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Where Is the Startup Folder Located in Windows 11/10

Geeksdigit Team

October 4, 2025

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When you start your Windows computer, some applications automatically launch as soon as you sign in. These programs might include antivirus software, cloud backup tools, chat applications, or productivity utilities. They are part of what Windows calls startup programs. Knowing where the startup folder is located in Windows 11 or Windows 10 is essential if you want to control which apps start automatically each time you log into your PC.

This guide explains in detail where the startup folder is located, how to open it, how to add or remove programs, and other methods to manage startup applications effectively. It is written in simple language to help both beginners and experienced users.

Understanding the Startup Folder in Windows

The startup folder is a specific directory that Windows checks each time you log in to your account. Any shortcut placed inside this folder is executed automatically when the system boots. It acts like an auto-launch list that tells Windows which programs to start without user interaction.

There are two main types of startup folders in both Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. A folder for individual user accounts
2. A folder that applies to all users on the computer

Each of these serves a different purpose depending on how you want programs to behave during startup.

User-Specific Startup Folder

The user-specific startup folder applies only to the currently logged-in user account. If you add a shortcut here, it will affect only your profile and not other users on the same computer. This folder is ideal for launching personal applications such as messaging apps, browsers, or productivity tools that you need each time you log in.

The path to the user-specific startup folder is:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

For example, if your Windows username is John, the full path would be:

C:\Users\John\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

The “AppData” folder is hidden by default, so you may need to enable the display of hidden items to access it.

System-Wide Startup Folder (All Users)

The second type is the system-wide or all users startup folder. Programs placed in this folder will start automatically for every user who signs in to the computer. It is typically used by administrators to configure global startup applications such as antivirus tools, backup software, or system utilities that should run for all accounts.

The path to the system-wide startup folder is:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

You usually need administrative privileges to modify the contents of this folder. Any shortcuts here will apply universally across all profiles.

Difference Between the Two Startup Folders

While both folders perform the same function of auto-launching applications, they differ in scope and permission levels. The table below explains their differences clearly:

Understanding this distinction is crucial because adding shortcuts to the wrong folder could either make a program run for everyone or not at all.

How to Access the Startup Folder in Windows 11/10

There are several different ways to access the startup folder. You can use File Explorer, the Run dialog box, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. Each method works the same in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Method 1: Using the Run Command

The Run dialog box provides the fastest way to open the startup folders directly without navigating through multiple directories.

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. To open the user-specific startup folder, type the following command and press Enter: shell:startup
3. To open the system-wide startup folder for all users, type:

shell:common startup

1. Windows will immediately open the corresponding folder in File Explorer.

This method is convenient and quick, especially for users who need to access the folder frequently.

Method 2: Using File Explorer Manually

If you prefer navigating manually, you can open the folder directly through File Explorer.

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

In the address bar, enter one of the following paths: For the current user:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

For all users:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Press Enter to open the folder.

If the “AppData” folder is hidden, go to the View tab in File Explorer, then select “Hidden items” to make it visible.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt can also be used to open the startup folder.

Press Windows + S, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

Type the following command for the user-specific startup folder:

start shell:startup

Or, for the all-users startup folder

start shell:common startup

Press Enter and the folder will open immediately in File Explorer.

This is useful if you are already working in the Command Prompt and want to navigate quickly.

Method 4: Using Windows PowerShell or Terminal

Windows PowerShell provides another way to open these folders.

Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell or Terminal from the menu.

Type the following command for the user-specific folder:

Start-Process shell:startup

Or, for all users:

Start-Process shell:common startup

Press Enter to open the folder.

This method is particularly useful for administrators and advanced users who prefer command-based navigation.

How to Add Programs to the Startup Folder

Once you open the startup folder, you can easily add any program to launch automatically when you log in. You just need to create a shortcut to the application’s executable file inside the folder.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the startup folder using any of the methods mentioned above.
2. Right-click inside the folder and choose New > Shortcut.
3. When the Create Shortcut wizard appears, click Browse and locate the program’s executable file (for example, Chrome, Notepad, or Microsoft Edge).
4. Select the file, click Next, and then click Finish.
5. The shortcut will appear inside the startup folder.

The next time you sign in to Windows, the program will start automatically.

Example: Adding Google Chrome to the Startup Folder

To make Google Chrome launch automatically on startup:

1. Open the Run dialog box using Windows + R and type shell:startup.
2. Right-click inside the folder and select New > Shortcut.
3. Browse to the Chrome installation folder, typically located at: C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
4. Select it, click Next, and then Finish.

Chrome will now launch automatically each time you log in.

How to Remove Programs from the Startup Folder

If too many applications start automatically, your computer’s boot time can increase. Removing unnecessary programs from the startup folder can improve performance.

To remove a program:

1. Open the startup folder using the shell:startup command.
2. Identify the shortcut of the program you do not want to start automatically.
3. Right-click on the shortcut and choose Delete.

The next time you restart your system, that program will no longer start automatically. Note that this action only removes the shortcut from the startup folder; it does not uninstall the application.

Managing Startup Programs Without Using the Folder

In addition to using the startup folder, Windows offers other ways to manage startup programs through built-in tools. These include the Task Manager, the Settings app, and the System Registry (for advanced users).

Managing Startup Programs via Task Manager

Task Manager provides an easy and visual way to enable or disable startup applications.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. If you see only a small window, click More details at the bottom.
3. Select the Startup tab.
4. You will see a list of programs that start with Windows, along with their status and startup impact.
5. To disable a program, right-click it and choose Disable. To enable it again, right-click and select Enable.

This method is simple and does not require you to navigate to any folders. It is the safest option for managing startup items.

Managing Startup Apps from Windows Settings

Windows 11 and Windows 10 both provide an option to manage startup programs directly from the Settings app.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on Apps in the left-hand panel.
3. Select Startup from the options.
4. You will see a list of all startup applications with toggle switches next to them.
5. To disable a program, turn its switch off. To enable it, turn the switch on.

This interface is user-friendly and designed for less technical users who prefer visual controls instead of manual folders.

Using the Windows Registry (Advanced Users Only)

The Windows Registry also contains entries that define which programs launch at startup. Editing the registry should be done carefully, as incorrect changes can affect system performance or stability.

To view or modify startup entries through the registry:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to one of the following paths: For the current user: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run For all users: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
3. Each entry in the right panel represents a startup program.
4. To remove a program, right-click the entry and select Delete.
5. To add a new one, right-click on an empty space, select New > String Value, name it, and enter the program’s path as its data.

This method is intended for advanced users or administrators and should be approached with caution.

Summary

The startup folder in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is a simple yet powerful feature that allows users to control which applications launch automatically when they log in. There are two main folders: one for the current user and another for all users.

• User-specific folder path:
  C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• All-users folder path:
  C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

You can open these folders using the Run dialog (shell:startup or shell:common startup), File Explorer, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. Adding or removing program shortcuts here directly affects which apps start automatically.

In addition to the startup folder, Windows provides built-in management options through Task Manager and the Settings app. For advanced configurations, the Registry Editor offers more control.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and managing your startup folders is an essential part of keeping your computer optimized. By knowing where these folders are located and how to use them effectively, you can ensure that only the applications you need start automatically, improving system performance and reducing clutter.

Whether you are using Windows 11 or Windows 10, the startup folder remains one of the most direct and effective tools to control application behavior at login. Keeping your startup list clean and organized will help maintain a fast, responsive, and reliable computing experience.