Launching several programs at once can save time, especially if you frequently use the same set of applications for work or personal projects. Windows 11 does not include a built-in feature to select and open multiple apps directly from the Start Menu with a single action. However, you can achieve this effect using a few practical workarounds that automate the process, making your daily routine more efficient.

Method 1: Create a Batch File to Launch Multiple Apps

Step 1: Open Notepad or your preferred plain text editor. You will use this to write a simple script that starts each application you want to open together.

Step 2: For each app, enter a start command followed by the path to the app’s executable file. For example:


@echo off
start "" "C:\Program Files\App1\app1.exe"
start "" "C:\Program Files\App2\app2.exe"
start "" "C:\Program Files (x86)\App3\app3.exe"
exit

Each start line launches a different app. Adjust the file paths as needed for your system.

Step 3: Save the file with a .bat extension, such as OpenMyApps.bat. Choose a location you can easily access, such as your Desktop or Documents folder.

Step 4: Right-click the batch file and select Create shortcut. Move this shortcut to the Start Menu’s Programs folder for easy access:

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

This action makes your batch file accessible from the Start Menu. You can also right-click the shortcut and select Pin to Start for even quicker launching.

Step 5: Click your new Start Menu shortcut or pinned tile to launch all specified apps at once. All programs listed in your batch file will open simultaneously, streamlining your startup process.

Method 2: Use Third-Party App Launchers

Some third-party utilities, such as SideSlide or other app launchers, allow you to group shortcuts and launch them together with a single click or keyboard shortcut. These tools often support additional features like tagging, workspace organization, and advanced automation.

To use a third-party launcher:

  • Download and install your preferred launcher (for example, SideSlide).
  • Create a new group or workspace within the launcher.
  • Add shortcuts for each application you want to open together.
  • Use the launcher’s feature to open all shortcuts in that group at once.

This approach is useful if you want more customization or need to manage multiple sets of applications for different tasks.

Method 3: Open Multiple Instances of the Same App

While Windows 11 does not allow you to select several apps from the Start Menu and open them all at once, you can open multiple windows of the same app using built-in shortcuts. This is especially useful for programs like File Explorer, browsers, or Microsoft Office apps that support multiple instances.

  • To open a new window of an already running app, hold Shift and click the app’s icon on the taskbar.
  • Alternatively, use Ctrl + N within the app (if supported) to open a new window.
  • Middle-clicking the app’s taskbar icon also opens a new instance for many programs.
  • To quickly launch another instance using the keyboard, press Windows + Shift + [number], where [number] corresponds to the app’s position on your taskbar (from left to right, after the Task View button).
Note: These shortcuts work only for apps that are coded to support multiple windows. Most traditional desktop apps do, but many Microsoft Store apps are limited to a single instance.

Method 4: Automate App Launch with Task Scheduler

Windows Task Scheduler can be configured to launch multiple applications at once, either on login or at a scheduled time. This is helpful if you want certain apps to always open together when you start your computer or log in.

Step 1: Open Task Scheduler by searching for Task Scheduler in the Start Menu.

Step 2: Select Create Task from the right-hand pane.

Step 3: In the Actions tab, add a new action for each application you want to launch. Set Action to Start a program and browse to the executable file for each app.

Step 4: In the Triggers tab, set when the task should run (for example, At log on or On a schedule).

Step 5: Save the task. The specified apps will open automatically based on your trigger settings.

Using these methods, you can quickly start several programs together in Windows 11 and skip repetitive manual launching. Adjust the approach to fit your workflow, and you’ll notice a smoother, more efficient startup routine.