Windows Automation: Open Multiple Apps with a Simple Batch Script

 

One-Click Batch Script to Launch Multiple Applications

Using a batch script (.bat file) to launch multiple applications with one click is a simple and efficient automation technique. In this post, we will explore why you should use it, how it works, its advantages, limitations, and alternative methods.

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Why Use a Batch Script?

Many users open the same set of applications every day, such as a web browser, communication tools, and an email client. Instead of manually launching each one, a batch script allows you to open them all with just one click.

Common Use Cases

• Office Setup: Start Chrome, Teams, and Outlook when you log in.
• Development Setup: Launch VS Code, Docker, and a terminal.
• Gaming Setup: Open Steam, Discord, and a game simultaneously.

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How It Works: Batch Script Explanation

Batch Script Code (start_apps.bat)

@echo off

start "" "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"

start "" "C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Teams\current\Teams.exe"

start "" "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE"

exit

 

Breakdown of the Code

1. @echo off → Hides unnecessary command output for a clean execution.
2. start "" "path-to-app" → Opens the specified application.
• The empty "" prevents issues with window titles.
• Paths must be correct for each application.
3. %USERNAME% → Dynamically fetches the current user's folder (useful for Teams).
4. exit → Closes the batch script window after execution.

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How to Use the Script

Step 1: Create the Batch File

1. Open Notepad (Win + R, type notepad, hit Enter).
2. Copy the script and paste it into Notepad.
3. Click File > Save As.
4. Choose All Files (*.*) as the file type.
5. Save the file as start_apps.bat (e.g., on the Desktop).

Step 2: Run the Script

• Double-click start_apps.bat → All applications will launch.
• (Optional) Run as Administrator → Right-click and select Run as administrator if you face permission issues.

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Pros and Cons of Using a Batch Script

✅ Advantages

1. Time-Saving – Opens multiple apps instantly.
2. Automation – Reduces repetitive manual tasks.
3. Easy to Use – No coding skills required.
4. Customizable – Modify the script to add or remove applications.
5. Lightweight – No extra software needed, runs natively on Windows.

❌ Limitations

1. Path Issues – If an application path changes, the script may fail.
2. No Delayed Execution – All apps launch simultaneously, which may slow down the system.
3. Limited Error Handling – The script won’t notify if an app fails to open.
4. Windows-Only – This method doesn’t work on Mac or Linux.

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Advanced Features

1. Adding Delays Between App Launches

If you want a delay between launching apps (e.g., 5 seconds), use timeout:

@echo off

start "" "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"

timeout /t 5 /nobreak

start "" "C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Teams\current\Teams.exe"

timeout /t 5 /nobreak

start "" "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE"

exit

 

2. Running Apps Minimized or Maximized

• To start an app minimized, use:

start /min "" "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"

• To start an app maximized, use:

start /max "" "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"

 

3. Logging Execution Status

If you want to log which apps were opened, modify the script like this:

@echo off

echo %DATE% %TIME% - Starting applications >> launch_log.txt

start "" "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"

echo Chrome launched >> launch_log.txt

start "" "C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Teams\current\Teams.exe"

echo Teams launched >> launch_log.txt

start "" "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE"

echo Outlook launched >> launch_log.txt

exit

 

This creates a launch_log.txt file tracking the app launches.

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Alternative Methods

If batch scripting is not ideal for you, consider these alternatives:

1. Windows Task Scheduler (Automate at Startup)

• Open Task Scheduler (Win + R, type taskschd.msc, hit Enter).
• Click Create Basic Task.
• Set the trigger as "At log on".
• In Action, select "Start a program", then browse to start_apps.bat.
• Save and exit.

2. PowerShell Script (More Control)

PowerShell provides better error handling and control:

Start-Process "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"

Start-Process "C:\Users\$env:USERNAME\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Teams\current\Teams.exe"

Start-Process "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE"

 

Save this as start_apps.ps1 and run it via PowerShell.

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Conclusion

Using a batch script is a quick and effective way to launch multiple applications with one click. It saves time, is easy to set up, and can be customized for different use cases. However, if you need more advanced features like scheduling or better error handling, PowerShell or Task Scheduler might be better alternatives.

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