The startup folder on Windows houses all the programs that are designed to initiate when you sign in to Windows. You can easily disable startup apps from the Task Manager when you don’t need them anymore or you wish to decrease the startup time for your computer.

However, if you wish to add your favorite programs to be launched automatically when you sign in to Windows, you will need to access the Startup Folder on your computer.

There can be plenty of reasons for wanting to add apps to the startup list. For instance, if you have a fixed set of programs that you open every time you sign in to your PC, it makes sense to automate that task and let your computer launch the programs for you.

Fortunately, it is very simple and straightforward to access and use the startup folder to add your desired programs to the list so you don’t have to launch individual programs every time you sign in to your account.

Ways to Access the Startup Folder

There are multiple ways you can access the folder, you can choose the one that suits you best.

1. Using the RUN Command

The most simple out of the lot is to use a RUN command. Simply press the Windows+R keys together on your keyboard to bring up the utility. After that, type the below-mentioned command and hit Enter on your PC to open the Startup folder in a File Explorer window. 

shell:startup

If for some reason, the command mentioned above is not working, you can also paste the following command and hit Enter on your keyboard.

%appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

2. Using a File Explorer Window

If you do not wish to access the Startup folder using the RUN utility, you can also open it from a File Explorer window. However, you will need to unhide the hidden folder before you can access it.

First, double-click on the ‘This PC’ icon to open a file explorer window. Alternatively, press the Windows+E keys together to open a window.

Then, click on the ‘ellipsis’ option in the Ribbon menu and click on the ‘Options’ button. This will open a separate window on your screen.

Now, click on the ‘View’ tab and then click on the radio button preceding the ‘Show hidden files, folder, and drives’. After that, click on the ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’ buttons to confirm and close.

Alternatively, click on the ‘View’ tab on the ribbon menu and hover over the ‘Show’ option. Next, click on the ‘Hidden items’ option to display hidden files and folders.

Then, double-click on the Windows installer drive (typically has the Windows logo) to continue.

Next, double-click on the ‘Users’ folder.

Then, double-click on the folder with your username.

Now, double-click on the ‘AppData’ folder.

Then, double-click on the ‘Roaming’ folder.

After that, click on the ‘Microsoft’ folder.

Then, double-click on the ‘Windows’ folder.

Next, double-click on the ‘Start Menu’ folder.

Next, double-click on the ‘Programs’ folder.

Finally, click on the ‘Startup’ folder to gain access.

Add Programs to the Startup Folder

Once you know how to access the Startup Folder, it is pretty simple and easy to add programs that you wish to start along with Windows bootup.

First, right-click on the empty space in the Startup Folder and hover over the ‘New’ option. Then, click on the ‘Shortcut’ option to proceed.

Now, on the separate window, click on the ‘Browse’ button to open another File Explorer window and navigate to the installation directory.

After that click on the .EXE file to select the program.

Once selected, click on the ‘Next’ button to proceed.

Then, provide an appropriate name for the created shortcut and click on the ‘Finish’ button.

That’s it, you have successfully added your desired program to the Startup folder and it will be launched when you sign in to your Windows account.

There you go, folks. If you have a set of programs that you tend to open every time you sign in to your PC, add them to the Startup folder to save you some time.