How to Enable or Disable Automatically Restart Apps When You Sign Back In on Windows 11
You can control whether your previously open applications reopen automatically after you sign back in by enabling or disabling the automatic app restart feature in Windows 11.
This setting remembers and relaunches the programs you were using. It saves you from having to open them manually each time you restart or sign in to your PC.
Windows 11 version 25H2 takes this further. When this feature is active, it also restores your previous File Explorer windows and tabs. This setting gets enabled automatically along with it.
Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Navigate to Accounts, then Sign-in options. Toggle the switch for “Automatically save my restartable apps” to On to enable or Off to disable it.
Option 1Using Settings (Easiest Method)
- Press Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
- Click Accounts on the left side.
- Click Sign-in options on the right side.
- Look for the option called Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in under Additional settings.
- Switch it On to enable this feature or Off to disable it .
- Close the Settings window when you’re done.
You can easily turn on or off the feature that automatically restarts apps when you sign back into Windows 11 using the Settings app.
Option 2Using the Registry (For Advanced Users)
For those comfortable with more technical steps, you can control whether Windows 11 automatically restarts your apps using the Registry Editor.
To Turn On Automatically Restart Apps:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" /v RestartApps /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /fTo Turn Off Automatically Restart Apps (default setting):
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" /v RestartApps /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /fSummary
Changing whether Windows 11 automatically restarts your apps is simple, whether you use the Settings menu or the Registry Editor.- Easy to change: Use Windows Settings or the Registry Editor to turn this feature on or off.
- Keeps your apps ready: Automatically saves and reopens apps so you can continue working faster.
- File Explorer tabs: Windows 11 now also remembers your open File Explorer tabs when you sign back in.
- Flexible: You can choose to use this feature or not depending on your preference.
- User-friendly: Windows Settings gives you a simple way to find and change this option.
How do I auto restart Windows apps?
In the search bar in the bottom left of your screen (beside the Start button) type "Sign-in options". Scroll down to the Restart Apps section. Slide the toggle to the On position.
How to make an app start automatically in 🪟 Windows 11?
Select Start > Settings > Apps > Startup. For any of the applications in the list: Set the toggle to On to start the app automatically when you sign in.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!