Do you find it annoying to have to reopen all your apps and documents after restarting your computer, whether you’re on a Mac or a PC? This guide is for you. We’ll explore practical tips and tricks to seamlessly restore your working environment, saving you time and effort. Both Mac and Windows have built-in features to make this process easier, so your workspace is restored just as you left it.
How to Reopen Windows When Logging Back
Whether you’re using a MacBook or a Windows PC, both operating systems offer options to automatically reopen apps and windows after restart or login. Here’s how to enable (or disable) this feature on each platform.
🍏 For Mac (macOS)
macOS includes a built-in option to reopen windows when logging back in, which can be enabled during shutdown or through system settings.
🪄 Method 1: Enable Reopen Windows at Shutdown
- Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner.
- Choose Shut Down, Restart, or Log Out.
- In the confirmation dialog, check the box:
✅ “Reopen windows when logging back in.” - Click Shut Down or Restart.
When you log back in, macOS will automatically reopen all apps and documents that were open before you restarted.
📘 Tip: If you don’t want apps to reopen next time, uncheck that box before shutting down.
(Source: Apple Support – Prevent apps and windows from reopening on Mac)
🪄 Method 2: Manage Login Items in System Settings (macOS Ventura and later)
You can also control which apps start automatically after login:
- Open System Settings → General → Login Items.
- Under Open at Login, you’ll see a list of apps that start when you log in.
- Use the “+” or “-” buttons to add or remove apps.
💡 Why it’s useful:
If you only want certain apps (like Safari or Notes) to reopen automatically, you can manage them here instead of reopening all windows.
🧠 Troubleshooting (Mac)
If windows aren’t reopening as expected:
- Make sure you’re using the same user account when logging back in.
- Check System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Close windows when quitting an app — this should be off if you want macOS to remember open windows.
- Some third-party apps may not support session restoration.
🪟 For Windows (Windows 11 & Windows 10)
Windows also lets you reopen apps and folders automatically after restart or sign-in. This feature is called Restartable Apps or Automatic Restart of Apps.
🪄 Method 1: Enable Restartable Apps (Windows 11)
- Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
- Scroll down to Additional Settings.
- Turn ON:
✅ “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in.”
Windows will now reopen apps like Edge, File Explorer, and other compatible programs after you restart your computer.
(Source: Microsoft Learn – Automatically save and restart apps)
🪄 Method 2: Restore File Explorer Windows
If you want File Explorer windows to reopen after restart:
- Open File Explorer.
- Click View → Options → Change folder and search options.
- In the View tab, scroll down and check:
✅ “Restore previous folder windows at logon.” - Click Apply → OK.
Now, any folders you had open before logging out will reopen when you log back in.
🧠 Troubleshooting (Windows)
If apps don’t reopen:
- Make sure Fast Startup is disabled (it can interfere with session restore).
- Some apps (like Chrome or Word) may need their own “restore last session” settings enabled.
- Restartable Apps only works for UWP apps and a few desktop programs.
🧾 Summary Table
| Platform | Feature | Where to Enable | What It Reopens |
|---|---|---|---|
| macOS | “Reopen windows when logging back in” | Apple Menu → Shut Down / Restart dialog | All open apps and documents |
| macOS (Login Items) | Open at Login | System Settings → General → Login Items | Selected apps only |
| Windows 11/10 | Restartable Apps | Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options | Compatible apps |
| Windows Explorer | Restore Folder Windows | File Explorer → View → Options | Folder windows only |
🎯 Final Tips
- Mac: Uncheck “Reopen windows…” before shutting down if you want a clean start next time.
- Windows: Use “Restartable Apps” for general use, and “Restore Folder Windows” for Explorer-specific behavior.
- Both: Save any unsaved work before restart — these features reopen apps, not necessarily unsaved files.
✅ In Summary:
To reopen windows when logging back in, use the built-in options in macOS or Windows Settings. On a Mac, check “Reopen windows when logging back in” before shutdown. On Windows, enable Restartable Apps in Sign-in options. Both methods help you jump right back into your workflow after rebooting — no manual reopening required.
References:
- Apple Support – Prevent apps and windows from reopening on Mac
- Microsoft Learn – Reopen Windows After Reboot
- TechDirect Archive – Enable or Prevent Reopening Windows on Mac
Seamless Transitions: Restore Your Workspace on Login
Mac
On a Mac, ensuring your windows reopen upon logging back in is a breeze:
- Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select “Restart…” or “Shut Down…”
- In the dialog box that appears, check the box next to “Reopen windows when logging back in.”
- Click “Restart” or “Shut Down” to proceed.
Remember, this feature is system-wide. If you prefer to control this behavior on an app-by-app basis, check the individual app’s settings.
PC (Windows)
Windows offers a slightly different approach to reopening windows:
- Click the Start button.
- Select “Settings” (the gear icon).
- Navigate to “Accounts” > “Sign-in options.”
- Under “Restart apps,” toggle on the switch for “Automatically save my restartable apps when I sign out and restart them after I sign in.”
