In Windows 10/11, the Start menu is represented by two folders. One folder is for all users, and the other is only for the currently logged-in user.
The Start Menu folder for all users is C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs.
The Start Menu folder location specific to your account is C:\Users\your-user-name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs.
To access these locations quickly, we can use the following run commands (to open the Run dialog box, press Windows key + R).
Run the following command to open the location containing start menu programs available to all users:
shell:Common Programs
The following run command opens the start menu folder contains programs specific to your account:
Shell:Programs
And this is how we locate the Start menu folder in Windows 10/Windows 11 operating system.
The Windows OS (since Windows 95) has a Startup folder that can be used to add applications and processes to the system that a user wants to launch at startup. Windows 11 and Windows 10 also have a Startup folder, although the Startup tab of its Task Manager does do a good job in adding/removing startup programs on Windows, the need to access the Windows startup folder is always there.
There are two types of Startup folders in any Windows version (Windows 10 or 11 included), one for a particular user and the other for all the users of the machine. The items present in the Startup folder for a particular user will launch only when a particular user is logged in, whereas, the items present in the Startup folder for All Users will launch for every user of the system. The method to open these folders is different as discussed below:
Open the Startup Folder of a Particular User
You can open the Startup folder either by the File Explorer or using the Run Command box.
Use the File Explorer to Open the Startup Folder for a Particular User
- Right-click Windows and select File Explorer.
Open File Explorer from the Quick Access Menu in Windows 11 - Now open This PC and double-click on your system drive (usually, the C drive).
Open the System Drive of Windows 11 - Then select the Users folder and open the folder with your username.
Open Your User Folder in the Users Directory - Now open the AppData folder (you may have to show the hidden files of the system) and double-click on Roaming.
Open the Roaming Folder in the AppData Directory - Now open the Microsoft directory and double-click the Windows folder.
Open the Windows Directory in the Microsoft Folder - Then open the Start Menu directory and double-click on the Programs folder.
Open the Programs Folder in the AppData Directory - Now open the Startup folder and ta-da, you are in the Startup folder.
Open the User Startup Folder in Windows
The complete path of the folder will be as under:
C:\Users\<yourusername>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Use the Run Command Box to Open the Startup Folder of a Particular User
Although you can open the Startup folder from the File Explorer, this process is a lengthy one, but some Run command box cmdlets can achieve the same with less effort.
Use the AppData and Users Commands
- Right-click on Windows and select Run.
Open the Run Command Box from the Quick Access Menu - Now execute the following:
%appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Open Startup Folder - Hurray, you have opened the Startup folder of Windows 10.
- You can also open the Startup folder by executing the following cmdlet in the Run command box:
\users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Use the Shell Command:
But it is quite difficult to remember the above-mentioned commands (although you can find them in the list of recent Run commands) but no need to worry, there is the following shorter command that can be used to open the Startup folder:
Shell:startup
Fun fact: You can copy the cmdlets mentioned in the Run command box section, paste it into the address bar of the File Explorer, and ta-da, it will still open the Startup folder of a particular user.
Open the Startup Folder for All Users of the Machine
You can open the Startup folder for all users by the File Explorer or through the Run command box.
Use the File Explorer to Open the Startup Folder for All Users
- Right-click Windows and open File Explorer.
- Now in the left pane, select This PC and open your system drive (usually, C drive).
- Then open the ProgramData folder (if the folder is not shown, make sure the viewing of the hidden and protected system files is enabled) and double-click on the Microsoft folder.
- Now open the Windows directory and double-click on the Start Menu folder.
- Then open the Programs directory and double-click on the Startup folder.
Open the Startup Folder for All Users in Windows - You are now in the Startup folder.
The complete path to the Startup folder for All Users will be as under
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
Use the Run Command Box to Open the Startup Folder for the All User
The Startup folder for All Users can also be opened by the Run command box.
Use the ProgramData path
- Right-click Windows and select Run.
- Now execute the following:
%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
Open the Startup Folder of All Users Through the Run Command Box - There you are, in the Startup folder for all users.
Use the Shell Command
You can also use the following shorter cmdlet in the Run command box to open the Startup folder for All Users:
shell:common startup
Remove an Item from the Startup Folder
Removing an item from the Startup folder (either for a particular user or All Users) is a straightforward process, simply delete the application/process/shortcut from the Startup folder.
Add An Item to the Startup Folder
Adding an application/process to the Startup folder of the Windows 10 is a bit trickier process (as compared to the deletion process), as discussed below:
- Open the Startup folder (either for a particular user or All Users) and right-click on the empty area.
