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How to Access the Windows 10 Startup Folder

Learn how to find and modify the Startup Folder

4 min. read

Updated onMarch 12, 2024

updated onMarch 12, 2024

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Key notes

Windows10’sTask Managerutility includes a Startup tab. That isWindows10’s default startup manager with whichuserscan disable startup software.

However, theTask Manager’s tab doesn’t include any options forusersto add programs to the startup. So, someusersmight look for startup settings on software windows to add new programs to the system startup.

Yet,Windows10 includes a Startup folder to whichuserscan add programs and files. All software and programs within that folder will run automatically whenWindowsstarts.

What is the Startup folder?

The Startup folder is an in-built Windows feature (first introduced in Windows 95) that allows users to set up those particular apps and programs that will automatically run when Windows starts.

The folder is buried within a series of subfolders and can be hard to find.

How can I manage the Windows 10 Startup folder?

Someusersmight wonder where is the Startup folder on their PC, how to open it and how to add or remove the software from it. In the text below you will find answers to all of these.

1. Open the Startup folder using File Explorer

For most users, the Startup folder is located at this address:

There is also a second All Users Startup folder that should be located under:

As you can see, the full path for the Startup folder is this:

Userswill need to replace USERNAME with their actual user account name, and then enter that path inFile Explorer. That path will open the folder shown in the snapshot directly below.

2. Access the Startup Folder using Run

Press theWindowskey + R hotkey to open the Run dialog.
To open the Admin User Startup folder, entershell:startupin the text box.

3.To open the All Users Startup folder, entershell:common startupin the text box.

ClickOKto execute the command.
The Startup folder is now opened on your computer.

A quick and easy way to open the Startup folder on your PC is to use the built-in Run dialog. It works as a shortcut and all you need to do is input the appropriate command, then the folder will open.

3. Add Software to the Startup Folder

With the Startup folder open inFile Explorer,userscan now add new program shortcuts to the system startup. In addition,userscan also include file shortcuts within that folder.

Then the files the Startup folder includes will usually open with their default software. This is howuserscan add shortcuts to the Windows Startup folder.

4. Remove Software From the Startup Folder

Users can remove programs in the Startup folder by deleting them. To do that, select a program in that folder and click theDeletebutton. That will probably erase the shortcut to theRecycle Bin.

Userscan also press the Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut to select all shortcuts within the Startup folder. Then pressFile Explorer’sDeletebutton to erase them.

Task Manager’s Start-up tab inWindows 10will also list the programs thatusershave added to the Startup folder.

Therefore,userscan disable the programs with that utility by right-clicking the taskbar and selectingTask Manager.

Click the Start-up tab on that utility’s window. Thenuserscan select the required program and clickDisable.

Note: Task Managerdoesn’t include a Start-up tab in Windows 7. However, Win 7userscan open the startup manager by enteringmsconfigin Run and clickingOK. Then select the Startup tab on theSystem Configurationwindow.

Windows 7userscan uncheck the item checkboxes on that tab to disable programs starting during startup. So, that’s howuserscan add new software and files to Windows’ Startup folder.

However, filling that folder up will slow down the system’s startup. Lots of startup software will also drain system resources. Therefore, don’t add too many things to the folder.

We hope you found this guide useful. To learn more, we have a guide on how todisable startup programs in Windows 7, so don’t miss it.

There you go, these solutions should help you manage the startup folder adequately. Let us know if you found them useful by hitting the comments section below.

How to Access the Windows 10 Startup Folder#

What is the Startup folder?#

How can I manage the Windows 10 Startup folder?#

1. Open the Startup folder using File Explorer#

2. Access the Startup Folder using Run#

3. Add Software to the Startup Folder#

4. Remove Software From the Startup Folder#