START Command – Launch Programs and Files in Windows CMD

The START command is a Windows Command Prompt utility that launches programs, opens files and folders, executes commands in new windows, and controls process priority and window state. Use START to run applications with specified window size (minimized, maximized, or normal), set CPU priority for performance control, open URLs in default browser, launch documents with associated applications, or execute multiple commands simultaneously in separate windows—essential for automation, scripting, and parallel task execution.

Whether you're a system administrator launching monitoring tools and administrative utilities with specific priority settings, a developer running multiple test environments simultaneously with controlled resource allocation, or a power user automating application launches and opening files from batch scripts, START provides comprehensive control over process creation and window management. IT professionals rely on START for service startup scripts, parallel processing workflows, and automated application deployment across enterprise environments.

This comprehensive guide covers START syntax, all parameters and window control options, practical examples for launching applications and managing process priority, troubleshooting tips for common launch issues, related process management commands, and frequently asked questions. By the end, you'll confidently use START for application launching, window management, and process automation in Windows environments.

What Is the START Command?

The START command is a versatile process launcher in Windows Command Prompt that creates new processes with control over window state, priority, affinity, and working directory, enabling sophisticated process management and automation.

START works in Command Prompt (CMD), batch files, and is available in all Windows versions from Windows 95 through Windows 11, Windows Server 2003 through Windows Server 2022, and all enterprise editions. Its window control and priority management capabilities make it essential for scripting and automation scenarios requiring parallel execution or resource management.

The command's window state options (/MIN, /MAX, /WAIT) enable control over how launched applications appear and interact with scripts. Process priority parameters (/LOW, /NORMAL, /HIGH, /REALTIME, /ABOVENORMAL, /BELOWNORMAL) allow CPU resource allocation control for performance optimization. System administrators use START in deployment scripts to launch services, monitoring tools to run diagnostic utilities with appropriate priority, and automation scripts to execute parallel tasks without blocking.

START vs Direct Execution

While typing an executable name directly runs it in the current window, START offers:

New window creation – Launch commands in separate windows without blocking current session
Window state control – Specify minimized, maximized, or normal window states
Priority management – Set CPU scheduling priority for performance control
Wait capability – Block script until launched process completes with /WAIT

Most batch scripts use START for parallel execution and when window state or priority control is needed.

Syntax

START ["title"] [/D path] [/I] [/MIN] [/MAX] [/SEPARATE | /SHARED]
      [/LOW | /NORMAL | /HIGH | /REALTIME | /ABOVENORMAL | /BELOWNORMAL]
      [/AFFINITY hexaffinity] [/WAIT] [/B]
      [command/program] [parameters]

Parameters

Parameter	Description
`"title"`	Title to display in new Command Prompt window (required if path has spaces)
`/D path`	Specifies the starting directory (working directory)
`/I`	Passes the original environment to the new process (not current modified environment)
`/MIN`	Starts window minimized
`/MAX`	Starts window maximized
`/SEPARATE`	Starts 16-bit Windows program in separate memory space
`/SHARED`	Starts 16-bit Windows program in shared memory space (default)
`/LOW`	Starts application in IDLE priority class
`/NORMAL`	Starts application in NORMAL priority class (default)
`/HIGH`	Starts application in HIGH priority class
`/REALTIME`	Starts application in REALTIME priority class (use with caution)
`/ABOVENORMAL`	Starts application in ABOVENORMAL priority class
`/BELOWNORMAL`	Starts application in BELOWNORMAL priority class
`/AFFINITY mask`	Sets processor affinity (hexadecimal mask)
`/WAIT`	Starts application and waits for it to terminate before continuing
`/B`	Starts application without creating a new window (console apps in same window)
`command`	Command or program to execute
`parameters`	Arguments to pass to the command or program

Title requirement: If the first parameter contains spaces, enclose it in quotes and provide a title (even if empty: START "" "C:\Program Files\app.exe").

Priority caution: /REALTIME priority can make system unstable; use only for time-critical applications.

How to Use START Command

Launch an Application

Start a program in a new window:

START notepad.exe
START calc.exe
START explorer.exe

Opens the application in a new process. The command returns immediately, allowing the script to continue.

