Adding a program to startup in Windows 10 ensures that the software launches automatically every time you boot up your computer. This can be useful for programs you use frequently, or those that need to run in the background. By following a few straightforward steps, you can easily manage what programs launch at startup.
How to Add Program to Startup Windows 10
Let’s walk through how to add a program to the startup list in Windows 10. This will ensure your chosen software activates automatically when you start your computer.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Start button at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
The Start menu is your gateway to accessing various features and settings on your computer.
Step 2: Search for the Program
Type the name of the program you want to add to startup in the search bar.
By searching, you ensure you’ve selected the correct application from your installed programs list.
Step 3: Right-click the Program
Right-click on the program’s name that appears in the search results.
Right-clicking opens a context menu with various options for managing the program.
Step 4: Open File Location
Select "Open file location" from the context menu.
This takes you to the folder where the program’s shortcut is stored, making the process easier.
Step 5: Copy the Shortcut
Right-click the program’s shortcut file and select "Copy."
Copying the shortcut ensures you don’t move the original file, maintaining its integrity.
Step 6: Open the Startup Folder
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box, then type "shell:startup" and press Enter.
The Startup folder is a special directory where you can place shortcuts to programs you want to run at startup.
Step 7: Paste the Shortcut
Right-click inside the Startup folder and select "Paste."
By pasting the shortcut here, you’re instructing Windows to launch the program automatically when you start your computer.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your chosen program will automatically start whenever you boot up your computer, saving you the hassle of manually opening it each time.
Tips for How to Add Program to Startup Windows 10
- Use Task Manager: Open Task Manager and go to the Startup tab for an overview of all startup programs. You can enable or disable them here.
- Minimalist Approach: Only add programs to startup that are essential. Too many startup programs can slow down your computer.
- Check Permissions: Ensure you have administrative rights to modify startup programs.
- Use Startup Impact: In Task Manager, assess the startup impact of each program to understand its effect on your boot time.
- Regular Cleanup: Periodically review your startup programs to remove any that are no longer necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do startup programs slow down my computer?
Yes, having too many programs set to start automatically can significantly slow down your computer’s startup time.
Can I remove a program from startup?
Yes, you can remove a program by deleting its shortcut from the Startup folder or by disabling it in Task Manager.
Are there programs that shouldn’t be added to startup?
Avoid adding heavy software like games or video editors, as they can consume a lot of resources and slow down your computer.
How can I identify essential startup programs?
Essential startup programs are usually system utilities like antivirus or cloud storage services that need to run continuously.
Is there a limit to how many programs I can add to startup?
Technically, there’s no strict limit, but adding too many programs can degrade performance, so it’s best to keep the list short.
Summary
- Open the Start Menu.
- Search for the Program.
- Right-click the Program.
- Open File Location.
- Copy the Shortcut.
- Open the Startup Folder.
- Paste the Shortcut.
Conclusion
Adding a program to startup in Windows 10 is a simple yet powerful way to streamline your computing experience. Following these steps can save you time and hassle, ensuring your essential software is ready to go as soon as your computer boots up. Just remember to periodically review your startup list to keep your system running smoothly. If you’re interested in automating other aspects of Windows 10, further reading includes exploring Task Scheduler or looking into third-party startup management tools. So why wait? Make your daily computing more efficient by setting up your key programs to launch at startup!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.