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Microsoft Tests a Faster Way to Open Apps
Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 preview builds called accelerated app launch. For now, it supports only the Microsoft Edge browser.
However, Microsoft says other developers can apply to use it. Once approved, their apps could load faster whenever a user starts them.
How Accelerated Launch Works
The traditional launch process first creates a temporary process. That process checks whether Edge is already running, and then forwards the request to the open window. Afterward, it exits on its own.
The new feature skips that relay. Edge registers its window with the system ahead of time so that it can receive launch requests directly. Microsoft says this makes startup more responsive, especially when the device is busy with several tasks.
Warm Starts Only
The improvement targets warm starts. Therefore, not every launch will speed up. If Edge is not running in the background, the conditions for accelerated launch are not met.
By default, Edge keeps a few background processes alive after the user closes its windows. As a result, the next launch should feel quicker with the new mechanism in place.
An Interface for Developers Is Coming
Microsoft says other apps can adopt a similar mechanism later. Still, the Microsoft Learn documentation currently lists the interface as a limited access feature.
Requirements for Developers
- Unlock token: developers must ask Microsoft for a special token.
- Single-instance logic: apps must handle this themselves, so that launching several instances at once does not cause problems.
Supported Windows Versions
The new interface is expected to support only Windows 11 26H2, 26H1, and 25H2. Windows 11 24H2 and earlier versions have reached the end of support. Consequently, the feature will not work on those older builds.
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