How to launch apps automatically during startup on Windows 11
Windows 11 offers multiple ways to launch apps automatically on startup, and in this guide, we’ll show you how.
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OnWindows 11, if you have a few apps you open immediately every time you sign into your account, you can configure them to launch automatically to save extra steps and get to them faster.
You have at least four ways to auto-start an app on Windows 11. If the app can start automatically by design, you can control this behavior from the “Startup” settings page or the app’s preference page. In addition, you can place a shortcut in the “Startup” folder, which the system will detect and run to launch the program automatically, or you can create a task to launch the app automatically as the user logs in.
In thishow-to guide, I’ll explain the different ways to launch apps automatically on your computer.
How to configure app automatic start from Startup settings
To launch an app at startup on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the app will start as you sign into the account automatically. You may need to repeat the steps to configure other apps.
On Windows 11, certain apps you acquire from the Microsoft Store are capable of launching automatically after restarting the computer. I’m focusing this guide on configuring specific apps, but if you want any compatible app to launch automatically, you can enable the features fromSettings>Accounts>Sign-inoptions and turn on the"Automatically save my restorable apps and restart them when I sign back in"toggle switch.
How to configure app automatic start from Startup folder
Windows 11 also includes the “Startup” folder, a known folder that the system checks every time you sign in and run any app or script found in the location. If the app you want isn’t available through the Settings app, you can place a shortcut to launch automatically on startup.
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To start an app automatically through the Startup folder, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, Windows 11 will launch any app, shortcut, or script that it finds in the Startup folder.
How to configure app automatic start from app settings
You may also be able to configure an app to launch at startup from the app’s settings. Here’s an example to enable Microsoft Teams (consumer) to launch at startup automatically:
Once you complete the steps, the app will launch automatically when Windows starts up. Although these steps are specific to the Microsoft Teams app, the concept applies to most classic desktop programs.
How to configure app automatic start from Task Scheduler
Alternatively, it’s also possible to run apps during startup by creating a scheduled task using the Task Scheduler app.
To auto-start apps on Windows 11 with Task Scheduler, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the app will launch automatically on Windows 11 every time you sign in.
While there are many ways to launch apps automatically, it’s worth pointing out that having too many apps starting automatically can affect system performance. You should only auto-start those that you need the most. If you have a lot of apps launching at startup, you can use these steps todisable those you don’t need.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
