How to Access the Startup Folder in Windows 10

The Windows startup folder was an integral part of Windows that goes way back to Windows 95. In the past versions of Windows, the startup folder was quickly accessible. Any program or software inside it would automatically run by default when you boot up Windows 10.

Access the Startup Folder in Windows 10

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On earlier versions of Windows, the startup folder in Windows would run a batch script that contains a list of programs that would run automatically along with the Windows operating system. Also review File Manager Windows 10

In the past, users would modify the batch script file using a text editor to include custom programs ready for use every time Windows boots up.

Windows decided to add a dedicated graphical interface to its operating system to move away from using command lines and batch scripts to customize its startup folder.

Even though Windows completely changed how to include multiple programs to run during boot, the startup folder is still present in Windows 10. You can also review another article Windows 10 Critical Error

How to Access Windows 10 Startup Folder

Within previous versions of Windows, the startup folder in Windows can be quickly located in the start menu. The startup folder contains programs installed on your computer and is set to run automatically whenever your computer is turned on.

But, when Windows 8 was released, the start menu was removed entirely from the operating system, which gathered much criticism and negative feedback from long-time Windows users. Because of this, the start menu was added back shortly after releasing Windows 10. Now there are two startup folders in Windows 10, which are located in different locations.

Access the Startup Folder Using Windows File Explorer

To access the startup folder in Windows 10, you would need to allow the ‘Show Hidden Files’ option first. To do this, follow the example below.

1. On your pc, press on the Windows key + S and search for Control Panel.
2. After that, press on Open to launch the Control Panel.

3. Inside the Control Panel, press on File Explorer Options.

4. Finally, press the View tab and make sure that ‘Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives’ is Enabled.

Once you are done enabling this option on Windows 10, you can now locate the Windows 10 startup folder.

To access the ‘All Users Startup Folder’, check out the example below. Also check Folder Lock Software

1. On your pc, press on the Windows key + S and search for File Explorer.
2. After that, press on Open.

3. On the side menu, press on Local Disk (C:) or the drive where Windows installation files are installed.

4. Now, press on the Program Data folder.

5. Inside the Program Data folder, press on the Microsoft folder, then the Windows folder.

6. Finally, press on Start Menu > Programs > Startup.

To access the ‘Current Users Startup Folder’, follow the steps below to guide you through the process.

1. On your pc, press on the Windows key + S and search for File Explorer.
2. After that, press on Open.

3. On the side menu, press on Local Disk (C:) or the drive where Windows installation files are installed.

4. Next, press the Users folder and choose the user’s username you wish to access its startup folder.

5. Finally, navigate through the following folders App Data > Roaming > Microsoft > Windows > Start Menu > Programs > Startup.

Now you can customize the programs on the Windows 10 startup folder that you want to be executed whenever Windows is booted on your computer.

Access the Startup Folder Using Run Command

A more comfortable way to access the Windows 10 startup folder is by jumping directly to the folder using the shell command. To use the Run Command, check out the example below.

1. On your pc, press on the Windows key + S and search for ‘Run.’
2. After that, press on Open to launch the Run Command.

3. Finally, type Shell: common startup to access ‘All Users Startup Folder ‘and type Shell: startup for ‘Current User Startup Folder.’

Enable and Disable Startup Programs on Windows 10

Suppose you want a more comfortable way to manage your startup programs in Windows 10. In that case, you can use the Task Manager to allow and disable programs that are automatically executed during Windows startup.

1. On your pc, press on CTRL + ALT + DEL key to open the selection menu.
2. After that, press Task Manager.
3. Inside the Task Manager, press on the Startup tab.

4. Lastly, right-click on the program you want to change and choose ‘Enable ‘or ‘Disable. ‘

Alternatively, you can also customize your startup programs via Windows Settings. To do this, follow the steps below.

1. On your pc, press on Windows key + I to open Windows Settings.
2. Next, press on Apps.

3. Finally, press on Startup from the side menu and choose the programs you want to include or exclude from being executed on startup.

Managing Startup on Other Versions of Windows

If you are not running Windows 10 on your system, you can manage your startup programs using MSConfig since the Startup tab is not present on the Task Manager.

The Task Manager is a built-in device in Windows that controls your system’s behavior when it boots and enables you to modify programs that should run when you turn on your pc. You can also check Solved Printer Connections

To use MSConfig to manage your startup programs, check out the example below.

1. On your pc, press on Windows key + R to launch the Run Command Box.
2. After that, type msconfigand hit Enter.

3. Finally, click on the Startup tab inside MSConfig, and there you can add or remove programs that would run during Windows startup.

In summary, Windows did a great job of making it easier for users to manage Windows 10 startup.

Compared to manually editing batch scripts, the graphical user interface is easier to use for non-techy users.

Keep in mind that some programs in the startup list might be essential for Windows to run correctly. Others, such as iTunes, might not be essential for a startup. Changing these programs might positively or negatively affect the performance of your computer.