Simple clear advice in plain English

How to make programs open on start-up

Use the Startup folder to open programs automatically when Windows starts

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Q How can I make a program open automatically when Windows starts up?

JD

A The easiest way to run programs at start-up in Windows is to add them to the Startup folder in the Start Menu. This is a folder like any other, so adding a shortcut is simple.

Open the Start Menu and locate the shortcut for the program you want to add to the Start up folder. Right-click on the shortcut but do not let go.

Move the mouse over the Startup folder, also found in the Start Menu, then programs, so the contents appear. Move the mouse into the folder and let go of the button. Left-click on the Copy here entry in the menu that appears.

If holding the mouse button down feels a little tricky there is another way of doing this. Right-click on the Start button and then left-click on Explore All Users. This will open a Windows Explorer window.

You can now drag and drop the shortcuts between the folders like you would files. It is also easier to remove shortcuts in this view. To do that, left-click on the shortcut you want to remove and press the delete key. Click on Yes to move it to the Recycle Bin.

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