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Windows 11 Startup Folder: Where is it & How to Use it
Start apps automatically by adding using the Startup folder
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 10, 2023
updated onOctober 10, 2023
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Key notes
The Startup folder on Windows 11 allows you to launch specific apps as soon as your operating system starts.
This isn’t a new feature, but if you’re not familiar with it, we’ll show you how to properly use it in the latest installment of Windows.
What type of files work with the Startup folder?
Although the Startup directory is commonly used to start applications, it also works with all other file types, be it a text document or a PDF.
How do I add items to the Startup folder in Windows 11?
1. Manually add a shortcut to the Startup folder for all users
After making these changes, the shortcuts in your Startup folder will start automatically when your system boots. Keep in mind that these changes affect all user profiles on your PC.
2. Add shortcut to Startup folder just for the current user
Additional tips
Where is Windows startup folder located?
You can find Startup folder for all users at:C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
For a single user, the path is the following:C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
How do I manage startup items in Windows 11?
Adding too many applications to the Startup Folder will increase the boot time and affect the performance of Windows. So, it’s recommended that you only add the critical ones.
Also, if the computer is running slow, find out how tooptimize Windows startup. You can alsodisable startup apps on Windows 11to make it faster.
Are you currently using the Startup directory on your PC? Let us know in the comments section below.
More about the author
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take an interest in all PC-related technologies.
He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer.
More about the topics:folder,startup apps,Windows 11
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
