This brief tutorial is going to show you how to auto start programs in Windows 8 everytime you sign in to your desktop. Without the Metro Start screen, Windows 8 is almost identical to Windows 7 in many ways. Almost anything you used to do in Windows 7 can be done in Windows 8, so this shouldn’t be something new. Besides, we’ve shown you how to make this happen in Windows 7 as well.. To read that post, please click here.
If the Metro Start screen is the first thing you see when you login to Windows 8, you won’t be able to see the startup programs. To see them, you must logon to Windows 8 Desktop. So, to make it work easily you will first want to bypass the Metro Start screen and directly sign into the Desktop. To make that happen, you may to install a tool similar to Startw8, a program that lets you bypass Metro and boot directly into Windows 8 Desktop. A tutorial on Startw8 can be found here.
When you’re ready, press the Windows Key + R to open the run dialog box. When it opens, type the command below and press Enter.
shell:startup
Next, right-click anywhere in the blank area and select ‘New –> Shortcut’ . The wizard lets you create shortcuts to local or network programs, files, folders, computer or Internet addresses.
Next, use the Browse button or if you know where the executable of the program you wish to start is, type it into the box as shown below and click Next.
Finally, click Finish.
Restart your computer and if you directly login in to Desktop, the program will launch automatically.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to auto start programs in Windows 8 desktop?
To auto start programs in Windows 8 desktop, you can bypass the Metro Start screen and directly sign into the Desktop using a tool like Startw8. Then, open the run dialog box using Windows Key + R, type 'shell:startup', create a shortcut to the program you want to start, and restart your computer.
What is Startw8 and how does it help auto start programs in Windows 8?
Startw8 is a program that allows you to bypass the Metro Start screen in Windows 8 and boot directly into the Desktop. By using Startw8, you can easily set up your desired programs to launch automatically when you log in to Windows 8.
How can I see startup programs in Windows 8 Desktop?
To see startup programs in Windows 8 Desktop, you need to bypass the Metro Start screen and directly log in to the Desktop. Once you're on the Desktop, you can view and manage your startup programs for automatic launching.
What is the shortcut to open the run dialog box in Windows 8?
To open the run dialog box in Windows 8, simply press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard. This shortcut will bring up the run dialog box where you can enter commands to perform various tasks.
How do I create a shortcut to a program in Windows 8?
To create a shortcut to a program in Windows 8, right-click in a blank area, select 'New -> Shortcut', then browse for the program's executable file or enter its path. Follow the wizard to create the shortcut, and the program will launch automatically upon login.
Can I make programs launch automatically on Windows 8 startup?
Yes, you can make programs launch automatically on Windows 8 startup by creating shortcuts to the programs in the startup folder. By doing so, the programs will start automatically when you log in to Windows 8.
Is there a way to bypass the Metro Start screen in Windows 8?
Yes, you can bypass the Metro Start screen in Windows 8 by using tools like Startw8. These tools allow you to boot directly into the Desktop, avoiding the Metro interface and making it easier to access your startup programs.
What is the command to type in the run dialog box to access startup programs in Windows 8?
To access startup programs in Windows 8, type 'shell:startup' in the run dialog box and press Enter. This command will open the startup folder where you can create shortcuts for programs to launch automatically.
