Autostart program when windows boots (no user session)

Question

Is there any way to autorun an exe when windows boots up, but before user logs in? One of the options is register a windows service, however sometimes this is not possible. I'm looking for sth like a registry key (HKCU\Software\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run).

Answer 1

You can actually turn pretty much any program to a Windows Service. See NSSM - the Non-Sucking Service Manager.

Answer 2

Scheduled Tasks allows you to create a task that runs when the computer starts.

You can either follow the instructions in the Microsoft KB to create a scheduled task through the GUI, or you can run a command similar to this:

schtasks /create /tn MyTask /tr C:\MyApp\MyApp.exe /sc ONSTART /ru username /rp *

Answer 3

Just make a batch file to run the program and insert it into the standard startup scripts:

• Navigate to Start -> Run and type gpedit.msc then press Enter
• Under Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings open Scripts(Startup/Shutdown)
• Double-click "Startup" in right pane.
• Click Add and browse to your script and then click OK