Open a File with Default Application

Launch a file using its associated program:

START document.txt
START report.pdf
START presentation.pptx

Windows opens the file with the default application (e.g., .txt with Notepad, .pdf with Adobe Reader).

Open a Folder in Explorer

Open a directory in Windows Explorer:

START .
START C:\Users
START "Documents" "C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Documents"

Use . for current directory, provide path for specific folders. Enclose paths with spaces in quotes with a title.

Launch with Custom Window Title

Start a command with a specific window title:

START "My App" notepad.exe
START "Log Viewer" type server.log
START "System Monitor" perfmon

The title appears in the window's title bar. Required when executable path has spaces.

Start Application Minimized

Launch a program minimized to taskbar:

START /MIN notepad.exe
START /MIN calc.exe
START /MIN "Backup" backup_script.bat

Application starts but doesn't appear on screen—visible only in taskbar. Useful for background tasks and monitoring tools.

Start Application Maximized

Launch a program in fullscreen mode:

START /MAX notepad.exe
START /MAX cmd.exe
START /MAX "Browser" chrome.exe

Window immediately maximizes to fill the screen. Useful for presentation or monitoring applications.

Set Starting Directory

Specify the working directory for the launched process:

START /D "C:\Projects\MyApp" myapp.exe
START /D "%USERPROFILE%" notepad.exe
START /D "C:\Logs" cmd /k dir

The /D parameter sets where the application looks for files and saves output. Essential for scripts requiring specific working directories.

Run with Low Priority

Launch a program with reduced CPU priority:

START /LOW backup.exe
START /LOW "Encoder" ffmpeg.exe -i input.mp4 output.mp4
START /BELOWNORMAL compile.bat

Low priority processes yield CPU time to normal and high priority processes. Use for background tasks to prevent performance impact.

Run with High Priority

Launch a program with elevated CPU priority:

START /HIGH time-sensitive-app.exe
START /ABOVENORMAL game.exe
START /HIGH "Render" blender.exe

High priority processes get preferential CPU scheduling. Use for time-critical applications requiring responsive performance.

Wait for Process Completion

Start a program and block until it exits:

START /WAIT notepad.exe
ECHO Notepad has been closed

START /WAIT setup.exe
ECHO Installation complete

The /WAIT parameter makes START synchronous—script pauses until launched process terminates. Essential for sequential operations.

Run Without New Window

Execute a console application in the current window:

START /B ping google.com
START /B dir /s
START /B tasklist > processes.txt

The /B parameter runs console commands without creating a new window. Output appears in current console.

Open URL in Default Browser

Launch a website in the default web browser:

START https://www.google.com
START http://localhost:3000
START "Documentation" https://docs.microsoft.com

Windows opens the URL in your default browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.).

Launch with Command-Line Arguments

Start a program with parameters:

START notepad.exe C:\Logs\app.log
START chrome.exe --incognito https://example.com
START "Media Player" vlc.exe --loop video.mp4

Arguments after the executable are passed to the launched program.

Execute Multiple Commands Simultaneously

Run several programs in parallel:

START /MIN cmd /k ping 8.8.8.8
START /MIN cmd /k netstat -an
START /MIN cmd /k tasklist /v

Each START command launches immediately without waiting, enabling parallel execution.

Combine Window State and Priority

Control both window appearance and CPU priority:

START /MIN /LOW backup_script.bat
START /MAX /HIGH monitoring_tool.exe
START /MIN /BELOWNORMAL "Logger" logging.exe

Combine parameters to fine-tune process behavior for specific use cases.

