Methods to Add Chrome to Startup in Windows 11

Adding Google Chrome to the startup programs in Windows 11 allows it to launch automatically when you log in.

While the provided reference details how to set Chrome as your default web browser, which is a separate action, the process for adding it to startup involves different steps using Windows 11's built-in features.

Below are the common methods to add Chrome or any application to your Windows 11 startup sequence.

There are a few primary ways to ensure Google Chrome starts automatically when you sign in to Windows 11.

Method 1: Using the Startup Folder

This is a simple method that works by placing a shortcut to the application in a specific folder that Windows checks during startup. There are two startup folders: one for the current user and one for all users on the computer.

For the Current User:

This method only adds Chrome to the startup for the specific user account you are currently logged into.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type shell:startup and press Enter or click OK. This will open the current user's Startup folder in File Explorer.
3. Locate the Google Chrome shortcut. You can usually find it in the Desktop folder or by searching for "Chrome" in the Start menu, right-clicking it, and selecting "Open file location."
4. Copy the Google Chrome shortcut (right-click and select "Copy" or press Ctrl + C).
5. Paste the shortcut into the Startup folder window you opened in step 2 (right-click in the folder and select "Paste" or press Ctrl + V).

Chrome will now launch automatically the next time you sign in to this user account.

For All Users:

This method adds Chrome to the startup for all user accounts on the computer. This typically requires administrator privileges.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type shell:common startup and press Enter or click OK. This will open the common Startup folder in File Explorer.
3. You might be prompted for administrator permission; click Continue or enter the administrator password.
4. Locate and copy the Google Chrome shortcut as described in step 3 of the "For the Current User" method.
5. Paste the shortcut into the common Startup folder window.

Chrome will now launch automatically the next time any user signs in to the computer.

Method 2: Using Task Manager (Startup Apps)

Windows 11 has a dedicated section in Task Manager and Settings to manage startup applications.

1. Right-click on the Start button or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click on Startup apps in the left-hand menu. (If you see a simpler Task Manager view, click "More details" first).
3. Look for "Google Chrome" in the list.
4. If Chrome is listed and its status is "Disabled," right-click on "Google Chrome" and select Enable.

This method enables Chrome's built-in startup entry if it exists. If Chrome doesn't appear in this list, you'll need to use one of the other methods, such as the Startup folder.

Method 3: Using Windows Settings

Windows 11 also provides a user-friendly interface in the Settings app to manage startup applications.

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Click Settings (the gear icon).
3. In the Settings window, click Apps in the left-hand menu.
4. Click Startup in the Apps settings.
5. Find "Google Chrome" in the list of apps.
6. Toggle the switch next to Google Chrome to the On position.

Like the Task Manager method, this relies on Chrome having a registered startup entry. If it's not listed, use the Startup folder method.

Understanding the Provided Reference

The steps provided in the reference are for a different purpose: setting Google Chrome as your default web browser.

The reference steps are:

1. On your computer, click the Start menu.
2. Click Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
3. Under "Set defaults for applications," enter Chrome into the search box. Click Google Chrome.
4. At the top, next to "Make Google Chrome your default browser," click Set default.
5. To exit, close the settings window.

These steps ensure that web links, HTML files, and other web-related protocols open automatically in Google Chrome when you click them, rather than another browser like Microsoft Edge. They do not make Chrome launch automatically when you start Windows.

Comparing Startup Methods

Here's a quick look at the different methods:

Method	Complexity	Requires Admin?	Controls All Users?	Adds Any App?	Relies on App Entry?
Startup Folder (User)	Easy	No	No	Yes	No
Startup Folder (All)	Medium	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Task Manager/Settings	Easy	No	No (User-specific)	No	Yes

For guaranteed results with any application, the Startup folder method is often the most reliable if the app doesn't appear in Task Manager or Settings startup lists.

By following the steps for the Startup folder or enabling Chrome in Task Manager/Settings, you can successfully add Google Chrome to launch automatically when Windows 11 starts.