The solution is very simple to start several programs at the same time via a batch file in order to save several clicks!The solution is very simple with the start command and is also well suited if you use the task scheduler to start and close programs automatically at a certain point in time . And since this is an old Windows function, this works in Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 7 and should also work with all Microsoft Server versions 2019, 2016 to 2000 without having to resort to external third-party program start solutions !
Content: 1.) ... Here is a simple example of starting three programs at the same time!
|
(Image-1) Batch file for starting several programs! |
![]() |

2.) End all three at the same time with taskkill!
All programs that can be started can also be forcibly closed, but as an example you can use the Taskkill command to do this, pay attention to the correct spelling of the programs, not that the wrong Windows program is terminated.
Here in the example I have added Start Explorer as the end command, because it is difficult to work without Explorer.
Please save the commands for testing, for example on the desktop, as "programs_kill.bat" and simply test it.
(... see Image-2 Point 1 and 2)
See ... File creation tip!
taskkill /IM iexplorer.exe /F
taskkill /IM calc.exe /F
taskkill /IM explorer.exe /F
start explorer.exe
(Image-2) Batch file for closing several programs and APPs! |
![]() |

3.) What should I consider and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
With the command Task-kill it is possible to terminate almost all programs, for this reason the correct spelling of the programs must be observed.Wildly terminating the programs is not recommended without knowledge of Windows!
►► Use taskkill correctly and sensibly with the Cmd.exe with examples?
Any suggestions for pairs of programs that you would use in a batch file like this one?
The batch file for starting several programs in autostart Windows 10 / 8.1 / 7!
What if you could open several programs with just one (double) click, then you can also use them to create programs via the Startup folder, or a shortcut to the batch file in the Startup folder!
Here in the example I have simply copied it into the Windows Autostart folder, self-explanatory:
( ... see Image-3 Point 1 and 3 )
(Image-4) Use batch file to start multiple programs at MS Windows Start! |
![]() |
Create the batch file to start two, three or more specified programs at the same time. This tip also works in older versions of Desktop OS Windows and Microsofts Web Server 2019, 2016, .....

FAQ 44: Updated on: 4 July 2021 14:01