Microsoft Office Getting a Speed Boost: New Startup Feature Coming in May 2025
Microsoft Introduces New Office Performance Enhancement – Coming May 2025: Office Startup Boost Feature
Microsoft Office Getting a Speed Boost: New Startup Feature Coming in May 2025
Microsoft is introducing a new performance enhancement called “Startup Boost” to improve Office application loading times, with rollout beginning in mid-May 2025. This new feature aims to optimize the performance and reduce load times for Office applications, starting with Microsoft Word.
What is Startup Boost?
Startup Boost is a new task created by the Microsoft Office installer that optimizes performance and load-time for Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until launched, at which point the loading sequence resumes. If system resources are needed elsewhere, the paused app can be removed from memory.
The feature works by enabling the operating system to preload parts of Office applications before you actually open them. This preloading process happens after you restart your computer or whenever your system has sufficient available resources to run without affecting overall performance.
How Startup Boost Works
When implemented, Startup Boost will run silently in the background when you boot your PC, making sure Word (and eventually other Office apps) open quickly. The process uses Windows Task Scheduler to pre-load components needed by Office apps, which accelerates start times when a user launches applications like Word.
Users will notice two new entries in Windows Task Scheduler:
- Office Startup Boost
- Office Startup Boost Logon
For the feature to work properly, your system needs to meet these minimum requirements:
- At least 8 GB of available RAM
- At least 5 GB of available disk space
Additionally, Startup Boost will automatically be disabled when Energy Saver mode is active to conserve system resources.
Rollout Timeline
Microsoft plans to begin rolling out Startup Boost in mid-May 2025, with the worldwide deployment expected to be complete by late May 2025. The initial release will focus on Microsoft Word, with support for additional Office applications coming in future updates.
User Control Options
Startup Boost is designed as an optional performance feature. While it will be enabled by default, users can disable it if desired. Disabling the feature won’t affect the functionality of Microsoft Office applications, though they may take longer to load.
To turn off Startup Boost:
- In Word, select File > Options
- On the General tab, locate the Startup options section
- Clear the Startup Boost checkbox
It’s worth noting that the Office Installer will automatically recreate all scheduled tasks when it applies an update. This means users who disable Startup Boost may need to turn it off again after each Office update. However, Microsoft has updated guidance for IT administrators, who can now disable this feature via Group Policy without needing to do so after each Office update.
What This Means for Users
The Startup Boost feature will help enhance productivity by reducing the time it takes for Microsoft Office apps to launch, allowing users to start working almost instantly. This can be particularly beneficial in professional settings where quick access to documents and tools is important.
Tracking with CinchOps
CinchOps will closely monitoring the rollout of Startup Boost in May and will provide additional updates as more Office applications receive this enhancement. We will test the feature thoroughly and develop best practices for implementation in various enterprise environments.
Stay tuned to our blog for more information, performance benchmarks, and configuration guides as Microsoft continues to advance this feature toward release.
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