How to Add Programs to Startup Windows 10
Adding programs to the startup list on Windows 10 can greatly enhance your productivity by ensuring that your favorite applications launch automatically when your computer boots up. This feature is particularly useful for programs that you use regularly, such as email clients, messaging apps, or productivity tools. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to add programs to the startup list on Windows 10.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
The first step in adding a program to the startup list is to open Task Manager. There are several ways to do this:
1. Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` to open Task Manager directly.
2. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the context menu.
3. Press `Windows + R`, type “taskmgr” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the Startup Tab
Once Task Manager is open, click on the “Startup” tab. This tab displays a list of all the programs that are currently set to run at startup, along with their startup impact on system performance.
Step 3: Add a Program to Startup
To add a program to the startup list, follow these steps:
1. Click on the “Open file location” button at the bottom of the Task Manager window. This will open the folder containing the selected program.
2. In the folder, find the executable file (usually with an extension like .exe) of the program you want to add to startup.
3. Right-click on the executable file and select “Create shortcut” from the context menu.
4. A new shortcut will be created in the same folder. Right-click on the shortcut and select “Properties” from the context menu.
5. In the Properties window, go to the “Shortcut” tab.
6. In the “Target” field, you will see the path to the executable file followed by a space. Add the following text to the end of the target path: `” -start”` (without the quotes).
7. Click “OK” to save the changes.
8. Drag the shortcut you created to the Task Manager’s “Startup” tab and drop it into the list.
Step 4: Confirm Changes
After adding the program to the startup list, you will be prompted to confirm the changes. Click “Yes” to proceed.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
To apply the changes, restart your computer. Once your computer boots up, the selected program will launch automatically at startup.
Conclusion
Adding programs to the startup list on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can save you time and improve your workflow. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily add your favorite applications to the startup list and enjoy a more seamless computing experience.