Common Use Cases

Launch background tasks – Use START /MIN /LOW background_task.bat to run maintenance scripts without impacting user experience.
Open files with default applications – Use START document.pdf to open files from scripts without knowing the associated program.
Parallel command execution – Use multiple START commands to run tasks simultaneously instead of sequentially for faster processing.
Deploy applications with priority – Use START /HIGH important_app.exe to ensure critical applications get preferential CPU scheduling.
Open multiple monitoring windows – Use START "CPU" perfmon, START "Network" resmon to launch diagnostic tools in separate windows.
Automation with wait points – Use START /WAIT installer.exe in deployment scripts to ensure installation completes before continuing.
Launch URLs from scripts – Use START https://internal-dashboard.company.com to open web applications from automation scripts.
Run batch files in new windows – Use START "Task 1" task1.bat, START "Task 2" task2.bat for parallel batch execution.
Background encoding or processing – Use START /LOW /MIN "Encode" encoder.exe to run CPU-intensive tasks without interfering with interactive work.
Open current directory in Explorer – Use START . to quickly open file browser at current location from command line.
Sequential application startup – Use START /WAIT service1.exe && START /WAIT service2.exe to launch dependent services in order.
Launch elevated processes from scripts – Use START "" "C:\Program Files\app.exe" with proper quoting to handle paths with spaces.

Tips and Best Practices

Always use title for paths with spaces – Use START "" "C:\Program Files\app.exe" (empty title) when executable path contains spaces.
Use /MIN for background scripts – Combine START /MIN script.bat to run tasks without cluttering the desktop with windows.
Set working directory with /D – Use START /D "C:\Projects" app.exe to ensure the application finds its files in the correct location.
Use /WAIT for sequential operations – Add /WAIT when the next command depends on completion: START /WAIT installer.exe.
Avoid /REALTIME priority – Never use /REALTIME except for time-critical system tasks; it can make the system unresponsive.
Open current folder quickly – Use START . to open Windows Explorer at the current directory—faster than navigating manually.
Combine /LOW with background tasks – Use START /LOW /MIN backup.bat for background operations to prevent performance degradation.
Quote titles and paths correctly – Use START "My Title" "C:\Path\app.exe" to handle both title and path with spaces properly.
Use /B for console commands in scripts – Add /B to run console commands without creating distracting new windows: START /B tasklist.
Test priority settings carefully – Use /HIGH and /ABOVENORMAL cautiously; excessive high-priority processes degrade system responsiveness.
Launch multiple instances easily – Run START app.exe multiple times to open several instances without waiting for each to complete.
Use START for URLs in documentation scripts – Add START https://docs.site.com to automatically open relevant documentation from batch files.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Command Not Recognized When Using Spaces

Problem: START C:\Program Files\app.exe returns "'C:\Program' is not recognized as an internal or external command."

Cause: Spaces in path are interpreted as separate parameters without quotes and title.

Solution: Always provide a title (even empty) and quote the path:

START "" "C:\Program Files\app.exe"
START "My App" "C:\Program Files\MyApp\app.exe"

Prevention: Use quotes around any path containing spaces and provide a title as the first parameter.

File Opens in Wrong Application

Problem: START document.txt opens in WordPad instead of Notepad.

Cause: File association is set to a different default application.

Solution: Specify the application explicitly:

START notepad.exe document.txt
START "" "C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe" document.txt

Or change file associations in Windows Settings → Default Apps.

Prevention: Explicitly specify the application when you need a specific program; don't rely on default associations in scripts.

Process Starts But Window Doesn't Appear

Problem: START app.exe seems to work but no window appears.

Cause: Application is minimized, started in background, or running on different virtual desktop.

Solution: Force maximized or normal window:

START /MAX app.exe
START "" /NORMAL app.exe

Check Task Manager or taskbar for the running process.

Prevention: Use /MAX or /MIN explicitly to control window state when visibility is important.

Cannot Set Priority to REALTIME

Problem: START /REALTIME app.exe starts but priority isn't REALTIME in Task Manager.

Cause: Non-administrators cannot set REALTIME priority; it requires elevated privileges.

Solution: Run Command Prompt as Administrator:

Right-click Command Prompt
Select "Run as administrator"
Run START /REALTIME app.exe

Prevention: Use /HIGH for most performance-critical tasks; reserve /REALTIME for actual real-time system requirements.

START /WAIT Never Returns

Problem: START /WAIT app.exe hangs indefinitely even after closing the application.

Cause: Application spawned child processes that remain running, or application didn't fully exit.

