Python is a popular high-level programming language that allows you to write system scripts easily. If you are a Python developer and you wish to run a Python code on startup in your windows system, this article is for you. In this article, we will look at how you can run a Python file at startup in your windows system.
Running a Python file on startup in Windows can be useful for many reasons. For instance, you might want to run a task or start a monitoring application immediately you start your system. Here are the steps you can take to make your Python script run automatically at startup.
- Create your Python Script
The first step is to create your Python script. In this example, we will create a simple Python file that will print a message when the system starts. We will save the file in a directory named "C:\PyScripts\startup.py". Here is the code for the script:
print("Welcome to your Windows System on Startup!")
In the above script, we are printing a message that will display on the system console once the system starts.
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Open Task Scheduler
The next step is to open the Task Scheduler menu. You can get Task Scheduler by typing “Task Scheduler” in the search bar or from the Start Menu. -
Create a new Task
Once you have opened the Task Scheduler menu, click on the "Create Task" option to create a new task. -
Assign a Name and Description for the Task
You need to assign a name and a description to your task. The name should be descriptive and should relate to your task. In the “Description” field, you can add extra information about your task. -
Configure Task Conditions
In this step, you need to specify under what conditions the task will start running. You can select the conditions that suit you. For instance, you can configure the task to run only when your system starts without having a user logged in. -
Configure Triggers
Here, you need to set the event(s) that will trigger the task to start running. Select “Begin the task” and then “At Startup”. -
Configure Actions
In this step, you need to select the action that your task file will perform. Here you need to set the Program/Script to the Python executable path. -
Add Arguments
To run your Python script at startup, you will need to add the full path to your Python file in the Task Scheduler. You can do this by clicking on the “Add Arguments” field and then adding the path of your Python file to your arguments.
For instance, assuming that your Python file is saved at the following path: “C:\PyScripts\Startup.py”. You will need to add the following argument:
"C:\PyScripts\python.exe" "C:\PyScripts\startup.py"
Make sure the Python script path is correct and the executable is in the correct location.
- Click on OK
Your task should now start running when your system starts.
Conclusion
In this article, we have looked at how to run Python files on startup in a windows system. You can use this method to run any Python script that you want to execute when your system starts. By creating a Task in the Task Scheduler, you ensure that your Python script runs automatically without needing to manually launch it.
here’s a more detailed explanation of the previous topics:
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Create Your Python Script
The first step in running a Python script at startup is to create your script. You can write any Python code that you want to execute on startup, but make sure to save the code in a specific directory as we’ll need to reference the file later when setting up task scheduler. -
Open Task Scheduler
Task Scheduler is a built-in Windows program that allows you to schedule tasks to run automatically at a specific time or when a specific event occurs. You can open Task Scheduler by typing “Task Scheduler” in the search bar or from the Start Menu. -
Create A New Task
Once you have opened Task Scheduler, click on the "Create Task" option to create a new task. Here, you can provide a name and description for your task. -
Assign A Name And Description For The Task
In this step, you need to assign a name and a description to your task. The name should be descriptive and should relate to your task. In the “Description” field, you can add extra information about your task. This can be helpful for you or other users to understand why the task was created. -
Configure Task Conditions
Task Scheduler has many built-in conditions that you can use to trigger a task. For instance, you might want the script to run when the system starts, a user logs in, or the system is idle. You can select multiple conditions that suit you. For instance, you can configure the task to run only when your system starts without having a user logged in. -
Configure Triggers
Triggers tell Task Scheduler when to execute the task. In this step, you need to set the event(s) that will trigger the task to start running. Select “Begin the task” and then “At Startup”. This means that your task will run automatically when your computer boots up. -
Configure Actions
In this step, you need to select the action that your task file will perform. You can tell Task Scheduler to execute a batch file, run a PowerShell script, or open an executable file. Here you need to set the Program/Script to the Python executable path. -
Add Arguments
To run your Python script at startup, you will need to add the full path to your Python file in the Task Scheduler. You can do this by clicking on the “Add Arguments” field and then adding the path of your Python file to your arguments. -
Click On OK
Once you have finished setting up the task, click on OK. Your task should now start running when your system starts.
Conclusion
Running Python files on startup in a Windows system is easy and can be useful for many reasons. By creating a task in Task Scheduler, you can ensure that your Python script runs automatically without needing to manually launch it. You can use this method to run any Python script that you want to execute when your system starts.
Popular questions
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What is Task Scheduler in Windows?
Task Scheduler is a built-in Windows program that allows you to schedule tasks to run automatically at a specific time or when a specific event occurs. -
How do you create a new task in Task Scheduler?
To create a new task in Task Scheduler, open the program and click on "Create Task" to create a new task. -
How do you specify under what conditions a task will start running?
To specify under what conditions a task will start running, you can select from the many built-in conditions that Task Scheduler provides. For instance, you can configure the task to run only when your system starts without having a user logged in. -
Can you set multiple triggers for a task in Task Scheduler?
Yes, you can set multiple triggers for a task in Task Scheduler. This means that the task will run whenever any of the specified triggers occur. -
How do you add the path of your Python file in Task Scheduler?
To add the path of your Python file in Task Scheduler, click on the “Add Arguments” field and then add the full path of your Python file to the arguments. For instance, assuming that your Python file is saved at the following path: “C:\PyScripts\Startup.py”, you would add the following argument: "C:\PyScripts\python.exe" "C:\PyScripts\startup.py".
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