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How to Add or Remove Apps From Startup on Windows 11?

Windows 11 Add/Remove Apps From Startup

As you may already know, there are certain applications in Windows 11 that start automatically as soon as you boot the operating system to ensure optimal work efficiency. While some applications are necessary to be started on boot as they provide some useful features, there is also various bloatware that consumes battery and resources unnecessarily as a result of an automatic startup. Fortunately, Windows 11 allows you to add or remove startup apps as per your preferences to help make your user experience more personalized.

How To Add Startup Apps in Windows 11?

There’s a dedicated folder named “Startup” located on the Start menu as well as the registry of your operating system. These locations allow you to add or remove apps that you’d like to start automatically on boot. However, keep in mind that the changes made in these locations are applicable only to the current user profile of your operating system. There are even dedicated settings options and task manager preferences available in Windows 11 that allow you to enable or disable auto-startup apps. Here’s a comprehensive look at all the available options to add startup apps in Windows 11:

1. Add Applications to The Startup Folder

The most straightforward way to enable an app to start automatically is by placing its shortcut icon in the “Startup” folder. Usually, this folder is located at C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing the same:

  • Press the Win + R key together on your keyboard to launch the “Run” utility and search for “shell: startup” in the input field available. Hit the enter key to launch the startup folderRun - Shell Startup - Windows 11
  • Copy your desired application’s shortcut and paste it into this folder. Additionally, you can also simply drag and drop the shortcut while pressing and holding the “Alt” key on your keyboard to allow the app to run automatically on startupWindows 11 Startup Folder
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Once you’ve successfully pasted the shortcut in the “Startup” folder, it will automatically launch when you boot your system next time. You can also add apps to the “Startup” folder using the registry editor tool on your Windows 11.

2. Add Applications in Registry Editor

Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to make several tweaks in your operating system as per your preferences. It also allows you to add or remove startup apps in your Windows 11. Follow the steps given below to do so:

  • Access the “Registry Editor” tool by pressing the Win + R key together and typing “Regedit” in the input field available, followed by hitting the enter key on your keyboardRun - Regedit Windows 11
  • Navigate to the location “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run” inside the registry editor through the navigational menu on the left. This should reveal the existing startup apps available for the current userWindows 11 Register Entry for CurrentVersion Run
  • Right-click anywhere to reveal a floating menu and choose the “New” submenu, followed by clicking on the “String Value” optionAdd New String Value - Registry Entry
  • Now, you’ll be asked to specify value name and data, where you have to specify the name and the location of your desired application respectively

Simply repeat the process for all the applications that you’d like to run on startup. The next time you boot your computer, these applications should be launched automatically. This is also applicable only for the currently logged-in user of the OS.

3. Add Startup Apps for All Users

Windows 11 also allows you to add certain startup apps for all the user profiles available on the OS. While the process is almost the same as earlier, the only difference lies in the target folder, where you have to place the shortcut icon. Here are the required steps that you need to follow:

  • Press the Win + R key on your keyboard to access the “Run” tool and type “shell: common startup” in the input field, followed by hitting the enter key on your keyboardShell Common Startup - Windows 11
  • A folder named “Startups” will open where you have to either copy-paste or drag and drop the shortcut of your preferred app that you want to start automatically. In case you encounter any prompt, simply click on the “Continue” button to proceedStartups - Windows 11
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Alternatively, you can also do the same process with the registry editor tool. Now when you’ve learned everything about adding apps for auto-startup, let us take a look at how to remove unwanted apps from auto-startup.

How To Remove Startup Apps in Windows 11?

Whether you’ve added auto-startup apps through the “Startup” folder or registry editor tool, it is pretty easy to prevent these apps from starting automatically through a variety of methods. Here are some of the most efficient ways to remove startup apps in Windows 11:

1. Remove Apps from Startup Folder

  • Access file explorer on your operating system by pressing the Win + E key together
  • Navigate to the location “C:\Users\Your user name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup” to find the “Startup” folder. Alternatively, you can also use the command “shell: Startup” on the run tool to access the location fasterWindows 11 Startup Folder
  • When you’ve accessed the folder, remove any app shortcut that you don’t want to launch automatically
  • In case you’ve configured an app to launch on boot for all users, you have to access the “Common Startup” folder by using the “Shell: Common Startup” command.

2. Remove Apps from Registry Editor

Access the registry editor tool through the aforementioned steps and navigate to the “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run” location, and then follow the steps given below:

  • Locate the value of the app that you want to prevent from starting automatically on the left-hand side and right-click on it to proceed
  • From the floating menu choose the “Delete” option to proceed
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Close the registry editor once you’ve removed all the unwanted apps from the startup folder and you’re done. This is how you can easily prevent apps from starting automatically without any hassles.

Bottom Line

Along with Windows 11, almost every OS allows users to add or remove apps from auto-startup. The methods given above are tried and tested to ensure that you only gain access to insights that work. Therefore, go ahead and personalize your user experience right away.

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