- Now hoover over New and select Shortcut.
Create a New Shortcut in the User Startup Folder - Then click on the Browse button and navigate to the folder where the application/process is located. For example, to add Chrome, navigate to the following path and select Chrome.exe:
This PC>> C>> Program Files (x86)>> Google>> Chrome>> Application>>
Browse for the Application to be added in the Startup Folder in the Shortcut Window - Now click on the OK button and in the resulting screen, click on Next.
Add Chrome’s Shortcut to the Startup Folder - Then enter the name of the Shortcut (like Google Chrome) and click on Finish.
Kevin Arrows
Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.
Rick Akura
Learn where the startup folder is located in Windows 11 and 10. Find out how to access it quickly and make changes as needed.
The startup folder in Windows 11/10 is an incredibly useful feature that allows you to launch programs or perform certain tasks when your computer boots up. This feature can save you time and make your computing experience more efficient.
In this article, we will discuss how you can access the startup folder, add and remove items from it, and provide tips on how to customize your startup experience.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Windows Startup Folder?
- Windows 11/10 Startup Folder Location
- How to Find the Startup Folder in Windows 11/10
- Find the Windows Startup Folder With Run
- Find the Windows Startup Folder With File Explorer
- Find the Windows 11 Startup Folder for All Users
- How to Change What Programs Run at Startup in Windows 11/10
- Tips for Customizing Your Startup Experience
What Is the Windows Startup Folder?
The Windows Startup folder in the Windows operating system contains applications that will launch when your computer boots up. Any application or script in this folder will run as soon as you turn on your computer. The startup folder can be accessed from different locations, depending on the version of Windows you’re using.
In older versions of Windows, such as 7 and Vista, you can access it through the Start menu by clicking All Programs > Startup. However, this doesn’t exist in Windows 10 or the latest Windows 11 systems.
A startup folder ensures the programs stored there will automatically run during each boot process and customize certain default configurations for specific software tools. This way, any configuration settings made within those applications don’t have to be done manually every time they are opened but rather once upon system startup or reboot.
Having several applications running upon system start-up can take up unnecessary resources such as RAM memory and CPU power if not used wisely, so it is recommended to only include essential programs inside the startup folder unless necessary otherwise due to specific needs and preferences related to these applications’ overall usage patterns within their respective workflows.
Windows 11/10 Startup Folder Location
Looking for the Startup folder in Windows 11 or 10? Unfortunately, there’s no Start menu shortcut to it. But not to worry! You can easily find it through a few simple steps. Copy and paste this path into your File Explorer address bar, and you’ll be on your way. The Windows 11/10 Startup folder is located in:
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Make sure to replace «username» with your local user or another user on your computer you want to check startup apps for. Once in the Startup folder, you can easily add any application or script you want to run upon system startup. You can also remove applications from this folder if they are no longer needed.
How to Find the Startup Folder in Windows 11/10
You can use several methods to access the Windows 11/10 Startup folder. Let’s take a look at the three most common ways below.
1. Find the Windows Startup Folder With Run
The Run applet is a feature in Windows 11 and 10 that allows users to quickly open applications, launch files, access system settings, search the web, and more. This tool is particularly useful when you know exactly what you want to do but can’t remember how to get there. The Run utility simplifies the process by allowing you to access various tools from one central location.
You can use the Run applet to get to your Startup folder quickly. You need to do this:
-
Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to bring up the Run applet. Here, type «shell:startup» without the quotes, and then hit Enter.
-
The Run applet will immediately open the Startup folder in your File Explorer. You can make changes here, like deleting or adding a shortcut.
-
Alternatively, after pressing the Windows + R keyboard shortcut, you can input “%appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup” without the quotes and press Enter. This will also take you to the Startup folder on your current user.
2. Find the Windows Startup Folder With File Explorer
File Explorer is an application that allows you to browse and manage your files, folders, and drives. The File Explorer contains all the features necessary for working with items on your computer, like creating and deleting files and folders, searching for content within your documents, and copying/pasting items between different locations.
Using File Explorer, you can easily navigate to the Startup folder in Windows 11/10. Here’s what you need to do:
- Open File Explorer from your taskbar or press the Windows + E keyboard shortcut.
-
Before beginning, you must ensure that hidden files and folders are shown in your File Explorer. To do this, click on the three-dot menu in the toolbar, and select «Options» from the context menu.
