Microsoft is rolling out a new performance feature called Startup Boost to make Office applications launch faster on Windows. This feature preloads core Office processes in the background, allowing apps like Word, Excel and PowerPoint to open more quickly when you need them. Let’s explore how Startup Boost works and how you can enable or disable it.
What is Startup Boost?
Startup Boost is a new Windows scheduled task that launches automatically to optimize Office app loading times. It runs quietly in the background after system startup or when Office apps are closed, keeping minimal Office processes ready in a paused state. When you open an Office app, it can resume these processes instead of starting from scratch, resulting in faster launch times.
Some key things to know about Startup Boost:
- It will first roll out for Microsoft Word in May 2025, with other Office apps to follow later
- It requires at least 8GB of RAM and 5GB of free disk space on your device
- The feature automatically disables itself when Windows Energy Saver mode is active
- It’s designed to have minimal impact on overall system performance
How to Enable Startup Boost
Startup Boost will be enabled by default on compatible systems once it rolls out. However, if you want to manually enable it, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open any Microsoft Office app like Word or Excel.
Step 2: Click on “File” in the top menu, then select “Options” at the bottom of the left sidebar.
Step 3: In the Options window, click on “General” in the left menu.
Step 4: Scroll down to the “Startup” section.
Step 5: Check the box next to “Enable Startup Boost (requires restart)”.
Step 6: Click “OK” to save the changes.
Step 7: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
How to Disable Startup Boost
If you prefer not to use Startup Boost or find it’s not improving performance on your system, you can disable it:
Step 1: Open any Office app and go to File > Options > General as described above.
Step 2: Under the “Startup” section, uncheck “Enable Startup Boost (requires restart)”.
Step 3: Click “OK” and restart your computer.
Managing Startup Boost via Task Scheduler
Advanced users can also control Startup Boost through the Windows Task Scheduler:
Step 1: Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler.
Step 2: Navigate to Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Office.
Step 3: Look for tasks named “Office Startup Boost” or similar.
Step 4: Right-click the task and select “Disable” to turn it off, or “Enable” to turn it on.
However, Microsoft notes that Office updates may reset this task, so managing the feature through Office app settings is generally more reliable.
Troubleshooting Startup Boost
If you encounter issues with Startup Boost:
- Ensure your device meets the minimum requirements (8GB RAM, 5GB free disk space)
- Check for conflicts with third-party antivirus or system optimization software
- Try disabling and re-enabling the feature
- Update to the latest version of Microsoft Office
- If problems persist, consider temporarily disabling Startup Boost
Startup Boost aims to streamline your workflow by reducing Office app launch times. While the improvement may be subtle for some users, it could make a noticeable difference, especially on slower systems or when working with large documents. As with any new feature, your mileage may vary, so feel free to experiment with enabling or disabling it to see what works best for your setup.