Windows has so many hidden tricks which can make your tasks easier. Our goal on this blog is to provide you with such tips and tricks related to windows as well as mobiles. Today we will be showing you how you can run any file/program on windows startup.
You might have noticed that some apps automatically start when windows log on. For example, an antivirus software starts on windows startup as it is necessary for it to be running all the time to protect your computer from threats. Also, if you have Skype installed, you can notice that it already has a built in setting to launch the app on windows startup.
But some apps do not come configured with the setting to auto start on windows startup. In that case, you might need this trick.
Why Do You Need Files/Apps to Auto Start?
Well, the question is why would you need an app or a file to start automatically on windows logon. Answer is that you might want to run a batch script which should run as soon as your windows logs on. You might be a browsing freak and want your browser to automatically start when you logon. You might want to run a batch script which clears temporary files (from temp folder) as soon as you logon. Possibilities are many. You can use this trick in any way you want to make your tasks easier.
Note that if you add more files/programs to your startup folder, your computer might boot slowly.
[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]Also Read : 9 Steps to Make Windows Explorer Faster[/box]
Windows Startup Folder Location
Generally on all the versions of windows, the default location of the windows startup folder is :
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
How to Run Any File/Program on Windows Startup
Navigate to the file or program which you want to add to the windows start up. Create a shortcut of the file or program. My favorite method to create a shortcut is to right click the icon and drag it a little bit and it will pop a menu with an option to create a shortcut. Once the shortcut of the file/program is created, cut/copy it.
Now Press Windows key + E to open windows explorer. Navigate to the below path to open the windows startup folder.
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
You can also press Win + R key to open run dialog box. Now type shell:startup and press OK to directly open the windows startup folder.
Now paste the file/program which you had copied/cut earlier.
That’s it. Next time you reboot, the file/program will automatically start on windows startup.
