Windows 10: How to auto-start my own .NET app when Windows starts?

Hi,
I'm having some trouble auto-starting my own application when Win10 starts / user logs in (auto-login enabled).
I'm moving my application to a new machine running Windows 10 Pro [Version 10.0.19041.329].
Before it was running on Windows 7 and there I just copied a shortcut to the executable into the Start-Up folder in the Start menu - simples...

The application is my own C# .Net 4.5.2 app. It does not have an installer, I just copy all .exe and .dll files to a folder and run the .exe.

I have followed a few tutorials (on here and other websites) but I just can't get the app to auto-start.

Initially the app does not show up in Task Manager - Start-up (understandable as it was not installed through an installer, so Windows doesn't know about it)

I have tried copying a shortcut to the folder that opens with "shell:startup". This did not make the app auto-start, but now it was showing up in Task Manager - Start-up as Enabled.

I have also tried the "Use my sign-in info to automatically finish setting up my device after an update or restart" setting to no avail.

I have also tried the "Register this program for restart" checkbox under Properties - Compatibility. With this enabled the app now seems to auto-start but it closes again after a second or two. It does actually seem to run for a bit as it has written some entries to its own log file. But I have no idea why it quits shortly after.

If I run the app manually, everything works fine and as expected.
The app is configured to run as Administrator, if that makes any difference.

So the question is: What is the official / best way to make this kind of app auto-start on Windows 10? It was so easy on Win7!

:)

 

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Start menu not working with .NET framework error

Hi Jankauskas,

Welcome to Microsoft community.

As per your post, Start menu not working with .NET framework error on your system and we are glad to assist you to fix the issue.

• What is the version of .NET framework on your system?

This issue may occur due to corrupt Windows system files or due to the conflict between any third party applications on your system.

I suggest you to follow these methods below to fix your issue:

Method 1:

Let's try to perform a clean boot and check. Setting the system in a clean boot state will help to identify if any third party applications or startup items are causing the issue.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Disclaimer: After clean boot troubleshooting steps, refer to the section "How to reset the computer to start as usual after troubleshooting with clean boot" in the provided link to return your computer to Normal startup mode.

Method 2:

If that doesn’t work, I suggest you to uninstall and re-install
.NET Framework and then check, if this fixes the issue.

Let's try to follow these steps below:

a. Type “Turn Windows Features on or off” without quotes in the search box and hit enter.

b. Expand “.NET Framework ” option.

c. Un-check “.NET Framework ”.

d. Restart the computer.

Follow these steps to re-install .NET Framework :

a. Type “Turn Windows Features on or off” without quotes in the search box and hit enter.

b. Expand “.NET Framework ” option.

c. Make a check mark next to “.NET Framework
”.

d. Restart the computer.

Hope the above information helps. Reply with necessary information and the result to help you further.

Thank you.