Disclosure: we make SofaDeck, which is one of the options below. Facts about Windows, macOS and other products were checked on 23 October 2026 and can change. SofaDeck is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft or AutoHotkey; all trademarks belong to their owners.
Short answer: Windows already has the tools for most everyday automation. Task Scheduler runs things at a set time, Startup apps open programs when you sign in, a batch file opens several programs at once, and Power Automate for desktop records clicks and typing. For the jobs you start yourself — "set up for work", "movie night" — a routine on a button (on your phone, if you like) is the quickest of all. Here's which tool fits which job, with steps for each.
Pick the right tool for the job
| Job | Best tool | Skill needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open the same apps every time you sign in | Startup apps | None | Built in |
| Run something at 2 am, weekly, or when idle | Task Scheduler | Low | Built in |
| Open five programs and sites with one click | Batch file or a routine | Low / none | Built in / free |
| Repeat clicks and typing inside a program | Power Automate for desktop | Medium | Free |
| Remap keys, snap window layouts | Microsoft PowerToys | Low | Free |
| Anything, with a script | AutoHotkey or PowerShell | High | Free |
| Start a multi-step routine from the sofa or by voice | SofaDeck routines | None | 1 free, Pro unlimited |
1. Startup apps: open programs when you sign in
Settings → Apps → Startup lists programs that ask to start with Windows; switch on the ones you want. To add any program or file, press Win+R, type shell:startup and drop a shortcut into the folder that opens. Keep the list short: every startup app slows sign-in a little.
2. Task Scheduler: run things on a schedule
- Press Win+R, type
taskschd.mscand press Enter. - Click Create Basic Task, give it a name, and choose a trigger: daily, weekly, at log-on or when a specific event happens.
- Choose Start a program and pick the program or script, with any arguments.
- Open the finished task's Properties to fine-tune: Run whether user is logged on or not, Wake the computer to run this task, or Start only if the computer is idle.
Typical uses: a nightly backup script, clearing a downloads folder, or a shutdown at a set time (see shutdown timers for Windows).
3. A batch file that opens several programs at once
Open Notepad, paste lines like these (one per program, file, folder or website), and save as work.bat with Save as type: All files:
@echo off
start "" "https://calendar.google.com"
start "" "https://mail.google.com"
start "" notepad "%USERPROFILE%\Documents\todo.txt"
start "" explorer "%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Projects"The empty quotes after start are the window title; without them, paths in quotes don't open. Double-click the file to run it. For a program, right-click its Start menu entry → Open file location to find the path to paste.
4. Power Automate for desktop: record repetitive clicking
Microsoft's Power Automate for desktop is free on Windows 10 and 11 (it comes with recent Windows 11 builds; otherwise install it from the Microsoft Store). Create a flow, use the recorder to capture clicks and typing in a program, then replay it. It suits form-filling and copying data between apps. It's powerful, but flows break when a program's layout changes, so keep them small.
5. Routines on a button: the jobs you start yourself
A lot of daily automation isn't scheduled at all — it's "I'm starting work", "I'm putting a film on", "game time". SofaDeck 1.0.9 adds routines: a named list of steps that runs from one button on your phone, from the phone's Routines menu, or by voice ("run movie night"). Steps can open apps, files and websites, press keys, type text, control media, set the volume, and wait between steps. Ready-made templates get you started:
- Movie night: open your streaming site, set the volume, turn off the second screen with a shortcut.
- Focus mode: close the chat app, open your task list and a focus playlist, mute notifications with a shortcut.
- Game time: open the game launcher and Discord, set the volume.
- Presentation: open the slides and get the presenter keys ready on the phone.
Routines are edited on the PC's Deck page and run from any paired phone. Each wait can be up to 30 seconds, a step that would sleep or shut down the PC asks first, and a step that sends a key combination needs Pro. One routine is free (two on installs from before 1.0.18); SofaDeck Pro ($9.99 once) has no limit.
Direct installer .exe · 3.7 MB Store version signed by Microsoft No account Local network only Signed updates SofaDeck installs on your Windows PC. Your phone is the remote — it works in the phone’s browser.One email from support@dixonappstudio.com. No list unless you tick the box. PrivacyOr on your PC, go to sofadeck.com/getFor hotkeys and scripts, see macro software for Windows and custom hotkeys on Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
How can I automate tasks on Windows for free?
Windows includes Task Scheduler (run a program at a time, at log-on or when idle), Startup apps (open programs when you sign in) and Power Automate for desktop (record and replay clicks and typing; free on Windows 10 and 11). Batch files can open several programs at once. Microsoft PowerToys and AutoHotkey are free extras for shortcuts and scripts.
How do I open several programs with one click?
Make a batch file with one start line per program or link and put a shortcut to it on your desktop, or use a routine in a button-deck app such as SofaDeck, which can open apps and websites, set the volume and press keys in order from one button or a voice command.
What is the easiest automation tool for beginners?
For "do these five things in a row" — open apps and sites, set the volume, start music — a routine on a button is the easiest: no scripting, and you can see each step. For tasks that must run at a set time without you, use Task Scheduler. For repetitive clicking inside a program, Power Automate for desktop can record it.
Can I run an automation from my phone?
Yes. SofaDeck routines (Windows, 1.0.9 or later) run from a button on your phone, from the phone's Routines menu or by voice, for example "run movie night". One routine is free (two on installs from before SofaDeck 1.0.18); SofaDeck Pro has no limit.