Start automatically with login not working on new Windows 11 build

[robnicholson]

I’ve replaced my desktop motherboard as the old one didn’t support Windows 11 reliably. Re-installed Windows 11 from scratch. All working well except Bitwarden isn’t launching automatically on login. These are my settings:

When I manually run it, all is well. Must be missing something obvious. NOTE: there is nothing in Startup apps which is a bit suspicious. I’ve got Bitwarden auto starting on my laptop and virtual machine - it’s listed in Startup apps there. I’ve tried running Bitwarden as admin and turning the checkbox off and back on - no difference.

[robnicholson]

Exactly what start-up mechanism does Bitwarden use? I’m aware there are several methods.

[grb]

Just some quick suggestions:

• This may be a job for the Customer Support team.
• To reduce the number of variables, try disabling “Start to tray icon”.
• Use Autoruns to see if there are any clues there.

[DenBesten]

For reference, from a working Windows 11 PC,

In Settings >> Apps >> Startup:

And, in the registry:

If you feel adventurous, try adding the registry entry, or for the less adventurous, maybe uninstall and reinstall bitwarden itself.

[robnicholson]

So this is the problem - that registry key setting is not getting added on this new build. I’ve just checked on my laptop where BW is starting fine on logon. The registry key setting is present. If I uncheck the box, registry key is removed. Check it again and it re-adds. But on new build, no joy. Sure, I can add the registry key myself manually but I should probably carry on diagnosing why Bitwarden can’t do it itself.

The new build is on a slightly older version of Windows 11 23H2 so I’m just updating it. I’ll also try re-installing Bitwarden.

[robnicholson]

Computers eh! Right pain sometimes. Re-installed Bitwarden and the registry key is working flawlessly now. Sort of turned it off and back on…