Microsoft Introduces ‘Startup Boost’ for Enhanced Office Performance
In a strategic move to enhance user experience, Microsoft is set to launch a new feature called “Startup Boost” for its Office applications. This initiative, scheduled for rollout in mid-May, aims to expedite the loading times of Microsoft Office apps by introducing a background task that activates upon user logon.
The Startup Boost task will be integrated into the Windows Task Scheduler, allowing Office applications to preload essential performance enhancements. According to Microsoft, this feature is designed to optimize both performance and load times, thereby improving the overall efficiency of Office applications.
Once implemented, users with the feature enabled will notice the presence of new tasks labeled Office Startup Boost and Office Startup Boost Logon within their system’s task scheduler. These tasks will ensure that Office apps remain ready for use, entering a paused state until the user launches the application or the system reallocates resources by removing it from memory.
Microsoft emphasizes that the Startup Boost feature is contingent upon certain system requirements; it will only operate on devices equipped with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM and 5 GB of free disk space. This precaution is taken to prevent any adverse effects on overall system performance. Additionally, the feature will automatically deactivate when Energy Saver mode is activated, further safeguarding system resources.
For users who prefer not to utilize this feature, Microsoft has made it easy to disable Startup Boost. By navigating to Options > General within the Office app settings, users can uncheck the feature. However, it is important to note that the Office Installer will reactivate Startup Boost with each new Office update, requiring users to disable it again if they choose to do so.
In a related development, Microsoft has also begun testing ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications. These versions, while offering limited features, still enable Windows users to edit documents, showcasing Microsoft’s commitment to providing flexible solutions for a diverse user base.
