Microsoft is tackling the speed of Office applications, unveiling Startup Boost to better optimize their launch time and performance.

Given the size of Microsoft’s Office suite, it’s not uncommon for Office to be among slowest loading programs on a person’s computer. This can be even worse in businesses an organizations whose budgets prevent them from running the latest hardware.

Microsoft appears to be trying to address the issue, informing IT admins of the change.

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.

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.

Microsoft has taken steps to insure Startup Boost doesn’t degrade performance, especially on older hardware.

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).

If Startup Boost works as planned, it could help alleviate one of the biggest frustrations of working with Microsoft Office.