How to Turn On or Off Automatically Restart Apps When You Sign Back In on Windows 11
Automatic restart apps in Windows 11 opens your previously open programs and File Explorer tabs by themselves right after you sign back into your account. Windows saves your spot so you can pick up working without having to launch everything from scratch after a restart or shut down.
Starting with Windows 11 version 25H2, turning on this feature also turns on the setting that remembers your open folder tabs in File Explorer . You can easily turn this feature on or off in your sign-in settings depending on whether you want a clean desktop every time you log in.
Open Settings by pressing Win+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 1Turn On or Off Automatically Restart Apps Using Settings
- Press Win+I on your keyboard to open Settings.
- Click Accounts on the left side.
Then click Sign-in options on the right side. - Under Additional settings, find the option called Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in.
- Switch it On to enable this feature or Off to disable it.
- Close the Settings window when you’re done.
You can also open the Sign-in options page directly by clicking this link: Open Sign-in options settings
Option 2Turn On or Off Automatically Restart Apps Using the Registry (for advanced users)
If you like, you can change this setting by editing the Windows Registry. Please be careful when using the Registry Editor.
To Turn On Automatically Restart Apps:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon" /v RestartApps /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
To Turn Off Automatically Restart Apps (default setting):
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon" /v RestartApps /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Summary
- 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.
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Richard
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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.
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