-
Switch to the «View» tab using the header menus. Here, scroll down until you see «Hidden files and folders.» Click on it once to expand its options, and make sure «Show hidden files, folders, and drives» is enabled.
- Click the Apply button to finalize your changes, then close the window with the OK button.
-
Next, click on the arrow in the File Explorer address bar, and click on the folder with your local username.
-
Open the «AppData» folder. It should look different from a regular folder, as it’s a hidden file you’re not supposed to see by default.
-
Navigate to Roaming > Microsoft > Windows > Start Menu > Programs location, and look for the «Startup» folder. Double-clicking on it will open the folder containing your startup app shortcuts.
3. Find the Windows 11 Startup Folder for All Users
The two methods described above help you locate the Startup folder only for your own user profile. However, some applications install programs for all users, and the shortcuts are then stored in a separate location for the Startup folder.
Here are the steps to locate the «All users» Startup folder location in Windows 11:
-
Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to bring up the Run applet. Here, type «shell:common startup» without the quotes, and then hit Enter.
-
By following this step, you will be able to promptly access the Startup folder for all users on Windows 11.
-
Alternatively, you can also input a path to the Run applet. To do this, copy and paste “%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp” into the Run input field and press Enter to get there.
To put it simply, “C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp” is the location of the Startup folder for all users on Windows 11 and 10.
How to Change What Programs Run at Startup in Windows 11/10
If too many applications run at startup, your device may slow down. You can remove or disable some applications in your Startup folder to prevent this. You can also use Windows 11/10 Task Manager to edit what programs run automatically when you boot up your computer. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the Start menu and choose “Task Manager” from the options. Alternatively, press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard to bring up the Task Manager.
-
Switch to the Startup apps tab.
-
Review all the applications listed. If you see an app you don’t need on startup, click on it once to select it, and click the “Disable” button.
-
If an app you want to start when you boot your system is currently disabled, select it by clicking on it once, then click the “Enable” button.
- Repeat these steps for all applications you want to disable or enable during startup.
Tips for Customizing Your Startup Experience
Now that you know how to access and modify the Startup folder, let’s discuss some other tips on how to customize your startup experience:
- Prioritize essential programs: Only add essential programs for your daily work to the startup folder. Adding too many programs can cause your computer to slow down when it boots up.
- Disable unnecessary startup programs: Go to Task Manager and disable any programs starting when your computer boots up. This will help speed up the boot process.
- Check for changes: After installing new apps, check the Startup folder periodically to ensure nothing has been added without your knowledge.
- Use a third-party tool: Consider using a third-party tool like CCleaner or Autoruns to manage your startup programs. These tools can help you identify and disable unnecessary startup programs.
These tips will help you get the most out of your Windows 11/10 system and maximize your productivity. With a few simple steps, you can customize your computer’s startup experience to fit your needs and keep it running smoothly!
Conclusion
The Startup folder in Windows 11/10 is a handy feature to help you manage and customize your computer’s startup experience. With a few clicks, you can quickly find this folder, add or remove items, and use other helpful tips to get the most out of your system.
This article has been a helpful guide for you to learn about the Startup folder in Windows 11/10. Using the tips and tricks we provided, you’ll be well on your way to having a more efficient and productive computing experience.
Chances are that you open some programs immediately every time you boot up your computer. It’s a waste of time for you to launch them one by one on every boot, which is where the Windows startup folder comes in.
Let’s look at where to find the startup folder in Windows 10 and 11, how it works, and the programs you should and shouldn’t have in it.
What Is the Windows Startup Folder?
The Windows startup folder is a special folder on your computer; any programs you place inside it will automatically run when you start your PC. This lets you start important software all the time, so you don’t have to remember to run it yourself.
Note that Windows 10 and 11 have a separate feature that reopens the apps you last had open when you start up. This is independent of the startup folder, and you can stop Windows from reopening your apps upon rebooting like this if you prefer.
Where Is the Windows Startup Folder Located?
There are actually two startup folders on your computer. One is the personal startup folder for your account, which is located here:
C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
The other startup folder contains programs that automatically run for every user on your computer. You can find this at:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
Since both these folders are pretty buried, Windows includes a pair of shortcuts that makes accessing them much easier. Open a File Explorer window (or the Run dialog by pressing Win + R) and you can enter this into the bar to access your own startup folder:
shell:startup
To access the startup folder for all users, use this instead:
shell:common startup
How to Add a Program to the Startup Folder in Windows
Many programs offer the option to run at startup in their options menu. You should check to see if the software you’d like to run at boot offers this option, since it’s the easiest way to do so.