Solution: Check for child processes in Task Manager. Force terminate if needed:

TASKKILL /F /IM app.exe

Or use timeout to avoid infinite wait:

START /WAIT app.exe
timeout /t 300 /nobreak

Prevention: Verify application fully exits without leaving background processes; use timeout as failsafe in scripts.

URL Doesn't Open in Browser

Problem: START https://example.com returns error or does nothing.

Cause: No default browser set, or URL protocol not recognized.

Solution: Set default browser in Windows Settings → Default Apps. Or specify browser explicitly:

START chrome.exe https://example.com
START "" "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" https://example.com

Prevention: In enterprise environments, explicitly specify browser executable for reliability.

Related Commands

CALL – Call Batch File and Return

CALL executes a batch file and returns to the calling script. Use START to launch batch files in new windows, CALL to run them in current window.

Example:

CALL subscript.bat
START "Parallel Task" subscript.bat

Difference: CALL blocks and runs in same window; START launches in new window and returns immediately (unless /WAIT is used).

CMD – Start New Command Prompt

CMD starts a new Command Prompt window. Often used with START to create new console windows with specific commands.

Example:

START cmd /k dir
START cmd /c echo Hello && pause

Integration: Use START cmd /k command to keep window open after command executes for viewing output.

TASKLIST/TASKKILL – Process Management

TASKLIST views running processes, TASKKILL terminates them. Use with START to launch and manage processes programmatically.

Example:

START /MIN app.exe
TASKLIST | FINDSTR /I "app.exe"
TASKKILL /IM app.exe /F

When to use: Combine START (launch), TASKLIST (verify), and TASKKILL (terminate) for complete process lifecycle management.

RUNAS – Run as Different User

RUNAS executes commands as a different user. Use START with RUNAS for launching applications with different credentials.

Example:

RUNAS /user:domain\admin "cmd /c START app.exe"

Integration: Combine RUNAS and START when applications need specific user context or elevated privileges.

SCHTASKS – Task Scheduler

SCHTASKS schedules programs to run at specific times. Use instead of START for time-based automation and recurring tasks.

Example:

SCHTASKS /CREATE /SC DAILY /TN "Backup" /TR "C:\Scripts\backup.bat" /ST 02:00

When to use: Use SCHTASKS for scheduled execution, START for immediate launching from scripts.

AT – Legacy Task Scheduler (Deprecated)

AT schedules commands (deprecated in modern Windows). Use SCHTASKS or START for automated task execution.

Example:

AT 14:00 /EVERY:M,T,W,Th,F "C:\Scripts\report.bat"

Modern alternative: Use SCHTASKS or Task Scheduler GUI; AT command is no longer supported in recent Windows versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does START command do?

START launches programs, opens files with associated applications, executes commands in new windows, and controls process window state and priority. Use START to run applications with specified window size (minimized/maximized), set CPU priority (low/normal/high), open URLs in browsers, or execute multiple commands simultaneously without blocking. Essential for automation and scripting.

How do I start a program minimized in CMD?

Use START /MIN program.exe to launch a program minimized to the taskbar. Example: START /MIN notepad.exe opens Notepad minimized. For batch scripts: START /MIN "Backup Task" backup.bat. The window starts but doesn't appear on screen—visible only in taskbar. Useful for background tasks and services.

What is START /WAIT used for?

START /WAIT launches a program and blocks until it exits, making execution synchronous. Use when subsequent commands depend on process completion. Example: START /WAIT installer.exe && ECHO Installation complete waits for installer to finish before continuing. Essential for sequential operations like installation chains, processing pipelines, or cleanup after user interaction.

How do I open a file with START command?

Use START filename to open a file with its default application. Examples: START document.txt opens in Notepad, START report.pdf opens in PDF viewer, START image.jpg opens in default photo app. Windows uses file associations to determine which program launches. To specify program: START notepad.exe document.txt.

Can I set CPU priority with START?

Yes, use priority parameters: /LOW (idle), /BELOWNORMAL, /NORMAL (default), /ABOVENORMAL, /HIGH, or /REALTIME. Examples: START /LOW backup.exe runs with low priority (good for background tasks), START /HIGH game.exe runs with high priority (better responsiveness). /REALTIME requires Administrator and can destabilize system—use cautiously.

