---
title: "How To Use Startup Applications in Ubuntu"
description: "In many situations, it can be helpful to have your favorite apps open up on startup, as soon as your computer boots up. This can save you some time and make sure you check your most important..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/server/linux/ubuntu-startup-applications/
date: 2020-09-16
modified: 2020-09-16
author: "Christopher Maiorana"
categories: ["Linux"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# How To Use Startup Applications in Ubuntu

In many situations, it can be helpful to have your favorite apps open
up on startup, as soon as your computer boots up. This can save you
some time and make sure you check your most important calendars,
emails, or task managers before you start your work day.

- [Select Your Startup Applications](#org773ba66)
- [Using a File Path](#org1bb9843)

The Ubuntu (desktop) operating system makes it easy to add what it calls
“Startup Applications” by, conveniently, using an app called Startup
Applications. But often, making sure you open the right application
requires a few more steps.

## Select Your Startup Applications

1. Open the **Activities** menu ![](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ubuntu_startup_applications_001.png)
2. Select **Startup Applications** app![Select Startup Applications](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ubuntu_startup_applications_002.png)
3. Click **Add** to add a startup application ![Click Add](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ubuntu_startup_applications_003.png)
4. Fill in a name for the app, for example “firefox”

## Using a File Path

Many of the apps available in your system may require a file path.

For example, if you would like to run custom scripts, you are best
advised to provide the full file path.

Many of the apps that come with your operating system will be in the
`/usr/bin/` directory. For example:

/usr/bin/firefox

Likewise, if you have a custom script in your home directory, you can
provide the path to that script as well:

~/customscript.sh

This can be very helpful if you have local scripts that interact with
your [dedicated server](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/dedicated-servers).

![Add custom script](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ubuntu_startup_applications_005.png)

Well done! You now know how to run certain applications and scripts
on startup in your Ubuntu operating system.