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Windows 11 has two Startup folders: one for the signed-in user and one shared by all users on the device. Press Windows + R, enter shell:startup for the current user or shell:common startup for the shared folder, then press Enter. These commands open the folders directly in File Explorer.
Where are the Windows 11 Startup folders?
The folders differ in scope and location. The shell command is the quickest way to open each one; the path shows where it resides.
| Folder | Who it affects | Run command | Folder path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current user | The signed-in user | shell:startup |
%userprofile%AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsStartup |
| All users | Users of the device | shell:common startup |
%ProgramData%MicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsStartup |
These are the two locations commonly meant by “hidden Startup folder.” Microsoft documents both paths and commands in its Windows startup-app instructions.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow to open either folder
Open the current user’s Startup folder
- Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Type
shell:startup. - Press Enter. File Explorer opens the Startup folder for the signed-in user.
Open the Startup folder for all users
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
shell:common startup. - Press Enter. File Explorer opens the shared Startup folder.
The shell commands let Windows resolve the configured folder location for you. To navigate manually instead, use the corresponding path in the table.
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How to add or remove an app using a Startup folder
Add a startup shortcut
- Press Windows + R, enter
shell:appsfolder, and press Enter. This opens the apps folder in File Explorer. - Open a second File Explorer window with
shell:startuporshell:common startup, depending on whether the shortcut should apply to the current user or all users. - Drag the desired app from the apps folder into the selected Startup folder. Windows creates a shortcut there.
Stop a folder shortcut from launching
Open the folder containing the shortcut and delete that shortcut. Removing the link prevents that folder-based entry from launching; it does not uninstall the app.
Why a startup app may not appear in either folder
The Startup folders are only one way Windows starts apps. An empty folder does not mean that no apps are configured to run automatically. For registered startup tasks, check Settings > Apps > Startup or open Task Manager and select Startup apps. In Settings, switch an app on to start it automatically at sign-in or off to prevent it from doing so. Task Manager also displays startup impact information.
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Microsoft also lists these registry Run locations for startup entries:
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- All users:
HKLMSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun - All users, 32-bit application location:
HKLMSoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun - Current user:
HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
These registry locations are for advanced inspection, not the first place to manage a routine startup shortcut. Microsoft warns that registry changes can cause unintended consequences and advises backing up the registry before editing it.
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