How to Automatically Run a .bat File When Windows Starts Up

Introduction: Automating tasks via batch files can greatly streamline your computing experience. One common need is to have a .bat file automatically run at Windows startup. This article provides detailed steps for doing this in various versions of the Windows operating system, including Windows 10 and earlier versions.

Creating a .bat File

To start, you'll need to create a new .bat file in Notepad. Here’s an example that will open Notepad and Calculator when Windows starts:

@echo offstart /MIN notepad.exestart /MIN calc.exeexit

Once you've added the commands and saved the file, you can create a shortcut to this file. Follow these steps:

Create a file in Notepad and call it, for example, . Enter the commands you want to run. Save the file to a desired location. Right-click on the file and select "Create Shortcut". Press the Windows key R to open the Run command, type shell:startup, and press Enter. Paste the shortcut file into the Startup folder that just opened. To hide the commands from the black command prompt, add @echo off at the top of the file.

Automating Startup Across Windows Versions

Windows 10 and Windows 8:

Create a shortcut to the batch file as described above. Use the Run command to open the shell:startup folder: Windows key R, then type shell:startup and press Enter. Paste the shortcut file into the opened Startup folder.

Windows 98, XP, NT, 2000, Vista, and 7:

Create a shortcut to the batch file as described above. Use the File Explorer to navigate to the Startup folder: Startup folder is accessible through the Start menu under Programs or All Programs. Once the Startup folder is open, paste the shortcut file using the right-click Paste option.

Windows 95, 3.x, and MS-DOS:

.modify the configuration files to run the batch file at startup. Place the following line in the appropriate configuration file:

CALL 

Make sure the batch file is in the root directory of the C: drive.

Conclusion

Automating your .bat files for startup can enhance efficiency and quicken your Windows experience. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to get your batch files running automatically whenever Windows starts up, regardless of the version you're using.