But if it doesn’t, you can add any program to startup by adding a shortcut to the Windows startup folder. This isn’t difficult to do.
First, locate the executable file for the program you’d like to have run at startup. The easiest way to do this is to type its name into the Start Menu to search for it. Once it pops up, right-click the program and Open file location to open it in File Explorer. From there, right-click the program’s executable and choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
There’s no need to touch the original executable; a shortcut will work just fine. This also allows you to easily delete the shortcut from the startup folder if you ever change your mind.
Next, move to your desktop and locate the shortcut you just created. Open a File Explorer window to your startup folder (or the «all users» startup folder if you prefer). Then simply drag the new shortcut icon from your desktop to the startup folder. You can also cut and paste it using Ctrl + X and Ctrl + V if you prefer.
Once you have a shortcut in the startup folder, you’ll notice that the program opens next time you log in. This saves you the time of opening it manually every time you reboot.
How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows
If you see any programs in either startup folder that you’d rather not have run at boot, simply delete their shortcuts. This won’t delete the programs; just the shortcut that’s used to run at boot.
However, there are other ways to disable startup programs. One of the most important is through the Task Manager, which includes more programs than you’ll find in the startup folder. Disabling some items here can help when your computer is running slowly.
Use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut to open the Task Manager. If you only see a basic list of apps, click the More details link at the bottom to expand to the full Task Manager. Then click the Startup tab along the top.
Here, you’ll see all the programs set to run at startup. You can use the headers to sort by Name, Status, or Startup impact. To prevent one from running, select it and click the Disable button at the bottom.
You can add a few more useful columns to this tab. Right-click anywhere in the header (where you see Name, Publisher, etc.) and you’ll see more available criteria. Two useful ones are Startup type and Command line.
Startup type tells you if a startup program comes from the Registry or a Folder. Most will be Registry, which means that a program set itself to run at startup when you installed it or does so through an option in its settings. Folder means it’s in one of the startup folders reviewed earlier.
The Command line field shows you where a program is located on your PC. This is helpful for figuring out exactly where a program is if you need more information on it. You can jump to this by right-clicking any entry and choosing Open file location.
What Programs Should I Run at Startup?
While some programs are vital to run at startup, others are a waste of your computer’s resources and only contribute to it running slowly. Here are a few to know in both categories.
These programs should run at startup:
- Antivirus software: For your antivirus to do its job, it needs to run all the time.
- Backup software: The best backup is set-and-forget; you don’t want to have to remember to start it every day.
- Cloud storage software: If you actively use Dropbox, Google Drive, and similar tools, you should have them run at startup to ensure your files are always up-to-date.
- Any software you use regularly: Use a clipboard manager to keep track of what you copy and paste? Do you usually browse while connected to a VPN? Any software like that is a good candidate for running at startup.
Conversely, you generally don’t need to run these programs at startup:
- Gaming and chat clients: Unless you only use your PC for these purposes, their heavy load on your boot time isn’t worth instantly appearing online to your friends. Just open them when you’re ready to use them.
- Apple software: iTunes is so lousy that you probably only use it when you have to, and QuickTime hasn’t been supported on Windows for years. You likely don’t need either of these running as soon as you boot up.
- Adobe software: Unless you work in Adobe Creative Cloud apps all day, you don’t need Adobe Reader and similar software running at startup.
- Manufacturer bloatware: Bloatware from HP, Lenovo, and other PC manufacturers probably shows up in your startup programs. None of it is necessary, so you can remove it from startup and even uninstall it.
- Crapware: If you see any toolbars, registry cleaners, or similar garbage, you should uninstall this junk from your PC completely.
If your computer is still slow after removing all this, you may need to try other methods to help Windows boot faster.
Advanced Startup Folder Management in Windows
While the startup folder and task manager let you do a lot with startup programs, advanced users might want to go deeper. We recommend Microsoft’s tool AutoRuns, which lets you manage the startup programs on your PC exactly as you want.
Check out our guide to AutoRuns in Windows for more information.
Be in Control of Your Windows Startup Folder
Now you know how to access and manage the Windows startup folder, can add and remove startup programs, and know which apps you should run at boot. Removing programs you never use from running right away is a great and easy way to boost your PC’s speed, so you should notice some performance benefits from this.
Meanwhile, you might also be interested in learning more about how various components of your computer impact your experience.
