- Notepad allows you to automate the startup of multiple applications in Windows using simple, customized .bat files.
- Customize these files to open folders, documents, websites, or even automate entire work or study routines.
- With good practices and saving your scripts in the cloud, you can sync and access your automations from any computer and significantly increase your productivity.
Have you ever considered that your beloved Notepad can become a key to instantly open multiple applications with just a double-click? Sometimes saving time is as simple as knowing the Tricks suitable, especially when you work with several applications daily and would like to launch them all at once, without going through them one by one. Here we show you how to do it safely and easily.
Notepad It's been in your Windows system forever, and while it seems like a basic tool, it hides great potential for automating routines. Today we're going to tell you how to transform your Notepad into a multi-application launcher, using the power of batch (BAT) files. Pay attention because with these steps, you'll be able to have your work—or leisure—environment ready in seconds.
What is a batch file and how can it help you?
A batch file, also known as a file . Beat, is simply a plain text document generated with Notepad or any similar editor, whose content is executed in the console of commands (CMD) of Windows. The magic of these files is that you can write multiple commands so that Windows can fulfill them one after the other and thus open all the applications you need in your daily life with a single click.
Why is it useful? Because you forget to open your browser one by one, Spotify, a spreadsheet and your messaging programIf you follow the same ritual every day, it saves you time, prevents oversights, and, best of all, you can customize it infinitely.
Step by Step: Create Your Own File to Open Multiple Apps
Let's go to trouble. Here is the practical guide to create your own batch file and launch multiple applications at once:
- Open Notepad: Go to the Start menu, type 'Notepad' and press Enter.
- write the commandsFor each application you want to open, add a line with the command that runs that program. For example:
start chrome.exe
start spotify.exe
start notepad.exe - Save the file: Go to 'File' > 'Save As' and select 'All Files' under 'Type'. Enter your file name and add the extension. . Beat, For example:
inicioapps.bat. - Double click on your bat file: And that's it! Windows will open all the apps you put on your list.
Key Tips: If you don't know the exact path of the application, you can find it by right-clicking its icon and selecting "Properties." If the path includes spaces, enclose it in quotation marks. Example:
start "C:\Archivos de programa\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"
Customize your archive: open folders, documents, and websites
You can't just open apps. A .bat file in Notepad can launch directories, specific documents, or even web pages. in your preferred browser. For example:
- To open a folder:
start C:\Usuarios\TuUsuario\Documentos - To open a file:
start C:\Usuarios\TuUsuario\Documentos\listado.xlsx - To open a website:
start chrome.exe www.google.com
What if I want everything to start silently? You can add the word @ Echo off at the beginning so that the command window does not display unnecessary messages.
Advanced Tips and Tricks: Automatic Routines and Shortcuts
Can you imagine arriving at work and, with a double click, having your entire work environment ready? You can create .bat files to launch work sessions, gaming sessions, online training, whatever you can think of. Additionally, you can create shortcuts to this file on your desktop, taskbar, or Start menu to always have it handy. You can also schedule it to run automatically when your computer starts up by copying it to the Windows Startup folder.
Can I open apps with administrator privileges? Yes, but in this case, right-click the .bat file and choose "Run as administrator." This is useful if you have routines that require additional permissions. To learn more about managing security and permissions in Windows, you can check out ways to open Windows 11 settings.
Practical examples for different user profiles
This technique is useful for both personal and business users.Here are some ideas to help you get the most out of it:
- Students: Open your digital notes, video conferencing software, and online study tools.
- Professionals: Launch Outlook, your browser with work tabs, your CRM, and your management program in seconds.
- Content creator or streamer: Launch OBS, the browser with YouTube Studio, your image editor, and your assets folder all at once.
Don't limit yourself to just opening apps; make your workflow seamless!
Organize even more: keyboard shortcuts, taskbar and context menu
For those seeking maximum efficiency, you can pin the .bat file to the taskbar. You can also assign a keyboard shortcut: create a shortcut to the .bat file, right-click it, go to 'Properties,' and under 'Shortcut Key,' choose your preferred combination. To make it even easier to use, you can learn how to Use the emoji and symbols panel in Windows 11.