Why does START need quotes and title for paths with spaces?

When paths contain spaces, START interprets the first quoted string as window title, not the executable. Solution: provide a title (even empty) and quote the path: START "" "C:\Program Files\app.exe". Without empty title, START treats "C:\Program Files\app.exe" as title, not executable. This syntax requirement prevents ambiguity between title and command.

How do I open current directory in Explorer with START?

Use START . to open Windows Explorer at the current directory. The dot (.) represents current working directory. Examples: START . (current folder), START .. (parent folder), START C:\Users (specific folder). Fastest way to open file browser at command prompt location. Works in batch files too.

What is the difference between START and START /B?

START creates a new window for the launched process (separate console or GUI window). START /B launches console applications in the current window without creating new window (background execution). Example: START ping google.com (new window), START /B ping google.com (output in current window). Use /B for console commands in scripts to avoid window clutter.

How do I launch multiple programs simultaneously?

Use multiple START commands sequentially—each returns immediately, enabling parallel execution: START app1.exe, START app2.exe, START app3.exe. Without START, commands run sequentially (each waits for previous to complete). Example: START /MIN monitor1.exe && START /MIN monitor2.exe launches both immediately. Use in batch files for parallel processing.

Can START open URLs in web browser?

Yes, use START URL to open web pages in default browser. Examples: START https://www.google.com, START http://localhost:8080, START "Docs" https://docs.company.com. Windows launches default browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) with the URL. Useful in batch files for opening dashboards, documentation, or web applications automatically.

How do I set working directory for started process?

Use /D path to specify starting directory: START /D "C:\Projects" app.exe. The application runs with the specified directory as its current working directory (affects file I/O, relative paths). Example: START /D "%USERPROFILE%\Documents" notepad.exe starts Notepad with Documents folder as working directory. Essential for scripts requiring specific file locations.

What happens if I use START without parameters?

START without parameters opens a new Command Prompt window. Equivalent to START cmd.exe. To execute a command in new window: START cmd /k command (keeps window open) or START cmd /c command (closes after execution). Example: START cmd /k dir opens new window showing directory listing.

Quick Reference Card

Command	Purpose	Example Use Case
`START app.exe`	Launch program	Open application in new window
`START /MIN app.exe`	Start minimized	Background tasks, hidden services
`START /MAX app.exe`	Start maximized	Fullscreen applications, presentations
`START /WAIT app.exe`	Wait for completion	Sequential installations, pipelines
`START /LOW backup.exe`	Low priority	Background processing without impact
`START /HIGH game.exe`	High priority	Performance-critical applications
`START document.pdf`	Open file	Launch with default application
`START .`	Open current folder	Quick Explorer access
`START https://site.com`	Open URL	Launch browser from script
`START "" "C:\Program Files\app.exe"`	Path with spaces	Handle spaces in executable path

Try START Command Now

Ready to practice application launching and process management? Use our Windows Command Simulator to run START commands safely in your browser. No installation required—practice START, window control, priority management, and parallel execution in a risk-free environment. Perfect for learning, training, or testing command sequences before running them on production systems.

Explore the full Commands Reference for more Windows CMD utilities, including process management (TASKLIST, TASKKILL, SC), system tools (SHUTDOWN, SYSTEMINFO), and automation commands.

Summary

The START command is the essential Windows tool for launching programs and controlling process creation from the command line. Use START to run applications, open files with default programs, execute commands in new windows, set window state with /MIN or /MAX, control CPU priority with /LOW, /NORMAL, or /HIGH, wait for process completion with /WAIT, and launch URLs in web browsers.

Start with basic program launching (START app.exe), add window control for specific presentation (START /MIN backup.exe), use priority parameters for performance management (START /LOW encoder.exe), and combine /WAIT for sequential operations in scripts. Master START for automation, parallel task execution, process priority management, and sophisticated batch file workflows in Windows environments.

Understanding START is fundamental to Windows batch scripting and process automation. The command's window control capabilities, priority management options, and parallel execution support make it indispensable for system administrators building deployment scripts, developers automating test environments, and power users creating efficient automated workflows across Windows desktop and server systems.