How to Find and Manage the Windows Startup Folder for All Users - Make Tech Easier

Whenever you start your PC, Windows automatically launches programs designated to open alongside the operating system. These programs are managed via a startup folder on your Windows PC. In this guide, we'll explore how to locate the Windows 11/10 Startup Folder and manage its contents for both all users and the currently signed-in user.

Table of Contents

• Finding the Windows Startup Folder in File Explorer
• Finding the Windows Startup Folder Programs from Task Manager
• Finding Windows Startup Folder Programs from Command Prompt
• Finding Startup Programs in the Registry
• Adding Programs to the Startup Folder in Windows 11/10
• Removing Programs from the Startup Folder in Windows 11/10
• Delaying the Loading of Windows Startup Programs
• Frequently Asked Questions

Also read: How to Obtain a List of All Software Installed on a Windows System

Locating the Windows Startup Folder in Windows 11/10

Locating the Windows Startup folder is straightforward, with several methods available. We'll cover how to find startup apps using Windows utilities like File Explorer, Task Manager, Command Prompt, and Registry Editor.

Also read: Windows Environment Variables: An Extensive Guide

Finding the Windows Startup Folder in File Explorer

Windows features two types of startup folders: one for all users and another for the user currently logged in. You can easily locate both folder paths using File Explorer.

To find the startup folder path for the current user in Windows 11/10, navigate to: C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.

The Windows 11/10 Startup folder for all users is found at: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp

Instead of browsing through these long paths, you can quickly open the Run box with Win R, enter shell:common startup, and it will take you directly to the folder for all users.

For the current user's Startup folder, type shell:startup after pressing Win R.

Upon entering the Startup folder, you might be surprised to find it empty. Programs that automatically start with Windows are typically managed through the Task Manager, not directly in these folders. You can manually add shortcuts to programs here, as described later, to have them launch at startup. However, apps added by third-party software or Windows 11/10 are controlled via the Task Manager.

Also read: How to Sort Folders by Size in Windows

Finding the Windows Startup Folder Programs from Task Manager

The Startup folder might be empty because its role has been largely taken over by the Task Manager, Registry, Command Prompt, and other system applications. This is why some startup programs can't be found directly in File Explorer.

1. To view these in the Task Manager, press Ctrl Shift Esc and select the Startup tab.
2. Here, you can manage your startup programs by right-clicking to enable or disable them as needed.

Some startup programs in the Task Manager may have a greyed-out "open file location" option. For the exact location of these startup files, consider the following methods.

Finding Windows Startup Folder Programs from Command Prompt

You can locate programs in the Startup Folder using the Windows Command Prompt or the new Windows Terminal.

1. Open either tool in Admin mode and type the following command:

<code>wmic startup get caption,command</code>

2. This command will list all your startup applications and their exact paths.
3. Once you know their locations, you can easily find these startup apps in File Explorer.

Also read: How to Add Portable Apps to Windows Startup

Finding Startup Programs in the Registry

If you can't find unwanted startup programs through the methods above, the Windows registry is another place to look.

1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win R and typing regedit.
2. Navigate to the following path to see all startup programs:

<code>Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run</code>

3. Identify the startup programs you couldn't disable from the Task Manager. Right-click to remove them from AutoStart.

4. To find system apps on startup, replace “HKEY_CURRENT_USER” with “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” and follow a similar path to find entries like “RealTek Audio” and “Windows Security Health systray.exe.”

Be cautious about removing essential programs like your primary browser or RealTek Audio.

These methods will help you locate any startup folders on your computer, even those that appear disabled or hidden.

Also read: How to Get a List of All Software Installed on a Windows System

Managing the Windows 11/10 Startup Folder

You can manage the Startup folder in various ways: adding or removing programs, delaying their loading, and adjusting their launch sequence to some extent.

Adding Programs to the Startup Folder in Windows 11/10

To add programs to your Windows startup, the quickest method is to place a shortcut of the app in the Windows 11/10 Startup Folder.

1. Click the Start button and use the search to find the program or application.
2. Choose “Open file location” to go to the File Explorer location where the app shortcut is stored.

3. Open the Startup folder by pressing Win R and typing shell:startup.
4. Drag or copy-paste the program shortcut into the Startup Folder.

Removing Programs from the Startup Folder in Windows 11/10

To prevent apps from launching at startup, navigate to the Startup Folder using Win R followed by shell:startup. Identify the program you wish to remove, right-click, and select “Delete.”

Some program files won't be visible in the Startup Folder. Alternatively, you can remove programs from your Windows startup by going to “Startup apps” via the search menu, where you can disable unnecessary programs during Windows boot.

Delaying the Loading of Windows Startup Programs

If too many startup programs are slowing down your Windows device, you can delay their loading either individually or collectively. Consider using a lightweight GitHub application called LaunchLater, which is safe and less than 2 MB in size.

1. On the download page, click “Code” and then “download ZIP” to get the program’s ZIP file.

2. Unzip the file using an app like 7-Zip and run the “setup program.”

3. Follow the installation instructions until LaunchLater is set up on your computer.

4. Open the installed app and select “Import startup items” to list all your Windows startup apps.
5. Choose the programs you want to delay and click “Import selected.”
6. Set a delay time in seconds or minutes for each app, then click “Save” to apply your settings.

Windows no longer allows changing the launch order of startup programs through its built-in options. However, LaunchLater can help introduce slight delays in seconds for individual app launches.

Another tool for managing startup delays in Windows 11/10 is Startup Delayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which programs should be in the Windows startup menu?

The choice is personal, but consider including these essential programs in your Windows startup menu:

• RealTek High Definition Audio Driver: Essential for audio functionality, avoiding the need to configure sound settings each login.
• Your Primary Browser: For quick internet access, it's beneficial to have your preferred browser start automatically.

Many other seemingly important startup apps can be safely disabled from the Startup location, including the Windows Defender Icon, Skype, Send to OneNote, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.

2. How do I remove the startup delay in Windows 11/10?

To eliminate any startup delay between Windows boot and app launching, use a registry hack called “Serialize”. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Open the Run box with Win R and type regedit.
2. Navigate to:

<code>Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer</code>

3. Create a new key named “Serialize” and within it, another key called “StartupDelayInMSec”. Set its D-Word 32 value to 0.
4. Restart your PC to apply the changes and remove the delay.

To avoid corrupt programs in your Startup menu, always download from trusted websites. If you encounter issues, refer to this list of solutions for common Windows problems.

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