Overview
The Startup folder is a special Windows folder whose contents launch automatically every time you sign in. Placing a program shortcut there makes it open at startup; removing it stops the program from auto-launching. This guide shows where the Startup folder lives in every Windows version, how to manage what runs at sign-in, and the more powerful alternatives when the folder is not enough.
Items in the Startup folder launch automatically when you sign in to Windows.
Key Takeaways
- There are two Startup folders: one for the current user and one for all users.
- Open your personal Startup folder instantly by running shell:startup; use shell:common startup for all users.
- Add a program by placing its shortcut in the folder; remove the shortcut to stop it launching.
- Too many startup items slow down boot — review them in Task Manager’s Startup tab.
When Does the Startup Folder Load?
The Startup folder runs after you sign in, once your user session is ready. Items there start a little later than services and registry “Run” entries, which load earlier in the boot process. This makes the Startup folder ideal for user apps you want available shortly after reaching the desktop.
The Two Types of Startup Folder
- Current user — applies only to your account. Programs here launch when you specifically sign in.
- All users (common) — applies to every account on the PC. Programs here launch for anyone who signs in.
Startup Folder Locations
- Current user: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
- All users: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
- These paths are the same across Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 (older systems such as Windows XP used a similar Start Menu path).
Quickly Open the Startup Folder
1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type shell:startup and press Enter to open your personal Startup folder.
3. To open the all-users Startup folder, type shell:common startup instead and press Enter.
Supported File Types
- Shortcuts (.lnk) to applications — the most common and recommended option.
- Executable files (.exe) placed or shortcutted into the folder.
- Scripts such as .bat or .cmd files to run commands at sign-in.
Add or Remove Startup Items
1. Open the Startup folder with shell:startup.
2. To add an app: right-click inside the folder, create a shortcut, and point it to the program’s .exe (or drag a shortcut in).
3. To remove an app: delete its shortcut from the folder — this does not uninstall the program, it only stops it auto-launching.
4. To disable without deleting, use Task Manager > Startup apps and toggle the item off.
Tip: Use Task Manager’s Startup apps tab to see the startup impact of each item and disable heavy ones to speed up boot.
Alternatives to the Startup Folder
- Task Scheduler — start programs on a schedule, at logon, or on specific events, with conditions and delays.
- Registry Run keys — HKCU/HKLM …\Run entries launch earlier in the boot sequence.
- Group Policy — deploy logon scripts and startup programs across managed PCs.
- PowerShell — script startup actions for automation and reproducibility.
Security Considerations
Malware often adds itself to the Startup folder or Run keys to persist across reboots. Periodically review both Startup folders and the Task Manager Startup list, and remove anything you do not recognise.
Troubleshooting
Problem: A program in the Startup folder does not launch.
Solution: Confirm the shortcut points to a valid path, and check Task Manager > Startup apps to ensure the item is not disabled there.
Problem: An app keeps starting even after removing its shortcut.
Solution: It may also be registered in a registry Run key or a scheduled task. Check Task Manager > Startup apps and Task Scheduler.
Problem: Startup is slow.
Solution: Open Task Manager > Startup apps, sort by Startup impact, and disable high-impact items you do not need at boot.
Problem: An unknown program runs at startup.
Solution: Investigate it before removing. If it is unwanted, delete the shortcut and run a malware scan, as malware commonly uses startup persistence.
Conclusion
The Startup folder is the simplest way to control which apps open when you sign in. Use shell:startup to manage it, keep the list lean for faster boots, and reach for Task Scheduler or registry entries when you need more control.
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