How to Fix Windows 11 Startup Apps Not Showing

User Case: Windows 11 Startup Apps Not Appearing

Some users report that their Startup Apps aren't showing on Windows 11. Before troubleshooting, it’s crucial to identify the root cause, making it easier to fix. Common causes include:

1. Issues with the program itself: If the app isn't installed properly or key files are missing, it won't run at startup.
2. Misconfigured registry settings: Incorrect registry configurations can also prevent apps from launching.
3. UAC (User Account Control) problems: Some programs require admin rights, and if UAC doesn't grant them, the app may fail to start.

How to Fix Windows 11 Startup Apps Not Showing

If your Windows 11 startup apps aren't launching as they should, don't worry. There are four effective methods you can try to resolve the issue and get everything running smoothly again. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and restore proper functionality to your computer's startup apps.

Method 1. Check Startup Manager

If the Windows 11 Startup Apps does not start as expected, the first thing to do is to check if the program is configured to start at boot time. Here is how to check.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut keys to launch Task Manager. Switch to the Startup tab from the Top.

2. Check if the status of the app you want to launch is Disabled. If it is, then right-click on it and select Enable from the menu.

Method 2. Run SFC and DISM Scan

Sometimes, corrupt system files on your computer can prevent programs from starting at boot. To determine this, you can try running a DISM (Deployment Imaging Services and Management) scan to see if it helps to solve Windows 11 startup programs not starting:

1. Use Windows + S to open the search bar, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
2. In the command prompt character window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Enter the following commands in turn, and press Enter to execute the commands respectively to fix Windows 11 startup apps not working.

• Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
• Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
• Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 3. Add Program To Startup Folder

Another way to launch programs at startup is by using the Windows 11 startup programs folder. Once you place the program shortcuts in the Startup folder, these programs will automatically start.

1. Navigate to the folder where the problematic application's launcher (.exe file) is located, select it, and click the Copy icon in the Command Bar at the top.

2. Press Windows + R to start the Run command, type shell:common startup in the text field and click OK or hit Enter to start the Common Startup folder.

4. Now, right-click here and select Paste icon. Or, you can also press Ctrl +V to paste the launcher.

5. Click Continue in the confirmation prompt that pops up.

Method 4. Add Program in the Startup using Registry

The registry is the supreme authority in your Windows computer and all the settings you change or anything you do affects the registry. All Windows native application settings and even all third-party software exist in the registry. When your Windows 11 startup apps are not showing up, you can try to modify the registry information to change startup programs on Windows 11.

📚 Note: Before you proceed, it is recommended that you make a backup of your important files. Also, do not make any changes other than what is listed here, as this may damage your computer.

1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type regedit in the text field, and click OK or hit Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
2. Paste the following path in the address bar at the top and click the Enter key to navigate to it.

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

3.  Check if the following value data is available in the Startup string here.

• %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

4.  Then Check if the following value data is available in the Common Startup string here.

• C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

5. If you find that the data values are different, replace them with the correct data values listed here.
6. If everything is fine, you can choose to manually add the applications you want to load at startup to the Registry. To do this, navigate to the path below.

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

📚 Note: Remember that the changes you make here will be reflected throughout the system, that is, for other user accounts as well.

7. Next, right-click anywhere in the right margin, hover the cursor over New, select String Value from the context menu, and enter the name of the desired app.

8. Navigate to the location where the desired app is stored, right-click on the launcher, and select Copy as path.

9. Double-click the string you just created to add the value data. Then paste the path for the app in the Value data text field. Click OK to save the changes.

10. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

Back up Your Computer to Avoid Accidental Data Loss

I hope the methods provided above help you fix the issue of Windows 11 startup apps not showing. These solutions include running command lines to check for corrupted system files and adjusting registry settings. To prevent potential data loss, it’s a good idea to create a backup of your computer using free backup software.

AOMEI Backupper Standard makes it easy to safeguard both your system and files. You can back up specific files, entire disks, your system, or even individual partitions. It also allows for automatic backups at intervals you choose, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.

To start protecting your Windows 11 PC, follow these steps: first, download and install AOMEI Backupper. If you are using Windows Server, consider using AOMEI Backupper Server.

1. Launch this software. Under the "Backup" tab, select the "Disk Backup" option.

2. The "Task Name" can be set to help you distinguish backups from each other. Click "Add Disk" to choose the disk.

Tip🌸: You can add multiple disks by clicking Add Disk and select the disk you want to backup. Please remember to restore the disk one by one. 

3. Click the folder-shapped button and select a destination to store the disk image. You can choose to a create a disk to disk backup, or backup disk to USB flash drive or CD/DVD, NAS devices or network drive, etc.

4. Click "Start Backup" to carry out disk backup and wait until the operation is complete. Click "Finish" to exit the interface.

FAQs on Windows 11 Startup Apps Not Showing

Q 1: Why aren’t my Windows 11 startup apps launching automatically?

A 1: Startup apps may not launch due to misconfigured settings, app conflicts, or recent updates that interfere with startup configurations. Reviewing your Task Manager’s startup section is the first step in resolving the issue.

Q 2: Can a system update prevent startup apps from launching?

A 2: Yes, certain system updates may override or reset startup settings, causing apps not to launch. It’s crucial to verify startup configurations post-update to ensure all apps are enabled.

Q 3: How can I troubleshoot startup apps that crash or fail to load properly?

A 3: To troubleshoot, begin by disabling conflicting applications, running a system file check with SFC, and examining any recent updates. If issues persist, running DISM can repair deeper system errors.

Tips for Preventing Windows 11 Startup Apps from Not Showing

1. Keep Your System Updated: Regularly update your Windows 11 operating system to prevent any bugs or glitches from affecting startup configurations.
2. Use Clean Boot: Periodically perform a clean boot to identify potential startup conflicts caused by third-party apps.
3. Maintain System Health: Regularly check for corrupt files or system errors using built-in Windows utilities such as SFC and DISM to keep your startup process smooth.

Final Words

If you're facing issues with Windows 11 startup apps not appearing, this article provides the solutions you need to resolve it. Some fixes, like modifying registry settings, can be risky if not done correctly. To safeguard your computer and prevent data loss, it's highly recommended to create a backup first.

AOMEI Backupper not only helps you back up your system and essential files but also simplifies the process of migrating your operating system or data when upgrading your Windows 11 computer's hard drive. This ensures that your important data stays secure during any system changes or upgrades. Having a reliable backup tool like AOMEI Backupper means you can fix issues and upgrade your PC without worrying about losing your valuable data.