{"id":8277,"date":"2024-03-22T18:37:03","date_gmt":"2024-03-22T18:37:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/?p=8277"},"modified":"2025-10-13T21:43:23","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T21:43:23","slug":"where-is-windows-10-startup-folder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/where-is-windows-10-startup-folder\/","title":{"rendered":"Where\u2019s the Windows 10 Startup Folder Located?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Startup folder ensures startup applications are not an exclusive class of programs on Windows 10. You can add your work and favorite programs to the startup list if they were not there by default.<\/p>\n

This article tells you everything about the Windows Startup folder, including where it is located and how to add new applications.<\/p>\n

What Is the Startup Folder?<\/h2>\n

The Windows Startup folder is a designated location for shortcuts to programs that automatically start when you log into your computer. It allows you to force Windows to launch important programs once you log in, saving you time and improving your productivity.<\/p>\n

Many desktop apps do not go to the Startup list in the Settings application or Task Manager <\/a> Startup tab when they are installed. That means you can\u2019t turn on a switch to make them launch when Windows boots. Adding them to the Startup folder adds them to the startup list.<\/p>\n

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Why Manage the Windows Startup Folder?<\/h2>\n

Managing the Startup folder means keeping the Windows startup list as clean as possible. The folder affords you control over which additional apps can appear on the list. That way, you can add only necessary programs, instead of having a long and cluttered list of startup applications.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s important to note that the Startup folder does not contain default startup applications. It is empty until you add shortcuts yourself. Meanwhile, there are startup items under the Task Manager Startup tab and the Settings application\u2019s Startup page. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n

Which Programs Are Located in the Startup Folder<\/h2>\n

Typically, the Startup folder contains shortcuts to applications that you intend to run at login. You can add just about any application\u2019s shortcut to the folder.<\/p>\n

You may notice that some applications are already on the startup list in the Settings app and Task Manager but not in the Startup folder. These programs were added to the Windows Registry as startup apps during installation.<\/p>\n

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Important<\/div>\r\n\t
It\u2019s advisable to add certain programs, such as your antivirus program and critical work apps, to the Startup folder if they are not already on the Settings and Task Manager startup list. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n

The Startup folder is just like any regular Windows folder, without stringent restrictions like the System32 folder <\/a>. You can easily access it as long as you have administrator access.<\/p>\n

There are two main startup folders in Windows: for the current user and every user.<\/p>\n