Where is the Windows 10 startup folder?

General
1

I’m trying to locate the startup folder in Windows 10 to manage the applications that launch at startup. I can’t seem to find it. Can someone guide me on where it’s located and how to access it?

2

Oh boy, the elusive Windows 10 startup folder… it’s like trying to find Atlantis sometimes, huh? Anyway, there are actually two startup folders in Windows 10 (because why make it simple?). Here’s where you need to look:

  1. For the current user:
    Hit Win + R to open the Run dialog box, then type shell:startup and press Enter. Boom, that’s your personal startup folder where apps launch only for your user account.

  2. For all users:
    Same drill, Win + R, but this time type shell:common startup and hit Enter. This one contains startup items that launch for every single user on the system because, you know, equality in app annoyance.

Once you’re in either (or both), you can add or remove shortcuts for apps. If you’re thinking, “Why bother with folders when there’s a startup section in Task Manager?” well sure, that’s an option too. But hey, some of us like the folders, okay?

Oh, and be careful what you chuck into there. Nobody wants 46 apps fighting for attention the second your computer boots up. Unless you enjoy the sound of your CPU crying. Live your best Windows-10-managing life.

3

Here’s the thing, managing startup apps isn’t as mystical as it might seem, but let’s not pretend it’s completely intuitive either. Nachtdromer’s got the folder drill down (props for that), but honestly, why bother diving into these hidden directories unless you really love folder spelunking? There’s a simpler, faster way: Task Manager.

Hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager—or right-click your taskbar and select it if keyboard shortcuts aren’t your thing. Head over to the Startup tab. From there, you can see all the apps set to launch at startup, and you can enable or disable them with a single click. No digging through user or system folders. No deciphering shortcuts.

Call me crazy, but unless you have a very specific need to manually add or remove shortcuts in those folders, this method covers 90% of what most people wanna do. Plus, let’s be honest, you’re probably not adding stuff into startup deliberately in 2023. More often than not, it’s something sneaky finding its way in there. At least in Task Manager, it’s less “Indiana Jones” and more “click and done.”