Microsoft Introduces Startup Boost for Office Apps
In a strategic move to enhance user experience, Microsoft has unveiled a new feature designed to accelerate the launch times of its Office applications on Windows. Known as Startup Boost, this innovation operates discreetly in the background, initiating as soon as users log into their operating system. By preloading essential components of applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Startup Boost aims to minimize the wait time when users need to access these tools.
The information was shared via the Microsoft 365 Message Center, outlining how the feature functions. Upon Windows startup, Startup Boost preloads specific parts of Office apps into memory, maintaining them in a paused state until they are actually launched. In the event that the system requires those resources, it will automatically release them, ensuring that performance remains optimal.
However, there are certain prerequisites for this feature to operate effectively. Startup Boost is compatible only with systems that have a minimum of 8GB of RAM and at least 5GB of free disk space. This requirement is in place to prevent any potential slowdowns of the overall system. Additionally, when Energy Saver mode is activated, Startup Boost will disable itself, preserving battery life for users on portable devices.
For those who prefer not to have background processes running, Microsoft has provided an option to disable Startup Boost. Users can navigate to Options > General in the Office settings to turn off the feature. However, it’s important to note that even if users choose to disable it, the next Office update will automatically reactivate Startup Boost. Microsoft has confirmed that the installer will recreate the scheduled task each time an update is applied, necessitating manual re-disabling by users who wish to keep it off.
This approach may seem reminiscent of a similar feature introduced for the Edge browser in 2021, where background processes were kept active at login to enhance launch speeds. The success of that initiative appears to have inspired Microsoft to extend the concept to its Office suite.
The rollout of Startup Boost is set to commence in mid-May, with a global launch anticipated by the end of the month. Word will be the first application to receive this enhancement, followed by other Office apps in due course.
For those who frequently utilize Office applications, the implementation of Startup Boost could lead to a noticeably quicker experience, provided their systems meet the necessary specifications. For others, Microsoft offers the flexibility to opt out, albeit with the understanding that they will need to manage this preference after each update.
