The Startup folder in Windows 10 controls which programs launch automatically when you sign in. Managing it is one of the fastest ways to cut boot times and stop unwanted apps from running in the background every session.
Windows maintains two separate Startup folders: one that affects every user on the machine and one tied to your account only. This guide shows how to find both using File Explorer or the Run command.
Quick Answer
Press Win+R, type shell:startup, and press Enter to open the Startup folder for your current user account. To open the All Users Startup folder instead, type shell:common startup in the Run dialog.
What is the Startup Folder in Windows 10?
The Windows 10 Startup folder is a special system folder that contains shortcuts to applications that launch automatically when a user logs into Windows. These shortcuts represent the programs that are set to run at startup, making the Startup folder a crucial part of the Windows startup process.
As mentioned, Windows 10 has two separate Startup folders: the All Users Startup Folder and the Current User Startup Folder. The All Users Startup Folder, also known as the Common Startup folder, contains shortcuts for programs that run for every user that logs into the computer. The Current User Startup Folder contains shortcuts for programs that only run for the currently logged-in user.
How to Access the Startup Folder for All Users in Windows 10
Here, I will talk about the two methods to access the Startup folder for all users in Windows 10. Let’s get started:
Method 1: Through Windows Explorer
The first method to access the Startup folder for all users is through Windows Explorer. Here’s how you can do it. Launch File Explorer by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar. Next, click on the address bar at the top of the window and enter the following path:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUpThis will take you directly to the Startup folder. You can then manage its contents by adding or removing shortcuts to control what programs run when any user starts the computer:
Method 2: Using the Run Command
The second method involves using the Windows Run command. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Here, you type the shell command:
shell:common startupWhen you press Enter, you will be navigated directly to the Startup folder for all users:
How to Access the Startup Folder for a Specific User in Windows 10
To access the Startup folder for only a specific user in Windows 10, there are two methods you can use:
Method 1: Through Windows Explorer
Launch File Explorer by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar. Next, click on the address bar at the top of the window and enter the following path:
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartupReplace “[Username]” with the actual username of the user whose Startup folder you want to access. This will take you to the Startup folder for that specific user:
Method 2: Using the Run Command
The second method involves using the Windows Run command. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Here, you type the shell command:
shell:startupWhen you press Enter, you will be navigated directly to the Startup folder of the currently logged-in user:
Benefits of Managing the Windows 10 Startup Folder
Managing the Startup folder in Windows 10 offers several key benefits for your system’s performance and user experience:
Improved Boot Time
One of the most immediate benefits of managing your Startup folder is a faster boot time. By removing unnecessary programs from the Startup folder, you reduce the number of applications that Windows needs to load during startup, resulting in faster boot times.
Enhanced System Performance
Programs in the Startup folder run in the background and consume system resources. By removing unnecessary programs, you free up these resources, leading to better overall system performance.
Customized User Experience
You can customize your experience by adding important apps to the Startup folder. For instance, if you use a specific application every day, adding it to the Startup folder ensures it’s ready to use as soon as you log into Windows.
Better Control Over Applications
Managing the Startup folder gives you better control over what applications run on your system and when. This is especially useful for managing applications that you don’t want running all the time, but need occasionally.