While a number of apps you install on Windows 10 feature an option to launch automatically when your computer loads, you can also configure any app whether the option is available or not by simply adding its shortcut to the Startup folder.
Also, you're not just limited to desktop applications. You can set Windows Store apps to start automatically as well as files, folders, and websites.
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In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to automatically launch apps, files, folders, and websites on startup to speed up your daily tasks.
- Oct 22, 2012 This will make the app or action of choice launch but not be visible on your screen at start up. It’ll make the application available to you but save any visual clutter that may occur. This is a great way to clean up and speed up your start up, as some installed apps make a special effort to get your attention by defaulting to launch at login.
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- Jul 24, 2017 If you want an app to start maximized, just click the maximize button, and then the app will remember the window size. Up until now, Microsoft had contracted the OS work out to third-party.
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How to launch apps on startup
If you work with the same apps or launch the same websites on a regular basis, then use these steps to get them started automatically as you sign in to your Windows 10 account:
- Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
- Type the following command to open the Startup folder and press Enter:
shell:startup
- Click OK.
- Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
- Type the following command to open the Applications folder, which contains shortcuts of all your installed applications (including Windows Store apps), and press Enter:
shell:AppsFolder
- Click OK.
- Snap the Applications folder to the left, and the Startup folder to the right.
- Select the app you want from the Applications folders and drag and drop to the Startup folder.
- Repeat step No. 8 for all the applications you want to launch after signing in to your account.
Once you completed the steps, every time you access your account apps will open automatically. If you want an app to start maximized, just click the maximize button, and then the app will remember the window size.
In the above instructions, we show the steps to add an app, but you can also add files, folders, and shortcuts to websites. For example, if you usually work with an Excel spreadsheet, you don't need to add the shortcut to open Excel. It's easier to right-click, drag, and drop the spreadsheet file in the Startup folder and select the Create shortcut here option from the context menu.
Just remember that each shortcut you include in the Startup folder will cause Windows 10 to take a bit longer to load, as such it's only recommended to keep the list of items small as possible. (You can also refer you our guide to manage apps on startup.)
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
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To use any of these key combinations, press and hold the keys immediately after pressing the power button to turn on your Mac, or after your Mac begins to restart. Keep holding until the described behavior occurs.
- Command (⌘)-R: Start up from the built-in macOS Recovery system. Or use Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R to start up from macOS Recovery over the Internet. macOS Recovery installs different versions of macOS, depending on the key combination you use while starting up. If your Mac is using a firmware password, you're prompted to enter the password.
- Option (⌥) or Alt: Start up to Startup Manager, which allows you to choose other available startup disks or volumes. If your Mac is using a firmware password, you're prompted to enter the password.
- Option-Command-P-R:Reset NVRAM or PRAM. If your Mac is using a firmware password, it ignores this key combination or starts up from macOS Recovery.
- Shift (⇧): Start up in safe mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- D: Start up to the Apple Diagnostics utility. Or use Option-Dto start up to this utility over the Internet. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- N: Start up from a NetBoot server, if your Mac supports network startup volumes. To use the default boot image on the server, hold down Option-N instead. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- Command-S: Start up in single-user mode. Disabled in macOS Mojave or later, or when using a firmware password.
- T: Start up in target disk mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- Command-V: Start up in verbose mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- Eject (⏏) or F12 or mouse button or trackpad button: Eject removable media, such as an optical disc. Disabled when using a firmware password.
If a key combination doesn't work
If a key combination doesn't work at startup, one of these these solutions might help:
- Be sure to press and hold all keys in the combination together, not one at a time.
- Shut down your Mac. Then press the power button to turn on your Mac. Then press and hold the keys as your Mac starts up.
- Wait a few seconds before pressing the keys, to give your Mac more time to recognize the keyboard as it starts up. Some keyboards have a light that flashes briefly at startup, indicating that the keyboard is recognized and ready for use.
- If you're using a wireless keyboard, plug it into your Mac, if possible. Or use your built-in keyboard or a wired keyboard. If you're using a keyboard made for a PC, such as a keyboard with a Windows logo, try a keyboard made for Mac.
- If you're using Boot Camp to start up from Microsoft Windows, set Startup Disk preferences to start up from macOS instead. Then shut down or restart and try again.
Remember that some key combinations are disabled when your Mac is using a firmware password.
Learn more
Mac Os Auto Start Programs
- Learn what to do if your Mac doesn't turn on.
- Learn about Mac keyboard shortcuts that you can use after your Mac has started up.