How to Insert Programs Into Windows Startup

If you have a program you want to start each time you boot Windows, you can start the program by adding a shortcut into the "Startup" directory in your Windows Start menu. The Windows operating system has a wizard that helps you create a shortcut, so this method is a convenient way to add a startup program when you don't have much knowledge of the Windows registry settings.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" Orb. Click "All Programs" to view all the program groups. Right-click the "Startup" program group and select "Explore." This opens a window for your startup directory.

2. Right-click the whitespace in the window and select "New," then click "Shortcut." This starts the new shortcut wizard.

3. Click "Browse" and point to the location of the program you want to run. If you want to open a file when you boot Windows, you can point the shortcut to your file, which loads the program and the file at Windows bootup.

4. Click "Next." Type a name for your shortcut. This is the name shown in your startup directory. Click "Finish" to complete the setup.

5. Reboot your computer. When you log in to Windows, the program starts or the file opens.

References

• Microsoft: How to Create a Shortcut on the Desktop