Imagine starting your workday with all your essential apps open and ready to go – no need to click through menus or wait for each programme to load. Sounds like a productivity boost, right?
With Windows 11, you can set your most-used apps to launch automatically when you log in. This simple setup can save valuable time and help you and your team dive straight into work. Here’s how to do it.

How to Enable Auto-Launch for Apps in Windows 11
For some applications, Windows 11 makes it easy to set up auto-launch directly from Settings. Follow these steps:
- Open Settings
- Click Apps
- Select Startup
Here, you’ll see a list of apps that support auto-launch. Simply toggle on the apps you want to open automatically, and they’ll be ready for you each time you start your computer.
What If Your App Doesn’t Appear in Startup Settings?
Not all apps will show up in the Startup settings menu, but don’t worry – there’s another way to set them to launch automatically. This involves using the Startup Folder, where you can manually add shortcuts for any application.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run tool
- Type shell:startup and click OK
- This will open the Startup folder
- Add a shortcut to your chosen app by copying its executable file (.exe) from Program Files and pasting it into the Startup folder
Now, each time you log in, Windows will automatically launch these apps for you.
How to Manage Startup Apps for Better Performance
Beyond just adding apps to auto-launch, it’s also a good idea to review and remove unnecessary startup programs. Some applications start automatically even if you don’t need them, which can slow down your system.
To disable unwanted startup apps:
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
- Click the Startup tab
- Review the list and disable apps that aren’t essential by right-clicking and selecting Disable
This helps keep your system running smoothly while still benefiting from auto-launching the apps you actually need.
Using Task Scheduler for Advanced Auto-Launch Options
If you need more control over when and how your apps launch (e.g., delay the launch of certain apps to prevent system slowdowns), you can use Task Scheduler:
- Open Task Scheduler (search for it in the Start menu)
- Click Create Basic Task
- Follow the prompts to set a trigger (e.g., at login)
- Choose Start a Program and select the app’s executable file
This is useful for staggered app launches, ensuring essential apps load first while others wait a few minutes.
Auto-Launch Web Apps and Cloud Services
If you frequently use web-based tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or your CRM, you can set your browser to open these sites automatically:
- Open your browser settings
- Find the Startup section
- Set specific web pages to open on launch (e.g., your company dashboard, email, or project management tool)
This ensures everything you need is ready, whether it’s desktop apps or cloud services.
A Word of Caution: Don’t Overload Your Startup
While it’s tempting to have all your favourite apps open instantly, launching too many at once can slow down your computer. Stick to the essentials – like communication tools, project management apps, or any software you use immediately after logging in.
If you’re unsure which apps should launch automatically or need help optimising your IT setup, we’re here to help.
Need IT Support? Let’s Talk
Setting up your devices for maximum efficiency doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether it’s configuring startup apps, streamlining workflows, or managing your business IT needs, we’ve got you covered.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help.