How To Add Programs To Startup (2026)
Right-click the file and select Copy or press Ctrl + C .
In the Task Manager (Startup tab) , check the Startup impact column. Windows will categorize items as "Low," "Medium," or "High." It is advised to keep high-impact apps to a minimum. How to Remove a Program from Startup
As of early 2026, Windows 10 and 11 offer multiple, robust methods to manage these apps, ranging from simple drag-and-drop techniques to more advanced system configurations. how to add programs to startup
Next time you restart, that program will open automatically.
Right-click the app and choose Open file location . If you are on the desktop, simply right-click it and proceed to step 3. Right-click the file and select Copy or press Ctrl + C
Click the Startup apps tab (icon looks like a speedometer).
Browse the list for the program you want to launch. Switch the toggle to On . How to Remove a Program from Startup As
Open shell:startup via Win + R and delete the shortcut. If you'd like to optimize further, I can help you: Identify which startup items are slowing down your PC. Remove unwanted background processes. Add specific websites to launch at startup. Let me know which of these you'd like to do next.
Task Manager is great for managing existing startup items, but it only lets you enable/disable programs that already have a startup entry.
Configure Startup applications in Windows - Microsoft Support
Only use this if you need more control or the other methods don’t work.