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How to Add Items to the Windows 10 Startup Folder

How-to
By published

Easily add a shortcut pointing to the executable file for any program on your computer.

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In Windows 10, the Startup folder houses shortcuts to programs that need to start when Windows boots. Once you know the location of the folder, you can easily add a shortcut pointing to the executable file for any program on your computer.   

1. In the File Explorer, paste the path.

C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\startup.
Note: replace {username} with the username for your computer.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

2. Right-click in the blank space to open the context menu.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

3. Click New, to create a new shortcut.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

4. Click Shortcut.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

5. In the Create Shortcut dialogue box click Browse to find the file.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

6. Select the executable file.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

7. Click OK.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

8. Click Next.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

9. Name the shortcut so that you know what it is for.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

10. Click Finish.

(Image credit: Microsoft)
Bryan Clark

Bryan covers everything you need to know about Windows, social media, and the internet at large for Laptop Mag. Thanks to his extensive knowledge of operating systems and some of the most popular software out there, Bryan has written hundreds of helpful guides, including tips related to Windows 11 drivers, upgrading to a newer version of the OS, editing in Microsoft Photos, or rearranging pages in Google Docs.