Все способы:
- Расположение каталога «Автозагрузка» в Виндовс 10
- Способ 1: Прямой путь к папке
- Способ 2: Команда для окна «Выполнить»
- Управление автозагрузкой приложений
- Заключение
- Вопросы и ответы: 12
«Автозагрузка» или «Startup» — полезная функция Windows, предоставляющая возможность управления автоматическим запуском стандартных и сторонних программ вместе с загрузкой операционной системы. По своей сути это не только интегрированный в ОС инструмент, но и обычное приложение, а значит, у него есть свое расположение, то есть отдельная папка на диске. В нашей сегодняшней статье мы расскажем, где же находится директория «Автозагрузки» и как в нее попасть.
Расположение каталога «Автозагрузка» в Виндовс 10
Как и полагается любому стандартному инструменту, папка «Startup» находится на том же диске, на котором установлена операционная система (чаще всего таковым является C:\). Путь к ней в десятой версии Windows, как и в предшествующих ей, является неизменным, отличается в нем лишь имя пользователя компьютера.
Попасть в директорию «Автозагрузки» можно двумя способами, причем для одного из них даже не потребуется знать точное расположение, а вместе с ним и имя юзера. Рассмотрим все более подробно.
Способ 1: Прямой путь к папке
Каталог «Startup», содержащий в себе все программы, которые запускаются вместе с загрузкой операционной системы, в Виндовс 10 располагается по следующему пути:
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
При этом важно понимать, что буква С – это обозначение диска с установленной Windows, а Username – директория, название которой должно соответствовать имени пользователя ПК.
Для того чтобы попасть в данный каталог, подставьте в указанный нами путь свои значения (например, предварительно скопировав его в текстовый файл) и вставьте полученный результат в адресную строку «Проводника». Для перехода нажмите «ENTER» или указывающую вправо стрелку, расположенную в конце строки.
Если же вы захотите самостоятельно перейти в папку «Автозагрузки», для начала включите отображение скрытых файлов и папок в системе. О том, как это делается, мы рассказывали в отдельной статье.
Подробнее: Включение отображения скрытых элементов в ОС Виндовс 10
Если же вы не хотите запоминать путь, по которому располагается директория «Startup», или считаете такой вариант перехода к ней слишком сложным, рекомендуем ознакомиться со следующей частью данной статьи.
Способ 2: Команда для окна «Выполнить»
Получить мгновенный доступ к практически любому разделу операционной системы, стандартному инструменту или приложению можно посредством окна «Выполнить», предназначенного для ввода и выполнения различных команд. К счастью, существует и возможность быстрого перехода в директорию «Автозагрузки».
- Нажмите «WIN+R» на клавиатуре.
- Введите команду
shell:startup, после чего нажмите «ОК» или «ENTER» для ее выполнения. - Папка «Startup» будет открыта в окне системного «Проводника».
Используя стандартный инструмент «Выполнить» для перехода в каталог «Автозагрузки», вы не только экономите время, но и избавляете себя от необходимости запоминания довольно длинного адреса, по которому он располагается.
Управление автозагрузкой приложений
Если же поставленная перед вами задача заключается не только в переходе к директории «Startup», но и в управлении данной функцией, наиболее простым и удобным в реализации, но все же не единственным, вариантом будет обращение к системным «Параметрам».
- Откройте «Параметры» Windows, нажав левой кнопкой (ЛКМ) мышки по значку шестеренки в меню «Пуск» или воспользовавшись быстрыми клавишами «WIN+I».
- В окне, которое появится перед вами, перейдите в раздел «Приложения».
- В боковом меню кликните ЛКМ по вкладке «Автозагрузка».
Непосредственно в этом разделе «Параметров» вы можете определить то, какие приложения будут запускаться вместе с системой, а какие нет. Узнать более детально о том, какими еще способами можно настроить «Автозагрузку» и в целом эффективно управлять этой функцией, вы можете из отдельных статей на нашем сайте.
Подробнее:
Добавление программ в автозагрузку Виндовс 10
Удаление программ из списка автозагрузки в «десятке»
Заключение
Теперь вы точно знаете, где находится папка «Автозагрузка» на компьютерах, работающих под управлением Windows 10, а также знаете и о том, как можно в нее максимально быстро попасть. Надеемся, данный материал был полезен для вас и по рассмотренной нами теме не осталось вопросов. Если же таковые имеются, смело задавайте их в комментариях.
Наша группа в TelegramПолезные советы и помощь