Starts with Windows but doesn't start minimized

[JoseHidalgo]

Please fill in this template when posting!
XMBC Version: 2.20.5
Installed or Portable version: Installed
Windows Version: Windows 11, latest update
Mouse Information (brand/model): Vertical mouse from AliExpress
Relevant Computer Information (CPU, RAM etc): Ryzen 7700, 32 GB DDR5 6000 MT/s
Did the problem occur after an upgrade of XMBC? (If so, from what version?): No
Did the problem occur after a Windows update/upgrade? (If so, from what version?): No
How long have you used XMBC?: months
What language and keyboard layout do you use in Windows?: French (AZERTY)

Clear description of the problem - try and include as much information as possible, including what button and mappings you are having problems with (if applicable).:
I'd like XMBC to start with Windows, and I'd like it to start minimized.
I have added a shortcut to XMBC inside C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
In the shortcut properties, I have selected "Execute" > "Minimized" (in french : "Exécuter" > "Réduite").
However, it doesn't work. XMBC starts with Windows but displays its interface every time, which can be a little annoying.

What could I do? Thanks in advance.

[phil]

XMBC starts with windows by default. By adding a shortcut manually to startup, it is starting twice. When you run XMBC for a second time when it is already running, it opens the interface.... So you can probably see what is going on here!

During installation a key is added to HKLM\..\RUN - you should see XMBC in the startup tab in Windows task manager (without adding any shortcuts manually). So to fix this, remove your shortcut, and you should be all good. XMBC should start automatically (and be running down in the system tray, normally hidden automatically by Windows in the little expansion tray).

[JoseHidalgo]

Hi Phil. I see! Thanks for an excellent reply Duly noted!

I can totally live with that. Although to be honest this default behaviour may be a little confusing, because of the lack of a specific Preference stating that XMBC starts indeed with Windows. Ideally that preference should exist IMHO. It could be enabled by default, etc.

Anyway, up to you! Thanks again!

[phil]

Yeh, your right, it really should be an option. The reason that it is not (currently) is that to apply it to HKLM, it would need admin privileges, which XMBC does not usually have/require. So it would have to spawn a separate elevated process, all for a single setting, that's actually quite a lot of effort (would probably require a separate program or code in XMBC itself to allow it to toggle that setting is launched as admin with a specific command line) which is why its not been done yet.

Alternatively, it could use HKCU where admin privileges are not required, but then any other user logging on, XMBC would not run automatically (which for me at least would be a pain!)

[JoseHidalgo]

I totally understand

Alternatively, even if it's not "perfect", you could provide two .reg files: "Start with Windows" and "Don't Start with Windows". Easy.