How to Add Python to Your Startup Routine

If all your needed programs start automatically, you can begin programming almost right away.

Python is a free programming language with a wide range of abilities and applications. With the numerous third-party tools available, you have plenty of options for programming methods and a vast potential for program creation. If you use Python regularly or if you have a user account that you always use for programming, you might want to have Python automatically open every time you log onto Windows. By adding a shortcut to the Python Shell, the program will be available for use moments after you log in.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and type "shell:startup" in the search box and press "Enter." This brings you to this folder "C:\User\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup." The drive letter may be different if Windows is installed on another drive. When you log into your account, Windows runs everything within this folder.

2. Locate the "Python Shell" program. You find it by clicking the "Start" button and selecting "Programs," then "Python 3.2" -- the version number may be different for you -- then "IDLE Python GUI."

3. Right-click and hold down the mouse button on the program and drag it over into the "Startup" folder window.

4. Release the right mouse button. A context menu will appear.

5. Select "Create shortcuts here." A shortcut will appear, and the next time you log into your account, the "Python Shell" program will start up automatically.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want Python or another program to open for all user accounts and not just yours, you can add a shortcut to this directory: "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup." Note that the folder "ProgramData" is hidden, so you may have to select "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" in "Folder Options."

Resources

• Python: Download Python