Where Is the Windows Startup Folder Located?
Windows per user and all users Startup folders, and the shell:startup shortcuts that open them.
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Windows launches whatever sits in the Startup folder at login. Each user has their own, plus one shared all users folder.
Skip typing the full path. Press Win+R, type shell:startup for yours or shell:common startup for all users, and press Enter.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Current user only. The all users twin is %PROGRAMDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup and needs admin rights to modify.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make an app start with Windows?
Put a shortcut to its executable in the Startup folder, not the executable itself. Delete the shortcut to undo it.
Why is my Startup folder change not working?
Modern apps often register through Task Manager, Startup apps instead of the folder. Check there; the folder only covers classic shortcut based autostart.
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