How To Add Exe File To Startup Windows 11 New! Jun 2026

Windows 11 is a sleek, powerful operating system, but its default startup management has changed slightly from Windows 10. If you have a specific program—a productivity tool, a communication app, or a custom script—that you want to launch automatically every time you log in, you need to know the right methods.

Press Windows + R , type regedit , and press Enter. Confirm the UAC prompt.

Press Windows + R , type regedit in the Run dialog box, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. how to add exe file to startup windows 11

Depending on whether you want the program to run only for your account or for all users on the computer, type one of the following commands into the Run box and press : For the current user only: shell:startup For all users on the PC: shell:common startup Step 4: Drop the shortcut into the folder

Go to Settings > Apps > Startup and toggle the app to Off . Windows 11 is a sleek, powerful operating system,

Give it a descriptive name (e.g., “Launch MyApp at Login”) and a description (optional). Click Next .

How to Add an EXE File to Startup in Windows 11: Ultimate Guide Confirm the UAC prompt

| Method | Best for | Difficulty | |--------|----------|-------------| | Startup Folder | Everyday users adding 1-2 simple apps | Easy | | All-Users Folder | Shared PCs, family computers | Easy (Admin) | | Task Scheduler | Advanced needs (delays, conditions, privileges) | Medium | | Registry | Power users wanting invisible/quick addition | Hard (risky) | | Settings App | Only for disabling existing items | Easy | | Third-party tools | Managing many startup items visually | Easy |

This is a quick way to manage apps that are already listed as startup candidates. Ctrl + Shift + Esc Task Manager Startup apps tab (icon looks like a speedometer). Right-click the program and select Microsoft Support Method 4: Task Scheduler (Advanced/Admin privileges) If your program needs to run with administrator privileges or on a specific trigger, use Task Scheduler. Search for Task Scheduler in the Start menu and open it. Create Basic Task and give it a name. Set the Trigger to When the computer starts When I log on Start a program as the action and browse for your If needed, check Run with highest privileges in the task's properties to bypass UAC prompts at startup. Summary of Locations Command (Win + R) Full File Path Current User shell:startup

In the General tab, give your task a descriptive name in the Name field. Then, under Security options , you will need to make two selections: