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Adding Programs and Apps to the Startup Folder in Windows 10

Summary: How to add apps to the startup folder in Windows 10 using simple steps and commands. Optimize startup programs for a faster boot and know the use of the shell startup command.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Instructions

 

Add apps to startup in Windows 10.

 

  1. You must create a shortcut of the app that you would like to add to start up. Drag and drop the app from the Start Menu to the desktop the shortcut of that app is created on the desktop.

    Creating a Desktop shortcut
    Figure 1: Creating a Desktop shortcut

    Desktop Shortcut
    Figure 2: Desktop Shortcut

  2. Open Run command box by pressing the Windows logo + R keys. In the Run command field, type shell: Startup and then press Enter key to open Startup folder.

    Run Command Box
    Figure 3: Run Command Box

  3. Copy and paste the app shortcut from the desktop to this Startup folder and the app is added to startup.

    Startup Folder
    Figure 4: Startup Folder

Affected Products

Chromebox, Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Chromebook , G Series, Alienware, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Latitude Tablets, Surface, XPS Tablets ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000124550
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 07 May 2025
Version:  11
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