How To Add Exe File To Startup Windows 11 Jun 2026

In the left sidebar, navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Step 3: Create a New String Value

To ensure the app runs as Administrator, find your newly created task in the Task Scheduler Library, right-click it, select Properties , check the box Run with highest privileges , and click OK .

A File Explorer window will open directly to the designated Startup folder. Cut or copy the shortcut file you created in Step 1, and paste it directly into this directory.

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If you used Method 1 or Method 3, simply navigate back to the Startup folder or Registry path and delete the shortcut or string key you created.

Restart your computer to verify that the application launches automatically on boot.

How to Add EXE File to Startup Windows 11 You can add an EXE file to the Windows 11 startup folder by placing a shortcut of the file inside the dedicated system Startup folder. In the left sidebar, navigate to the following

Modifying the Windows Registry is a powerful method favored by system administrators. It ensures that the application launches early in the boot cycle, independent of human interaction with File Explorer folders.

This comprehensive guide covers the three most effective ways to add any EXE file to your Windows 11 startup routine, along with troubleshooting tips to manage them.

Open the Windows dialog box by pressing the Win + R key combination. Type exactly shell:startup into the text field. This public link is valid for 7 days

Navigate to the folder containing the EXE file you want to launch. Right-click the EXE file, select , and click Create shortcut . Step 4: Move the Shortcut

Note: To apply this change to every user profile on the machine instead of just your account, type shell:common startup into the Run dialog box during Step 2. This requires administrative privileges.

and place the shortcut there (requires admin rights).