When you restart Windows or turn on the computer, Windows starts any program located in the StartUp folder as part of its own start-up routine

When would I want to make a program start automatically with Windows?

Make any program start automatically every time Windows starts if it is a program you run frequently or would like to run at all times. Some typical examples of programs you might want to run each time you start Windows include:

1.     Virus detection software.

2.     Office software toolbars.

3.     Internet connection or browser software

4.     Multimedia software.

How do I make a program start automatically with Windows?

Some programs are automatically set to start with Windows.

Be very selective if you choose to start multiple programs automatically with Windows. Starting and running too many programs at once can exceed the capability of your computer. If multiple programs are using the computer processor and memory, they might begin to respond more slowly or display error messages on the screen.

Set a program to start automatically every time Windows starts:

1.     Click the "Start" menu.

2.     Click "Settings," and then "Task Bar & Start Menu…" on the sub-menu.

3.     Click the "Start Menu Programs" tab in the Taskbar Properties window.

4.     Click "Add…."

5.     Click "Browse…" in the Create Shortcut window that appears.

6.     Double-click folders until you find the program you wish to start automatically with Windows. Programs are often installed in folders within the "C:\Program Files" folder.

7.     Double-click the program name. Many program names have "EXE" as an extension.

8.     Click "Next" upon returning to the Create Shortcut window

9.     Double-click "StartUp." Scroll down with the arrow keys or the scroll bar to find it.

10.    Type a name for the shortcut that is familiar to you. It does not matter much because the shortcut runs automatically

11.     Click "Finish."

STOP a program from starting automatically every time Windows starts:

1.     Click the "Start" menu.

2.     Click "Settings," and then "Task Bar & Start Menu…" on the sub-menu

3.     Click the "Start Menu Programs" tab in the Taskbar Properties window.

4.     Click "Remove…."

5.     Click "+" left of the StartUp folder. Scroll down with the arrow keys or the scroll bar to find it. Programs listed in the StartUp folder are set to run automatically.

6.     Click the program you want to stop from running automatically.

7.     Click "Remove."

8.     Click "Close."

You can manually add and remove programs to the StartUp folder if you are brave enough to manually explore the Windows folder. Use "My Computer" or Windows Explorer to find "C:\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp." Programs and shortcuts in this folder start automatically when Windows starts.