Autostart program when windows boots (no user session)

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).

Ivan G.

Posted 2010-02-04T11:59:32.343

Reputation: 120

1As the most obvious use for this capability is to enable malware, it might help if you could explain your application in a little more detail. – None – 2010-02-05T15:33:43.627

HKLM instead of HKCU (assuming you have the rights to amend this key) – AdamV – 2010-05-20T21:52:57.873

Answers

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

Anton Gogolev

Posted 2010-02-04T11:59:32.343

Reputation: 193

Sorry, I can, however I cannot register windows service for various reasons. – None – 2010-02-04T12:13:26.960

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 *

Stephen Jennings

Posted 2010-02-04T11:59:32.343

Reputation: 21 788

-1

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

John T

Posted 2010-02-04T11:59:32.343

Reputation: 149 037

How is this offensive? – Ivo Flipse – 2010-06-17T07:05:14.037