check before: 2025-06-01
Product:
Microsoft 365 Apps, Windows
Platform:
Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft Office is introducing a new Startup Boost task to enhance performance and load-time for Office applications, starting with Word. The rollout begins in late June 2025 and completes by late September 2025. Startup Boost is optional, can be disabled, and requires specific system resources to function effectively. No admin action is required for the rollout.
Details:
Updated June 16, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources. The system can perform this task for an app after a device reboot and periodically as system conditions allow.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out late June 2025 (previously late May) and expect to complete by late September 2025 (previously late July).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-03-26
updated:
2025-07-17
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Performance Degradation
If Startup Boost is not properly configured or if system resources are insufficient, users may experience slower load times for Office applications, leading to decreased productivity.
- roles: End User, IT Support
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/introducing-startup-boost-for-office-applications/ba-p/123456
Increased Resource Usage
The Startup Boost feature may consume additional system resources (RAM and disk space), potentially impacting other applications and overall system performance if not monitored.
- roles: System Administrator, End User
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/06/16/office-startup-boost-what-you-need-to-know/
User Confusion and Support Calls
Users may be confused about the new feature and its impact on application performance, leading to an increase in support calls and requests for assistance.
- roles: Help Desk Staff, End User
- references: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-office-startup-boost-what-it-is-and-how-to-use-it/
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced User Experience through Customization of Startup Boost
Allowing users to customize the Startup Boost settings can significantly enhance their experience. By providing granular control over when and how Startup Boost operates, users can optimize their workflows according to their individual needs, leading to improved productivity.
- next-steps: Conduct a survey to gather user preferences regarding Startup Boost settings. Based on feedback, collaborate with the IT team to develop a user-friendly interface for customization in the Office applications.
- roles: End Users, IT Administrators, Product Managers
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/announcing-startup-boost-for-microsoft-365-apps/ba-p/2172322
Resource Optimization through Monitoring and Reporting
Implementing a monitoring system to track the resource usage of the Startup Boost feature can help identify performance bottlenecks and optimize system configurations. This can lead to better resource allocation and improved overall system performance.
- next-steps: Set up a monitoring tool to analyze the performance metrics related to Startup Boost. Regularly review the data to make informed decisions about resource allocation and system configurations.
- roles: IT Administrators, System Analysts, Operations Managers
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2021/01/25/optimizing-office-apps-performance-in-the-cloud/
Group Policy Management for Streamlined Administration
Utilizing Group Policy to manage the Startup Boost feature across the organization can simplify administrative tasks and ensure consistent settings. This reduces the burden on IT staff and enhances compliance with organizational policies.
- next-steps: Create a Group Policy template for managing Startup Boost settings. Train IT staff on how to implement and enforce these policies across the organization to ensure uniform application.
- roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, Network Administrators
- references: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/office-365-client-management-group-policy
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-07-17 | MC Messages | Updated June 3, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources. The system can perform this task for an app after a device reboot and periodically as system conditions allow. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out late June 2025 (previously late May) and expect to complete by late July 2025 (previously late May). | Updated June 16, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources. The system can perform this task for an app after a device reboot and periodically as system conditions allow. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out late June 2025 (previously late May) and expect to complete by late September 2025 (previously late July). |
| 2025-07-17 | MC Last Updated | 06/03/2025 21:31:26 | 2025-07-16T17:32:48Z |
| 2025-07-17 | MC Summary | Microsoft is introducing a new Startup Boost task in Office applications to enhance performance and load times. The rollout starts in late June 2025 and completes by late July 2025. This feature is optional, can be disabled, and will initially be available for Microsoft Word. No admin action is required. | Microsoft Office is introducing a new Startup Boost task to enhance performance and load-time for Office applications, starting with Word. The rollout begins in late June 2025 and completes by late September 2025. Startup Boost is optional, can be disabled, and requires specific system resources to function effectively. No admin action is required for the rollout. |
| 2025-06-04 | MC Messages | Updated May 21, 2025: Admins can disable this feature via Group Policy without needing to do so after each Office update.
We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources. The system can perform this task for an app after a device reboot and periodically as system conditions allow. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out late May 2025 (previously mid-May) and expect to complete by late July 2025 (previously late May). | Updated June 3, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources. The system can perform this task for an app after a device reboot and periodically as system conditions allow. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out late June 2025 (previously late May) and expect to complete by late July 2025 (previously late May). |
| 2025-06-04 | MC Last Updated | 05/21/2025 21:49:37 | 2025-06-03T21:31:26Z |
| 2025-06-04 | MC Summary | A new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer will optimize Office application performance, starting with Word in late May 2025. Admins can disable this feature via Group Policy. The task will run under specific conditions and can be disabled in-app or via Task Scheduler. | Microsoft is introducing a new Startup Boost task in Office applications to enhance performance and load times. The rollout starts in late June 2025 and completes by late July 2025. This feature is optional, can be disabled, and will initially be available for Microsoft Word. No admin action is required. |
| 2025-05-22 | MC Last Updated | 04/03/2025 16:07:36 | 2025-05-21T21:49:37Z |
| 2025-05-22 | MC Messages | Updated April 3, 2025: Admins can disable this feature via Group Policy without needing to do so after each Office update.
We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources. The system can perform this task for an app after a device reboot and periodically as system conditions allow. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. | Updated May 21, 2025: Admins can disable this feature via Group Policy without needing to do so after each Office update.
