If you want some Windows program to auto start on Windows start up, then you can easily do so. Some software will have auto start configurations which you may enable or disable during the software installation. Some software would have options to set in the software configuration or preferences. But some software may not have any configuration where you can enable or disable. In that case, you can manually let the program auto start on Windows start up.
Watch this short video demonstrating how to let programs auto start on Windows start up.
Example of Windows 10 computer.
Steps to enable Windows programs to auto start on Windows start up:
- Find the exe or shortcut of the program you are interested in.
- You can right click on the program's icon and select "Open File Location". It will take you to the executable program or another shortcut
- Right click on it and create shortcut. Usually the shortcut will be created on desktop
- Cut the new shortcut created
- Paste the shortcut in C:\Users\the-user-name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
- If you do not see "AppData" folder, enable view hidden folders from Folder Options.
- In Windows Explorer, click Views Tab and click Options
- In the Folder Options window, click View tab and choose to enable "Show hidden files and folders"
You can manage which programs to start automatically or not from the task manager in Windows 10.
- Right click on the taskbar and click " Task Manager" or press Windows key and type "Task Manager". Click to open.
- Click the Startup tab
- From here you can manage programs to start or not. Select program and disable or enable.
- After adding a program to as described above, the program should also appear in the "Start up" page of Task Manager.