How to make an exe start at the Windows Startup [duplicate]

Answer 1

This can be done using the windows registry. I recomend you to check this registry keys.

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx 

Answer 2

Add to shortcut to Windows start-up folder:

Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.Startup)

Or add to registry, something like this:

RegistryKey add = Registry.CurrentUser.OpenSubKey("SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run", true);
add.SetValue("Your App Name", "\"" + Application.ExecutablePath.ToString() + "\"");

You can change CurrentUser to LocalMachine if you want it to run with every user. Thanks to Aidiakapi.

Answer 3

Easiest way is to put it or a shortcut to it in %userprofile%\Start Menu\Programs\Startupdirectory or %allusersprofile%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

The registry keys HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run (all users) and HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run (current user only) will also serve.

Installing it as a service is often a good approach, but not if you're going to be interactive as you say.