We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources. The system can perform this task for an app after a device reboot and periodically as system conditions allow. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out late May 2025 (previously mid-May) and expect to complete by late July 2025 (previously late May). |
| 2025-05-22 | MC End Time | 07/07/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-09-15T09:00:00Z |
| 2025-05-22 | MC Summary | Microsoft is introducing a new Startup Boost task to improve Office application performance. It will roll out in mid-May 2025. Admins can disable it via Group Policy. The task preloads apps, requires specific system resources, and can be disabled in-app or via Task Scheduler. No admin action is required for the rollout. | A new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer will optimize Office application performance, starting with Word in late May 2025. Admins can disable this feature via Group Policy. The task will run under specific conditions and can be disabled in-app or via Task Scheduler. |
| 2025-04-04 | MC Messages | Updated March 27, 2025: Admins can disable this feature via Group Policy without needing to do so after each Office update.
We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources. The system can perform this task for an app after a device reboot and periodically as system conditions allow. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. | Updated April 3, 2025: Admins can disable this feature via Group Policy without needing to do so after each Office update.
We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources. The system can perform this task for an app after a device reboot and periodically as system conditions allow. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. |
| 2025-04-04 | MC How Affect | New tasks will be publicly visible in the Windows Task Scheduler.
Task Names: Office Startup Boost and Office Startup Boost Logon. Task Description: This task ensures that Office applications can take advantage of preloading performance enhancements. Initial roll-out will be on Microsoft Word and support for additional applications will come in future updates. Startup Boost is only available when your PC has enough resources to run without impacting system performance. This includes having at least 8 GB of available RAM, and at least 5 GB of available disk space. Additionally, Startup Boost will be disabled when Energy Saver mode is active. Startup Boost is an optional performance feature. It is safe to disable. When disabled, Microsoft Office applications will be fully functional but may take longer to load. Customers can disable Startup Boost entirely by preventing the process from starting. To disable the feature, use the in-app setting, e.g., Word > Options > General > Startup Boost (under Start up Options). Scheduled task entry in Task Scheduler: End-user UI to enable/disable Startup Boost in Word | New tasks will be publicly visible in the Windows Task Scheduler.
Task Names: Office Startup Boost and Office Startup Boost Logon. Task Description: This task ensures that Office applications can take advantage of preloading performance enhancements. Initial roll-out will be on Microsoft Word. We have no announcements to make at this time regarding support for additional applications. Startup Boost is only available when your PC has enough resources to run without impacting system performance. This includes having at least 8 GB of available RAM, and at least 5 GB of available disk space. When Startup Boost is active, the scheduled task will not run immediately at login to avoid slowing down your PC - it will wait 10 minutes to ensure the system is in a steady idle state. Additionally, Startup Boost will be disabled when Energy Saver mode is active. Startup Boost only runs if you have launched Word recently, and if you have not launched Word recently it will automatically disable itself. Startup Boost is an optional performance feature. It is safe to disable. When disabled, Microsoft Office applications will be fully functional but may take longer to load. Customers can disable Startup Boost entirely by preventing the process from starting. To disable the feature, use the in-app setting, e.g., Word > Options > General > Startup Boost (under Start up Options). Scheduled task entry in Task Scheduler: End-user UI to enable/disable Startup Boost in Word |
| 2025-04-04 | MC Last Updated | 03/27/2025 22:58:26 | 2025-04-03T16:07:36Z |
| 2025-04-04 | MC prepare | This rollout will happen automatically with no admin action required.
You can disable this Startup Boost task like any other scheduled task. Please note that Office Installer will automatically recreate all scheduled tasks when it applies an update, so users who disable this task will need to disable it again after an Office update. | This rollout will happen automatically with no admin action required.
You can disable this Startup Boost task like any other scheduled task. Please note that Office Installer will automatically recreate all scheduled tasks when it applies an update, so users who disable this task will need to disable it again after an Office update. Admins can disable this feature via Group Policy without needing to do so after each Office update. |
| 2025-04-04 | MC Summary | Microsoft is introducing a new Startup Boost task to improve Office application performance, starting mid-May 2025. Admins can disable this feature via Group Policy. The task will be visible in Windows Task Scheduler and initially apply to Microsoft Word. Startup Boost requires sufficient system resources and can be disabled if needed. | Microsoft is introducing a new Startup Boost task to improve Office application performance. It will roll out in mid-May 2025. Admins can disable it via Group Policy. The task preloads apps, requires specific system resources, and can be disabled in-app or via Task Scheduler. No admin action is required for the rollout. |
| 2025-03-28 | MC Messages | We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources. The system can perform this task for an app after a device reboot and periodically as system conditions allow.
[When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. | Updated March 27, 2025: Admins can disable this feature via Group Policy without needing to do so after each Office update.
We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources. The system can perform this task for an app after a device reboot and periodically as system conditions allow. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. |
| 2025-03-28 | MC Title | New Startup Boost task from Microsoft Office installer for Office applications | (Updated) New Startup Boost task from Microsoft Office installer for Office applications |
| 2025-03-28 | MC Last Updated | 03/26/2025 06:12:04 | 2025-03-27T22:58:26Z |
| 2025-03-28 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-03-28 | MC Summary | Microsoft is introducing a new Startup Boost task to optimize Office applications' performance and load-time. It will roll out in May 2025, initially for Microsoft Word. The task is optional, visible in Windows Task Scheduler, and can be disabled via in-app settings. No admin action is required for the rollout. | Microsoft is introducing a new Startup Boost task to improve Office application performance, starting mid-May 2025. Admins can disable this feature via Group Policy. The task will be visible in Windows Task Scheduler and initially apply to Microsoft Word. Startup Boost requires sufficient system resources and can be disabled if needed. |
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