Startup Assistant

An add-in for Microsoft Excel that opens the files you want every time Excel starts.

  • Select and open the files you want open whenever you open Excel
  • Pick any file on your PC with the Add button
  • Reopen previously opened files or files you had removed from the list
  • Stop files from opening without removing them from the list
  • Set the open order so you land on the file you want
  • Compatible with Microsoft Excel 2013-2024 and Office 365

The Startup Assistant add-in for Microsoft Excel will automatically open any list of files you want open when you open Excel. It is compatible with Microsoft Excel 2013-2024 and Office 365.

Excel does have a way to automatically open files — by placing them in the Startup Folder. However, that folder is difficult to find and navigate to, and you have to constantly move files in and out. By default, few people use it for its intended purpose. A good idea, but not properly implemented.

The Startup Assistant solves this problem. It lets you select any files you want, and it will then open these files each time you open Excel. A typical use is to open a to-do list or reference list that you know you will use.

Startup Assistant main dialog
The Startup Assistant main dialog

The Add button lets you select any file on your PC. The tabs at the top help you select previously opened files or files that you had on the startup list but removed. There is even a check box to stop files from being opened without removing them all from the list, and the arrows on the right let you set the open order.

The last file in the list is the one you end up on when Excel opens — in this case our to-do list, which helps us focus on what tasks need doing.

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