The Startup Folder in Windows 11 is one of the most useful features for users who want certain programs or scripts to launch automatically when the PC boots. Although Windows 11 has a modern Startup Apps section inside Settings, the traditional Startup Folder still exists. It allows you to place shortcuts, apps, or batch files that automatically run at login.

In this guide, you’ll learn the Windows 11 Startup Folder path, how to add programs, how to use it for automation, plus a fun activity using a batch file.

You’ll also find internal links, FAQs, schema markup, and meta information for SEO optimization.

⭐ What is the Startup Folder in Windows 11?

The Windows 11 Startup Folder is a system folder that contains shortcuts of applications or scripts that automatically run when a user logs into Windows. It is extremely useful for automating workflow, launching essential tools, and executing batch files.

Windows 11 Startup Folder Path / Location

Windows 11 has two startup folder locations:

✔ 1. Startup Folder for Current User

shell:startup

Path:

C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

✔ 2. Windows 11 Startup Folder for All Users

shell:common startup

Path:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

You can open either path by pressing Windows + R and entering the above commands.

How to Add Programs to Startup Windows 11

Adding programs to the Windows 11 Startup Folder is very simple:

Step 1: Locate the Startup Folder

Open the folder by typing shell:startup in Run.

Step 2: Copy Program Shortcut

Go to your program → right-click → Create Shortcut.

Step 3: Paste the Shortcut into the Startup Folder

Once pasted, the app will automatically run whenever you log in.

Step 4: Restart Your PC to Apply Changes

This method works for software, scripts, batch files, and even websites (via URLs).

Windows 10 Startup Folder vs Windows 11 Startup Folder

Although Windows 11 has a modern interface, the startup folder works almost the same way as Windows 10.

Key Differences

So if you already know the Windows 10 startup folder, using it on Windows 11 will feel exactly the same.

Windows 11 Startup Folder All Users

If you want an app to launch for every account on your Windows 11 PC, use this folder:

shell:common startup

Any shortcut you place here will run for all users.

Benefits of Adding Apps or Batch Files to the Windows 11 Startup Folder

Placing applications or scripts inside the Windows 11 startup folder comes with many advantages:

✔ 1. Automatic Launching of Essential Programs

Apps like browsers, VPNs, monitoring tools, or productivity software can open automatically.

✔ 2. Automates Daily Tasks

Batch files can run commands automatically—backup, cleanup, scheduling, etc.

✔ 3. Saves Time & Increases Efficiency

Your workflow begins instantly after logging in.

✔ 4. Helpful for Office, Business & Home Users

Admins frequently use startup folders to trigger tasks during boot.

✔ 5. Great for Tech Students & Developers

You can test scripts, automation tasks, or custom apps.

Fun Activity – Put a Batch File in Startup Folder to Restart the Computer in 2 Seconds

⚠ Warning:
This is for educational and fun purposes only. Do not use it on someone else’s computer.

Step-by-Step Fun Experiment

1. Open Notepad
2. Paste the following batch code: shutdown /r /t 2
3. Save the file as restart.bat
4. Copy this file and paste it into the Startup Folder
5. Restart your PC

Your computer will restart automatically within 2 seconds of logging in.

How to Remove Batch File from Startup Folder If Computer Does Not Log In Due to Auto-Restart

If your PC keeps restarting instantly because of the batch file you placed in the Startup Folder, you may not get enough time to log in. To fix this issue, follow one of the methods below:

✔ Method 1: Boot Into Safe Mode

1. Turn on the PC and force shut it down by holding the power button.
2. Do this 3 times until you see Automatic Repair screen.
3. Go to Advanced Options → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart.
4. Press 4 to enter Safe Mode.
5. Once logged in, open Run (Windows + R) and type: shell:startup
6. Delete the batch file (restart.bat) from the folder.

Your system will now boot normally.

✔ Method 2: Use Another User Account

If you have multiple user accounts:

1. Log in using another user account.
2. Open Run → shell:startup (current user folder).
3. Delete the batch file causing the restart loop.

✔ Method 3: Access Startup Folder Using Command Prompt in Recovery Mode

1. Boot to Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Go to Advanced Options → Command Prompt.
3. Type the following path manually to open the startup folder: C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
4. Use this command to delete the batch file: del "C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\restart.bat"

Restart your PC — the restart loop will be gone.

✔ Method 4: Delete Batch File from All Users Startup Folder

If you placed the script in All Users Startup Folder, remove it using WinRE Command Prompt:

del "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\restart.bat"

This will stop the auto-restart for every user account.

Internal Links

• How to Enable Remote Desktop Windows 11 – Complete Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Update Drivers on Windows 11 – Complete Guide
• Windows 11 Setup Without Internet – Complete Guide

FAQ – Startup Folder Windows 11

1. Where is the Startup Folder located in Windows 11?

You can open it using shell:startup or navigate through AppData manually.

2. Does Windows 11 still have a Startup Folder like Windows 10?

Yes, both versions still support startup folders.

3. How do I stop programs from running at startup?

Go to Task Manager → Startup Apps and disable unwanted apps.

4. Can I add batch files to the startup folder?

Yes, any .bat or .cmd file will run automatically.

5. What is the startup folder for all users?

Use shell:common startup to add items that run for all accounts.