How to Configure Runonce

You can use RunOnce to schedule actions such as defrag or virus scan.

RunOnce is a command-line utility that runs a program one time the next time your computer starts. While RunOnce is an actual command-line executable, it is configured within the Windows Registry. The "RunOnce" key is what determines what program and switches should run on the next boot. RunOnce keys are immediately removed after the command has run. You can configure the RunOnce command using the Windows Registry Editor.

Instructions

1. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously on your keyboard. This displays a "Run" box on your screen.

2. Type "Regedit" in the "Run" box and click the "OK" button. Click the "Yes" button on the "User Account Control" screen. This loads the Windows Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce" on the left pane.

4. Right-click the "RunOnce" key. Click "New," and then click "String Value." This will place a new entry in the right pane called "New Value #1." While the name of this value is irrelevant to the function, you can rename the file if you wish by right-clicking and selecting "Rename."

5. Double-click the new "String Value." This will open a properties window that allows you to modify its value. The value of this entry is what the RunOnce command executable will read. Type the program path or system program name in the "Value Data" box.

   For example, if you want to run the Windows Defragmenter on the next boot you would type "Defrag.exe C:" and click the "OK" button. If you want to run a specific program from your program files, you would type "C:\Program Files\Folder\Program.exe" and click the "OK" button.

6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

References

• Microsoft MSDN: Run and RunOnce Registry keys
• Microsoft: Definition of the RunOnce Keys in the Registry
• Microsoft: INFO: Run, RunOnce, RunServices, RunServicesOnce and Startup

Resources

• Microsoft MSDN: Command-Line Options