Adding App To Startup Windows 11 [verified] Jun 2026

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This method is unbeatable for flexibility. If you have a portable app located on a USB drive or a specific Excel sheet you want opened every morning, this is the only way to do it. It requires a bit more manual work (creating shortcuts), but it works 100% of the time. It’s a hidden gem that many users forget about.

Tip: Check the "impact" label next to each app; "High impact" apps can slow down your PC's boot time. Method 2: The Startup Folder (For apps not in Settings) adding app to startup windows 11

Here is a breakdown of the methods, ranked from best to worst.

To add an app to startup in Windows 11, the easiest way is to use the menu by navigating to Settings > Apps > Startup and toggling the app to "On" . If the app isn't listed there, you can manually add it by placing a shortcut in the Startup folder using the command shell:startup in the Run dialog. Let us know in the comments below

This method is overkill for simple apps like Spotify, but it is perfect if you need an app to run with or on a slight delay.

This is the cleanest interface. It shows you the app name and a toggle switch—nothing more. However, it has a major limitation: it only shows apps that have specifically asked to be included in the list. If you have a portable executable (a program that doesn’t have an installer) or a specific script you want to run, it won't appear here. For average users managing standard apps (like Edge, Steam, or Zoom), this is the perfect solution. It requires a bit more manual work (creating

This is the most user-friendly method for apps that Windows already recognizes as potential startup programs. Open the and select the Settings app . Click on Apps in the left-hand sidebar. Select Startup on the right panel.

This method works for any app (portable apps, scripts, even folders). It uses a special hidden folder that Windows checks automatically during boot.