How To Add Programs To Startup Windows 11 Updated Jun 2026

Identify which programs are causing the highest . Guide you through clearing temporary files . Check for background services that can be disabled.

To see exactly how many seconds these apps are adding to your life, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and go to the tab. Look for the "Last BIOS time" in the top right—this is the definitive measurement of your hardware's efficiency before Windows even starts loading. If you'd like to optimize further, I can help you: Identify which "High Impact" apps are safe to disable. Create a script to launch apps with a specific time delay. Troubleshoot a program that refuses to start automatically. Which of these would be most helpful for your workflow ?

Right-click on any application listed and select Enable or Disable . Method 4: Configuring Startup Inside Specific Apps

The modern way, recommended by Microsoft for the "updated" Windows 11 experience. how to add programs to startup windows 11 updated

Limit "High Impact" programs to keep your computer booting quickly.

After the 2024 Update, User Account Control (UAC) may delay startup items by a few seconds.

If the program status reads Disabled , right-click it and select (or highlight it and click the Enable button in the top toolbar). Identify which programs are causing the highest

How to Add Programs to Startup in Windows 11 (2026 Updated Guide)

Type shell:startup and click OK . This opens the personal startup folder for your user account. Add Your Program:

Here’s a quick recap of your options:

Alternatively, open the folder using and delete the shortcut, as described in Method 1. Pro-Tips for Optimized Startup

The next time you restart or log into Windows 11, that program will launch automatically.

This method works for applications that have a built-in startup task registered with Windows. Start menu and select Navigate to To see exactly how many seconds these apps

Windows 11 now includes (SAC). If your program is unsigned or unrecognized, SAC may silently block it at startup.

Here’s the crucial update – the Settings app only allows you to toggle ON/OFF programs that are already registered to start automatically. You cannot add a new program directly from here.