useful if you want delays, conditions, or admin privileges. Steps:

1. Search for Task Scheduler and open it

2. Click Create Task

3. In Triggers: Choose At log on

4. In Actions: Add your program/script

5. Optional: Set delay, Run with highest privileges

Method 5: Registry (advanced users)

Press Win + R, type:

regedit

Go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

or for all users:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Right-click → New → String Value
Set:

Name: anything
Value: full path to the executable