How to Run an AutoHotkey Script at Startup

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Add a Startup shortcut

   Copy steps
   1. 01Right-click the script and create a shortcut
   2. 02Press Win+R, enter shell:startup, press Enter
   3. 03Paste the shortcut into the folder
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2All users

   1. 01Use shell:common startup instead (needs admin rights)
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Run elevated at login

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open Task Scheduler and create a task triggered At log on
   2. 02Tick Run with highest privileges
   3. 03Action: start AutoHotkey with the script path
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Script is gone after reboot, or does not work in admin windows when started at login.

Why it happens

• C-01No startup entry exists
• C-02Script needs admin rights and the Startup folder runs it normally

// this guide also covers

• autohotkey run at startup
• autohotkey start with windows
• autohotkey startup folder

Other AutoHotkey errors

• AutoHotkey v1 Script Not Working in v2
• AutoHotkey Error: This Line Does Not Contain a Recognized Action
• AutoHotkey Hotkeys Not Working in Admin Windows
• AutoHotkey Flagged as Virus by Antivirus
• AutoHotkey Anti-Cheat Errors and Bans in Games
• AutoHotkey Send and Click Not Working in Games
• AutoHotkey Modifier Key Stuck (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Win)
• AutoHotkey Hotkeys Not Working on Non-English Keyboard Layouts