To force a Windows app to run before login, you generally need to convert it into a Windows Service or use specific shutdown/startup commands, as standard startup folders run after login; for apps that don’t need the user logged in, use Task Scheduler with SYSTEM account or a Startup Script; if it’s a user-facing app, set up automatic login via netplwiz and then use standard startup methods, or create a batch/PowerShell script that runs at system boot before user logon.
Method 1: For System/Background Apps (No GUI needed)
1. Task Scheduler
- Open Task Scheduler (search Task Scheduler).
- Create a new task.
- Set Trigger to “At startup”.
- Set Action to “Start a program”, browse to your .exe.
- Crucially, in “General” tab, select “Run whether user is logged on or not” and “Run with highest privileges,” using the SYSTEM account (or a specific service account).
2. Windows Service
- For truly pre-login, interactive apps, you might need to wrap them as a Windows Service using tools like sc.exe, InstallUtil.exe, or a wrapper. This is complex but allows execution with high privileges before any user login.
Method 2: For User-Facing Apps (Requires Login)
1. Automatic Login & Startup Folder
- Type netplwiz in Run (Win+R) and uncheck “Users must enter a user name and password” to enable automatic login for a specific user.
- Put your app’s shortcut in the Startup Folder: press Win+R, type shell:startup, and paste the shortcut there.
- Pro Tip: Use shutdown /s /f /t 0 for a clean shutdown, but use shutdown /r /f /t 0 for a restart to pre-load apps if your system has that setting enabled.
2. Startup Script (Batch/PowerShell):
- Create a .bat or .ps1 file with your app’s path (e.g., start “” “C:\Path\To\App.exe”).
- Place a shortcut to this script in the Startup Folder (shell:startup) to run it immediately after the user logs in.
Key Distinction
- Before Login (System Level): Task Scheduler (SYSTEM account) or Windows Service.
- After Login (User Level): Startup Folder or Task Manager Startup Tab.