In modern versions of Windows, the traditional “Startup Folder” has been largely replaced by the Task Manager and the Registry. However, the physical Startup folder still exists deep within the hidden AppData directory. Any application shortcut you manually drop into this folder will automatically launch the moment you sign into your user account.
If you want to force a portable app, a custom batch script, or a specific Excel spreadsheet to open automatically every morning when you turn on your PC, the Startup folder is the easiest way to achieve this. However, because it is buried inside hidden system folders, navigating to it manually via File Explorer is tedious.
How to View the Windows 11 Startup Folder
You can instantly jump to the hidden folder using a special shell command in the Run dialog.
- Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- In the text box, type the following exact command:
shell:startup - Press Enter.
- File Explorer will instantly open to your personal startup folder. The actual path is:
C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
To make an application launch automatically, simply right-click its .exe file or shortcut on your desktop, select “Copy,” and then “Paste” it into this Startup folder. If you want a program to launch for every user on the computer (not just you), open the Run dialog again and type shell:common startup. This opens the system-wide startup folder, which requires administrator privileges to modify.