If you restart your Windows 11 computer to install a system update or fix a glitch, you might notice that Chrome, Word, and Spotify automatically reopen as soon as you log back in. While Microsoft designed this feature to help you quickly resume your work, it can significantly slow down your boot time and be extremely frustrating if you wanted a clean slate. Fortunately, you can easily disable this automatic app restoration feature.
How to Stop Apps from Reopening
This setting is controlled within the Accounts section of the Windows 11 Settings app.
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows Key + I on your keyboard.
- In the left-hand sidebar, click on Accounts.
- Scroll down through the account options and click on Sign-in options.
- Scroll down to the Additional settings section.
- Look for a toggle switch labelled: Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in.
- Click the toggle switch to turn it Off.
A Note on Startup Apps
Disabling the setting above stops Windows from “remembering” what was open before you restarted. However, if certain applications (like Microsoft Teams, Discord, or Steam) are still opening automatically every time you turn on your PC, they are likely configured as dedicated Startup Apps.
To stop these persistent programs:
- In the Settings app, click on Apps in the left sidebar.
- Click on Startup.
- You will see a list of every program that has permission to launch when your PC boots. Simply toggle the switch to Off for any application you prefer to open manually.
By disabling both the restartable apps feature and unnecessary startup programs, your Windows 11 computer will boot significantly faster and provide a clean desktop every time you log in.