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To make an app open automatically when you sign in to Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Apps > Startup and switch the app on. If it is not listed, add a shortcut to the Startup folder for your account or for everyone who uses the PC.
Turn on an app listed in Startup
Windows’ Startup controls determine which apps launch automatically when you sign in. They do not control every process that runs during the computer’s boot sequence. Microsoft documents the Settings and Task Manager methods as two ways to configure the same startup-app list.
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- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Startup.
- Find the app and switch it On. Switch it Off to stop it launching at sign-in.
- If an entry has a chevron beside it, select it to see any additional settings the app provides.
Use Task Manager to see startup impact
Task Manager provides another way to enable or disable listed apps, along with startup-impact details.
- Right-click Start and choose Task Manager.
- Open Startup apps.
- Select the app, then choose Enable or Disable.
Microsoft describes the impact labels using these CPU and disk thresholds in its startup-app guidance:
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- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- None: The app is disabled.
- Not measured: The app is enabled, but impact data is not available.
- Low: Total CPU usage is under 300 milliseconds and total disk usage is under 292 KB.
- Medium: Total CPU usage is more than 300 milliseconds but under 1 second, or total disk usage is more than 292 KB but under 3 MB.
- High: Total CPU usage is over 1 second or total disk usage is over 3 MB.
These labels describe Microsoft’s thresholds, not how many seconds disabling an app will save on your particular PC. The effect on startup speed and overall performance depends on the device and what else is running. Microsoft notes that startup apps can affect both; see its Windows 11 performance guidance.
Add an app that is missing from the list
For an app that does not appear under Settings > Apps > Startup, Microsoft documents adding its shortcut to a Startup folder.
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- Right-click Start, choose Run, enter
shell:appsfolder, and press Enter. This opens a window of installed applications; leave it open. - Open Run again. Enter
shell:startupfor your account only, orshell:common startupto apply the shortcut for all users of the device. Press Enter. - Drag the app from the installed-applications window into the Startup folder window. Windows will use the shortcut there to launch the app when the applicable user signs in.
The current-user folder is %userprofile%AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsStartup. The all-users folder is %ProgramData%MicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsStartup. To stop this folder-based entry from launching, remove its shortcut from the folder.
Startup launch and background permissions are different
Adding an app to Startup makes it launch at sign-in. Background-app permissions instead govern whether supported apps can continue activities such as syncing or sending notifications while you are not using them. Microsoft says desktop apps do not appear in the background-app list and are not affected by that setting; check the desktop app’s own settings for its background behavior. See Microsoft’s background-activity guidance.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Fix a missing or nonworking startup entry
Settings says it cannot find the app
If Settings displays “We couldn’t find this app,” Microsoft lists possible causes including an app installed on a removable or network drive, a missing or invalid path, or an app that has been uninstalled. Inspect the entry’s file path or registry location. If the app has been removed, reinstalling it may resolve the entry.
Use registry edits only with care
Startup entries may also be stored in these registry Run locations:
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
HKLMSoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunHKLMSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunHKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
Microsoft warns that registry changes can have unintended consequences and recommends care and a backup. For ordinary startup setup, use Settings, Task Manager, or the Startup-folder method instead.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Do not use recovery startup options for this
Startup Settings in the Windows Recovery Environment is for troubleshooting boot options such as Safe Mode. It is unrelated to choosing which everyday apps open after sign-in.
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Clean boot is for diagnosing conflicts
A clean boot helps isolate conflicts involving apps or services; it is not the routine way to add one app to sign-in startup. Microsoft warns that some functionality may be temporarily unavailable during the procedure and advises using advanced System Configuration options only with guidance from a Microsoft support engineer. Follow Microsoft’s clean-boot instructions if you are diagnosing a problem.
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