And the context menu? If you're comfortable editing the Windows registry, you can add the option to run your BAT file from the menu that appears when you right-click on the desktop. However, manipulating the registry should always be done with caution. Make sure you follow reliable steps and back up your registry before modifying anything. A useful resource for better Windows management is Open Windows Update easily in Windows 11.
What other alternatives exist for automating tasks?
While Notepad and .bat files are fairly straightforward and require no additional installation, there are now additional options if you want to take automation to the next level:
- PowerShell: Allows for much more advanced and customized scripts.
- Third-party applications: There are programs like AutoHotkey that allow you to create even more powerful routines and shortcuts.
- Application launchersSome project management or productivity programs include their own options for launching apps and documents.
Whichever option you choose, Notepad is still the quickest and easiest way to get started. to automate everyday tasks without complications.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?
Advantages:
- It's free and you don't depend on third-party apps.
- 100% customizable. You can add, remove, or modify anything you want.
- Very light and compatible with all versions of Windows.
Disadvantages:
- It doesn't have an attractive graphical interface, you work on plain text.
- If an application's path changes (for example, after an update), you'll need to correct the .bat file.
- Some antivirus programs may block .bat files if they are not configured correctly, although this is usually not a problem.
What to do if you have problems opening apps with your .bat file
Sometimes an app won't open because the path is incorrect, it requires administrator permissions, or the antivirus is giving you trouble. If it doesn't start as you expect:
- Double-check the path. If there are spaces, enclose the path in quotation marks.
- Right click and run as administrator if needed.
- In your antivirus settings, add the .bat file as an exception if any warnings appear.
Other tips: If you want certain tasks to not close until the previous one finishes, use 'call' instead of 'start'. If you want an application to run and then the .bat file to continue with the next one, 'start' is your command.
Integration with the cloud and other platforms
What if you work across multiple teams or need your automation available on multiple devices? Save your .bat file to a Dropbox, OneDrive or Outlook folder. Google Drive. This way, when you log in on other computers, you'll have access to the same multi-launcher.
This method is ideal if you want to share the file with coworkers, students, or simply keep all your routines synchronized at home and at the office. To better manage your files and automations, you can also check out How to open and manage files on Mac.
Recommended apps for taking notes and syncing your .bat files
In addition to Notepad, there are other apps that are ideal for taking notes, preparing script lists, and organizing all your digital productivity:
- OneNote: Perfect for combining text, images, and links into your automation files.
- Google Keep: Fast, easy, and with reminders. Ideal for saving quick instructions.
- Evernote: More advanced if you need to organize many scripts, documents, and notes from different projects.
- Notion: For those who manage notes, tasks, scripts, and resources in a single, customizable dashboard.
- Simplenotote y Standard Notes: For those who just want the text, without complications or distractions.
Remember: Organizing your scripts alongside your notes greatly improves your daily productivity.
Advanced settings: Open apps with specific settings or folders
You can go a step further and, in your .bat file, launch applications with default parameters, files, or settings. For example:
start excel.exe "C:\Usuarios\TuUsuario\Documentos\contabilidad.xlsx"
This is useful if every time you open your spreadsheet, you want it to load a specific document.The same applies to images, presentations, or even web pages with active sessions. To expand your knowledge, check out Open CSV files in Excel with UTF-8 encoding.
Is it safe to use .bat files to open applications?
Bat files are extremely safe as long as you create them yourself or know where they come from. Avoid downloading .bat files from unknown sources, as they could contain malicious commands. If you generated your file yourself using Notepad, you won't have any problems.
An advice- Keep a backup of your automation files in case you accidentally edit them. You can also password-protect them in secure note-taking apps if you share them with others.
Mastering Notepad to open multiple apps at once greatly simplifies your daily routine and gives a massive boost to your productivity, without relying on strange or complex tools. When you intelligently automate your routine, you add minutes each day and simplify your computer management in a way that, once you try it, becomes essential. If you were looking for the most complete and clear guide to getting the most out of Notepad, here's everything you need to get started—and to fully customize your experience—with a simple, secure, and very powerful method.
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