How to make a program run at startup (without using Startup folder)?


  1. Posts : 116
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #1

    How to make a program run at startup (without using Startup folder)?


    In nearly 20 years of using Windows, I've never needed to make a program run at startup, so I have always deleted the "Startup" folder because it has always been redundant and I like my "All Programs" folder to be as neat as possible so I can quickly find what I'm looking for.

    However, today for the first time I have 1 program I need to make startup when Windows boots.

    So could anyone tell me how to enable the Startup folder once again? Or better still, is there some way to make my program launch on startup without using the Startup folder - like normal programs do?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Marty, :)

    Type shell:startup in the Run dialog (Win+R) to see if it may open your Startup folder.

    Startup Programs - Change
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  3. Posts : 116
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thank you Shawn. :) Typing shell:startup didn't work, but after reading the guide you linked to, I found the location where the startup folder is meant to be, and created a new folder, restarted my machine, and the shortcut ran at startup. So it works, thank you. :)

    I just wish I could get the program to run at startup without Startup folder. It clutters up my All Programs folder.
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  4. Posts : 4,776
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #4

    I'm not expert on this but on my machine I have a couple of programs that are run on startup by adding them to Task Scheduler.

    The problem is that I use certain softwares in order to:

    1) Run the programs elevated (no UAC prompt)
    2) Delay startup to give everything else a chance to load first

    How to make a program run at startup (without using Startup folder)?-taskscheduler-1.jpg

    How to make a program run at startup (without using Startup folder)?-autorun.jpg

    So what I'm saying is that it should be possible using Task Scheduler. The only problem is that I don't use the standard method.

    Also the program may need to be launched from an Elevated Shortcut.

    Maybe another member can post instructions?

    If not maybe I can figure it out.
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  5. Posts : 4,776
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #5

    I found this tutorial although instructions might need to be modified slightly depending on the program you want to launch.

    Task Scheduler - Create New Task

    Here's a better tutorial by Brink:

    Task - Create to Run a Program at Startup and Log On
    Last edited by Callender; 02 May 2016 at 09:01. Reason: add info
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 116
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Callender said:
    I'm not expert on this but on my machine I have a couple of programs that are run on startup by adding them to Task Scheduler.
    Thank you so much for this! This is just what I needed! :)

    This is such a great forum, thank you both for your help and God bless you :)
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  7. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #7

    I'm glad we could help Marty. :)
      My Computer


 

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