Windows includes a built-in function that automatically restores applications you had open prior to a shutdown or restart. This feature is intended to facilitate a seamless transition back to your workflow. However, it is worth noting that it is not activated by default. Consequently, only users who have opted to enable this setting or have configurations that allow it will experience this functionality.
While this feature may sound convenient at first glance, it can lead to complications, such as reopening unwanted applications, sluggish startup times, and a cluttered desktop. Eventually, I decided to deactivate it permanently, a decision I wish I had made sooner.
What Causes Windows to Reopen Apps After Sign-In?
Understanding How Windows “Remembers” Your Last Session
Upon logging into your Windows PC after a shutdown or restart, discovering that your previous session’s applications are still active can be quite unexpected. Initially, I mistook this for a hibernation error rather than recognizing it as a Windows feature designed to reopen apps automatically.
Introduced with Windows 10, Microsoft provided a setting that enables certain applications to restart after a reboot. This is distinct from the automatic launching of startup apps, which occur every time your computer powers on. Instead, the focus is on the applications you had open during your last session, aiming to restore your workflow seamlessly. In theory, this offers a certain level of convenience.
This mechanism operates subtly in the background. When shutting down or restarting, Windows logs the open applications and instructs them to relaunch upon logging back in. Most built-in applications, such as File Explorer, Paint, Calculator, and Notepad—along with various Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps—support this feature. Essentially, Windows seeks to recall your last session to enhance your work efficiency.
For users with a consistent set of applications that they utilize daily, this feature can be beneficial. Additionally, if you typically hibernate your PC but find yourself needing to perform a restart or shutdown, this feature can still serve a purpose.
Reasons for Deactivating This Feature
The Challenges of Auto-Relaunching Applications
For me, the initially helpful feature quickly morphed into a source of frustration rather than convenience. A significant issue was its inconsistency; not all applications support this relaunching capability. As a result, some apps would reopen after a shutdown while others I needed simply failed to restart. This inconsistency often led to wasted time spent closing unwanted applications upon reboot.
Another drawback I encountered was the gradual increase in startup time. Each additional program that Windows attempted to relaunch added unnecessary seconds to the boot process. I often found myself waiting impatiently as my desktop filled with applications that I did not intend to open. Ultimately, the time saved by having apps automatically relaunch was minimal.
Disabling Automatic App Relaunch
The Simple Adjustment That Enhanced My Mornings
While it doesn’t take much effort to manually close apps that restart automatically, I eventually opted to turn off this feature completely. The process was surprisingly simple, leading me to feel relieved.
If you’re interested in disabling this feature, press Windows + I to access the Settings app. Navigate to the Accounts tab, scroll down to Account settings, and select Sign-in options. Under the section labeled Additional settings, you will find the option for Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in. Turning this option off will prevent Windows from reopening apps you didn’t specifically wish to relaunch.
Managing Which Apps Restart Automatically
Optimizing My Startup Applications
Disabling Windows’ automatic application relaunch feature does not equate to having to manually open my frequently used applications; that would indeed be a backward step. Instead, I take advantage of the Startup Apps feature in Windows, granting me full control over what launches upon boot.
To manage this setting, access Settings > Apps > Startup. Here, you’ll find a list of all applications that can be set to launch during startup. You can toggle each application on or off based on your preferences. For instance, I keep essential programs like Outlook, Slack, OneDrive, and Phone Link activated while disabling everything else. This approach ensures I have a streamlined and efficient startup process while still accessing my key tools seamlessly.
While the automatic app relaunch feature could have been a time-saver if implemented uniformly across all applications, that remains a challenge. Given its inconsistencies, many users—including myself—may find it impractical. Instead, utilizing the Startup Apps functionality allows for a more tailored and efficient experience.
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