Press Windows + R , type the following, and press Enter:
Go back to the Startup folder window and press Ctrl + V to paste the shortcut.
This method is more technical and involves editing the system registry to launch the file. Press Windows + R , type regedit , and press .
Windows 11’s Settings app only allows you to existing startup programs, not add new ones. However, once you add an EXE via the Startup Folder or Registry, it will appear here, giving you an easy on/off toggle. how to add exe file to startup windows 11
Press , type regedit , and press Enter . Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt. Step 2: Navigate to the Run Key
| Feature | Startup Folder | Task Scheduler | Registry | |---------|---------------|----------------|-----------| | | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | | Run as admin | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | | Delayed start | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | | System-wide | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ (via HKLM) | | No shortcut needed | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
: Drag and drop (or copy and paste) the shortcut you created into this folder. Press Windows + R , type the following,
The application will now launch automatically next time you restart your computer. Method 2: Using the Windows 11 Settings App
Click OK to save the setting and then close the Registry Editor. Restart your computer for the change to take effect.
| Method | Difficulty | Best for | |--------|------------|-----------| | Startup Folder | Easy | Most users, simple shortcuts | | Windows Settings | Very Easy | Managing existing startup apps | | Task Scheduler | Medium | Advanced needs (delays, conditions, admin rights) | | Registry | High | Power users, system-level automation | | Task Manager | N/A (view only) | Disabling/enabling existing items | Windows 11’s Settings app only allows you to
Open File Explorer and find the .exe file you want to start at login.
Before diving into the “how,” let’s quickly understand the “why.” Adding an executable to startup is useful for:
If you ever need to temporarily stop the application from launching at boot without completely deleting your configuration: Open > Startup apps . Right-click the application. Select Disable .
The most straightforward way to launch an EXE file at boot is by placing a shortcut to it inside the hidden Windows "Startup" folder. Step 1: Open the Run Dialog Box