How to Auto-Start an Application (Like a Browser) When Windows Boots

Whether you want to launch a web dashboard, display content on a digital screen, or just have your favourite app ready the moment your PC starts — setting an app to auto-start with Windows is a powerful (and simple) tweak.

Here’s how to do it in a few easy steps — no special software required.

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🖥️ Why Auto-Start Apps?

Auto-starting an application is ideal for:

• Digital signage setups (e.g., display a webpage on boot)

• POS or kiosk systems

• Home or business automation

• Saving time during daily startup routines

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🛠️ How to Auto-Launch an App on Windows Startup

Let’s say you want Chrome to launch and open a website every time your PC starts.

✅ Step-by-Step:

1. Create a Shortcut

• Right-click your desktop > New > Shortcut

• For a website, enter:
  chrome.exe https://yourwebsite.com
  (Replace with your browser and target URL. You can also use msedge.exe or firefox.exe.)

2. Move It to the Startup Folder

• Press Win + R → type:
  shell:startup → press Enter

• This opens the Startup folder

• Move your shortcut into this folder

Done! The next time you start your computer, the browser will launch with your specified URL.

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💡 Bonus: Make It Run Fullscreen (Kiosk Style)

If you want the website to open in full-screen (ideal for signage or displays):

For Chrome, use this in your shortcut:

For Edge:

Pro Tip: You can also combine this with your existing scheduled power-on setup
👉 Guide: Automatically Turn On and Shut Down Your PC

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🔐 Optional: Disable User Prompts or Lock the PC

For public displays, you may want to:

• Auto-login (use netplwiz to skip password prompts)

• Disable sleep/screensaver

• Set the display to stay on

Need help setting this up for a commercial environment?
Contact Us — we can pre-configure your device.