commands to make a program run at startup

How to Create a Windows PowerShell Startup Script

Have you ever needed to run a program or script automatically when your Windows computer starts up? It's a common requirement in many IT environments, but finding the right approach can be challenging. In this article, we'll explore how to create a Windows PowerShell startup script that runs natively and easily, without relying on Group Policy.

The Old Way

In the past, creating a Windows PowerShell startup script required some creative workarounds. One common technique involved using a VBS file to launch a Windows PowerShell script. However, this approach was not reliable and has since been deprecated.

Windows PowerShell Scheduled Jobs to the Rescue

Beginning with Windows PowerShell 3.0, you can create a Windows PowerShell startup script using scheduled jobs. This approach is native to PowerShell and provides a simple and straightforward way to run your scripts at startup.

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Create a new Windows PowerShell script with the .ps1 file extension.

2. Open the Task Scheduler and navigate to the 'Task Scheduler (Local)' section.

3. Right-click on the 'Task Scheduler' folder and select 'Create Basic Task.'

4. Give your task a name and description, then click 'Next.'

5. Set the trigger for the task by selecting 'Daily' or 'At startup,' depending on your needs.

6. Set the action to start a Windows PowerShell script by clicking 'New' under the 'Actions' section.

7. Enter the path to your PowerShell script file (e.g., C:\Scripts\MyScript.ps1).

8. Click 'OK' to save the task.

Creating a Windows PowerShell startup script is now easier than ever with scheduled jobs. By following these simple steps, you can run your scripts automatically when your computer starts up, without relying on Group Policy or other workarounds. Whether you're an IT professional or just looking for a way to automate tasks on your personal computer, this technique is sure to be useful.

Commands to make a program run at startup