How to Open a Chrome Tab With Computer Startup

By Alan Sembera

Launch any app during startup by adding it to your startup folder.
i Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

When you have a favorite Chrome tab you like to keep open all the time, it makes sense to add it to your list of Windows startup items. With Chrome, you have two choices on how you want to open the tab: You can open the tab in its own streamlined Chrome window that looks and acts like a separate desktop application without tabs, menus or the address bar; or you can open the tab in a regular Chrome browser window that allows you to add other tabs.

Streamlined Window

Step 1

Select the Chrome tab you want to open during your computer's startup.

Step 2

Click the Chrome menu button next to the address bar. Select "Tools" from the menu, and then click "Create Application Shortcuts."

Step 3

Check the box next to "Desktop" when Chrome asks where you want to create the shortcut.

Step 4

Click "Create." Chrome adds a shortcut on the desktop for the page or app you have open. Chrome also opens the page or app in its special streamlined window.

Step 5

Press "Windows-E" on the keyboard to open File Explorer or Windows Explorer. Type "shell:startup" into the address bar of the file browser, and then press "Enter." WIndows opens your startup folder.

Step 6

Click the desktop shortcut and drag it into the startup folder. The page or app from the Chrome tab will now launch in the streamlined window every time you start Windows.

Regular Chrome Window

Step 1

Select the Chrome tab you want to open during your computer's startup.

Step 2

Right-click an empty part of the desktop. Select "New" and then click "Shortcut." Windows launches the shortcut wizard and prompts you to enter the location of a program.

Step 3

Type or paste the following into the shortcut location field, including the quotes:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" http:\www.website.com

Step 4

Replace "http:\www.website.com" with the exact URL from the Chrome address bar.

Step 5

Click "Next" and then "Finish" to create the shortcut.

Step 6

Press "Windows-E" on the keyboard to open File Explorer or Windows Explorer. Type "shell:startup" into the address bar of the file browser, and then press "Enter." WIndows opens your startup folder.

Step 7

Drag the new shortcut into the startup folder. Chrome will now open to the selected tab each time you start Windows.

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