Launching programs on startup

However, the startup folder can also contain any other files such as scripts that you want to run when you log on. In addition to the programs in the Windows 10 startup folder, there are other files that are a permanent part of your operating system and run automatically at startup.

Most malware takes advantage of the autostart function of these keys by placing malicious programs in the above registry keys so that the programs run automatically without your knowledge every time you boot up Windows. Good management of Windows 10 startup programs is important for several reasons. The main reason for adding applications, services, or scripts to the startup folder is obvious: If you use programs or processes that you need or want to run automatically when you log on, you can save a lot of time by adding them to your startup folder.

Windows may be running too many applications or overly CPU-intensive programs for no good reason every time you log on to the system. To address this problem, remove unnecessary applications from your startup folder.

If so, try freeing up some memory. To learn how, see our step-by-step guide to freeing up memory. As mentioned earlier, the startup folder in Windows 10 is no longer listed directly in the Start menu, although both the user-specific and All Users startup folders are still in the Start menu directory.

Here are the exact locations of these folders:. Both folders are buried deep in the directory structures of the Windows 10 partition, which is why the operating system allows you to open either directory using shell commands. In order to protect your privacy, the video will not load until you click on it. Many programs offer the option to run at startup in their settings. If so, you can use this option and save yourself the following steps. If not, you can easily add already installed programs to your startup folder in Windows All you have to do is create a shortcut to the executable file.

Find the new shortcut on your desktop and copy it to the startup folder in Windows 10 using copy-and-paste or drag-and-drop :. To do this, simply delete the shortcuts from the startup folder. The program may also run automatically from a registry entry. To remove programs from automatic startup, follow these instructions in order.

After completing each set of steps, reboot your device to see if the problem is fixed. If necessary, you can then continue to the next set of instructions. If a shortcut you want in the Startup folder is pointing to the wrong program, correct it as follows:.

Some startup items have no shortcut in the Startup folder. Best Smartwatches. Best Gaming Laptops. Best Smart Displays. Best Home Security Systems. Best External Solid State Drives. Best Portable Chargers. Best Phone Chargers. Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders. Best Oculus Quest 2 Accessories. Best iPad Air Cases. Awesome PC Accessories. Best Linux Laptops. Best Wireless iPhone Earbuds. Best Bluetooth Trackers. Best eReaders. Best VPN. Browse All News Articles.

Windows 11 Uninstall Clock. Teams Walkie-Talkie. In the last few weeks, no programs in the startup folder are launching. I only have one but I have experimented with others and they do not launch either. I have even changed the shortcut in the startup folder to run as admin, which I am. I am the only user as well. I have seen many posts regarding other Windows versions, but some kind of update I am sure the last week or so has caused this.

I hope you fix it soon. This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread. I have the same question Report abuse.

Details required :. Cancel Submit. Previous Next. Hi Larry, Welcome to Microsoft Community. If you don't have another administrator user account then follow the below steps: To create new local administrator account.

How satisfied are you with this reply? Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site. In reply to A. User's post on September 26, I refuse to do what you suggest! It makes no sense and is a waste of my time. An update from Microsoft had to have caused this and I will just wait patiently for them to fix it.

All of this worked even in Windows 10 Beta testing.