On Windows 11, when you restart the computer or sign in, the system can automatically re-launch the apps running during your last session to help you pick up where you left off quickly.
Although it might be a convenient feature, not everyone wants their apps restarted upon signing in. It can slow down the startup process and waste system resources. Also, only some Microsoft Store apps support this functionality.
If you don’t want to use this feature, you can turn off the feature to prevent Windows 11 from reopening apps on sign-in or restart through the “Sign-in options” page.
This guide will walk you through the steps to stop restartable apps on Windows 11.
Stop apps from restarting when signing back in on Windows 11
To stop apps from reopening automatically on sign-in or restart, use these steps:
-
Open Settings on Windows 11.
-
Click on Accounts.
-
Click the Sign-in options tab.
-
Under the “Additional settings” section, turn off the “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps and sign back in after a reboot, capable apps will no longer launch automatically on Windows 11.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].