How To Add Programs To Startup Windows 11 Updated — Original

Click Create Basic Task (right-hand panel).

Microsoft has refined the startup ecosystem with Windows 11’s 2024 and 2025 cumulative updates, introducing new security features and deprecating some older methods. This guide walks you through every verified, updated method—from the modern Settings app to the classic File Explorer trick—so you can take full control. Before diving into the "how," let's understand the "why." Each program added to startup increases your "Boot Impact" —the time between pressing the power button and seeing a responsive desktop. Recent Windows 11 updates now provide clear performance ratings (Low, Medium, High) for each startup item. how to add programs to startup windows 11 updated

Press Windows + S , type Task Scheduler , and open it. Click Create Basic Task (right-hand panel)

Press Windows + I to open Settings .

Navigate to Apps > Startup (In some 2025 builds, it’s under System > Startup – use the search bar and type "Startup Apps" to be safe). Before diving into the "how," let's understand the "why

Published: October 2025 Reading Time: 8 minutes