Note that this feature primarily works with Microsoft Store apps and some select others. For browsers like Chrome, you may need to enable a similar setting within the browser’s own preferences.
Troubleshooting
If you’re experiencing issues with windows not reopening as expected, try these steps:
| Issue | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| Windows not reopening at all | Double-check that the relevant setting is enabled in your system preferences. |
| Only some windows reopening | Some apps may have their own settings that override the system-wide preference. Check the app’s preferences for an option to reopen windows on launch. |
| Windows reopening in incorrect positions or sizes | This can sometimes happen after a system update. Try logging out and back in again, or restart your computer. |
How to Reopen Windows When Logging Back In
| Platform | Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Settings: | – Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. – Scroll down and turn on “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in”. – This will remember and reopen most Windows apps, but not all third-party programs. |
| Windows | Task Manager: | – Open Task Manager. – Click on the Options tab. – Under “At startup”, check the box “Automatically restart apps after signing in”. – This works similarly to the Settings option, but offers more granularity by letting you choose individual apps to reopen. |
| Windows | Third-party tools: | – Some third-party tools like “RestartMe” or “Session Squirrel” can remember and reopen any open windows, regardless of app type. |
| Mac | System Preferences: | – Go to System Preferences > General. – Check the box “Close windows when logging out”. – When you log back in, you’ll be prompted to reopen the windows from your previous session. |
| Mac | Dock preferences: | – Right-click on the Dock icon and select “Preferences”. – Click on the “General” tab. – Under “Minimize windows into application icon”, choose “Never”. – This will prevent apps from minimizing to the Dock when you log out, so they’ll automatically reopen when you log back in. |
| Mac | Third-party tools: | – Similar to Windows, there are tools like “iTool” or “Moom” that can save and restore your window layouts even after a restart. |
Additional notes:
- Windows 11: Certain apps in Windows 11 may not be compatible with the “Automatically save my restartable apps” feature.
- Mac M1: Some user reports suggest the “Close windows when logging out” option may not work consistently on M1 Macs.
- Performance: Reopening many windows at once can impact system performance, especially on older machines.
Understanding the Basics
For Mac Users: The Mac operating system offers several features to help you resume work quickly after a restart. One key setting is the “Reopen windows when logging back in” option, which can be selected when you choose to restart, shut down, or log out from the Apple menu. This ensures that your Mac environment, including open apps and documents, is the same after a restart as it was before.
For Windows Users: Windows also provides options to reopen apps after a reboot. You can find these settings in the Accounts section under Sign-in options. Look for the “Automatically save my restartable apps” feature, which helps in restoring your working environment after a restart.
Enhancing Your Workflow
Apps, Documents, and Folders
Mac Steps:
- In macOS 13 Ventura and later, go to System Settings > General > Login Items.
- Add apps, documents, and folders to the Open at Login list. Remove unwanted items by selecting them and clicking the minus button.
Windows Tips:
- Utilize Task Manager to manage startup applications.
- Regularly update your system and apps for optimal performance.
Browser Sessions
Managing web browser sessions effectively can be crucial, as browsers often contain many open tabs related to your work.
- Safari: Recent versions automatically open with the last session’s windows and tabs.
- Google Chrome: To ensure open tabs are restored, go to Settings > On Startup and select “Continue where you left off.”
- Firefox: Choose Settings > General and select “Open previous windows and tabs.”
- Microsoft Edge: Select “Open tabs from the previous session” in Settings > Start, Home, and New Tabs.
Real-World Applications
- Freelancers and Remote Workers: Quickly access your project files and research tabs after a system update or power outage.
- Students: Keep your study materials and online resources readily available after a break or system restart.
Tables with Relevant Facts
| Feature | Mac | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Open Apps | Login Items in System Settings | Task Manager for Startup Apps |
| Session Restore | Settings in Safari, Chrome, etc. | Settings in Edge, Chrome, etc. |
| System Updates | Rapid Security Responses | Regular Windows Updates |
Summary of Facts
- Mac and Windows offer features to automatically reopen windows and apps after logging back in.
- Mac users: Utilize “Login Items” and “Reopen windows when logging back in” settings.
- Windows users: Adjust settings in Task Manager and Sign-in options.
- Web browsers like Safari, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox have session restore settings.
- Regular system updates enhance the efficiency of these features.
FAQ
How Can I Automatically Reopen Apps on My Mac After Restarting?
Mac users can add apps to the ‘Open at Login’ list in System Settings under Login Items. This ensures that selected apps automatically open after logging back in.
What Should Windows Users Do to Reopen Windows After a Restart?
Windows users can enable the ‘Automatically save my restartable apps’ feature found in the Accounts section under Sign-in options to reopen apps after a reboot.
Can I Control Which Browser Tabs Reopen After Restarting My Computer?
Yes, most web browsers offer session settings to control which tabs reopen. Settings can be found in the browser’s preferences, usually under the ‘General’ or ‘On Startup’ sections.
