Reactivate Your Windows 10: A Guide To Keeping Apps Aware

If you're using Windows 10 and have encountered the issue of your sleeping apps not waking up, you're not alone. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on these apps to stay productive or entertained. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to permanently wake up your sleeping apps. In this guide, we'll explore some of the most effective techniques, including adjusting power settings, using Task Manager, and enabling the Always on top feature. By the end of this article, you'll have the tools to ensure your apps stay active and responsive when needed.

Using Task Scheduler: Set a task to run a specific app at startup

To ensure that a specific application automatically launches when your Windows 10 computer starts up, you can utilize the Task Scheduler feature. This method is particularly useful for applications that you want to run in the background without user intervention. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up a task to run an app at startup using the Task Scheduler:

• Open Task Scheduler: Start by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog. Type "taskschd.msc" and click OK. This will open the Task Scheduler library.
• Create a New Task: In the Task Scheduler library, you'll see various tasks and folders. Navigate to the "Actions" folder, right-click on it, and select "Create Basic Task..." This will guide you through the process of creating a new task.
• Task Name and Trigger: Give your task a meaningful name, such as "Run App at Startup." In the Trigger section, choose "Start a program" and then select "When I log on" as the trigger. This ensures the task runs at startup.
• Action Settings: Click on the "Action" tab and add the application you want to launch. Browse to the location of the executable file and select it. You can also specify the arguments or parameters the app should receive when it starts. For example, if you're running a media player, you might want to add specific playlist details.
• Configure Settings: The "General" and "Conditions" tabs allow you to customize the task further. You can set the task to run only when specific conditions are met, such as the computer being in a certain power state or connected to a particular network.
• Run the Task: After configuring the task, click "Finish" to create it. Now, every time you log in or restart your computer, the specified application will automatically launch.

By using the Task Scheduler, you can automate the process of running applications at startup, ensuring that your chosen programs are always ready for use without any manual intervention. This method is especially handy for applications that require constant background processes or those that need to be available immediately upon system boot. Remember to test the task after setting it up to ensure it works as expected.

Registering as an Auto-Run App: Add the app to the Windows startup folder

To ensure that your application automatically runs when Windows starts up, you can register it as an auto-run app by adding it to the Windows startup folder. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through this process:

• Locate the Startup Folder: The Windows startup folder is a hidden location where you can add applications to ensure they launch automatically when Windows boots up. To access it, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog. Type 'shell:startup' and press Enter. This will open the startup folder in File Explorer.
• Add Your Application: Navigate to the startup folder and look for a file named 'AutoRun.inf'. This file is used to register applications for auto-run. If you don't find this file, you can create it manually. Right-click on the startup folder and select 'New' > 'Text Document'. Rename it to 'AutoRun.inf'. Right-click on this new file and choose 'Edit' to open it in Notepad.
• Edit the AutoRun.inf File: In the AutoRun.inf file, you need to add an entry for your application. Here's an example of the format: `[AutoRun] @="Your App.exe" /s "C:\Path\To\Your\App.exe"`. Replace 'Your App.exe' with the actual name of your executable file, and 'C:\Path\To\Your\App.exe' with the full path to your application's executable. Make sure to include the double quotes around the path.
• Save and Close: After adding the entry, save the AutoRun.inf file and close Notepad. Now, simply copy your application's executable file and paste it into the startup folder. The AutoRun.inf file will automatically detect and register your app for auto-run.
• Test the Auto-Run: Restart your computer and check if your application launches automatically. If it doesn't, you might need to adjust the path or file name in the AutoRun.inf file and try again.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your application is always ready to use as soon as Windows starts up, providing a seamless user experience. Remember to keep your AutoRun.inf file organized and up-to-date, especially if you have multiple applications you want to register for auto-run.

Creating a Startup Task: Use Task Manager to create a new task

To ensure that a specific application automatically starts when your Windows 10 computer boots up, you can create a startup task using the Task Manager. This method is particularly useful for applications that require immediate attention upon system startup, such as backup software, security tools, or productivity apps. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Open Task Manager: Press the 'Ctrl + Shift + Esc' keyboard shortcut to open the Task Manager. Alternatively, you can right-click on the taskbar and select 'Task Manager' from the context menu.
• Navigate to the 'Startup' Tab: In the Task Manager window, click on the 'Startup' tab. Here, you'll find a list of all the applications and services that start automatically when Windows boots up.
• Locate and Enable the App: Scroll through the list to find the application you want to set as a startup task. If it's already listed, ensure the 'Status' column shows 'Enabled'. If not, click on the 'New' button at the top of the list, enter the app's executable file path (usually found in the app's installation directory), and click 'OK'. This will add the app to the startup list.
• Create a New Task (Optional): If the app you want to enable is not listed, you can create a new task manually. Click on 'New Task' at the top, give your task a descriptive name, and then enter the command line or executable path of the app you want to start. For example, if you want to start Microsoft Word, you might enter 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\WINWORD.EXE' (this path may vary depending on your installation).
• Save the Changes: Once you've added or enabled the desired app, click 'OK' to apply the changes. Now, the next time you restart your computer, the specified application will automatically launch, ensuring it's ready for use immediately.

Remember, creating startup tasks can be a powerful way to ensure your essential applications are always running, but it's also important to use this feature judiciously, as too many startup tasks can slow down your system.

Setting App as Default: Configure the app as the default for specific actions

To ensure that a specific app remains active and responsive in Windows 10, you can set it as the default for certain actions. This method is particularly useful for apps that might fall into a dormant state due to system settings or user behavior. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

• Identify the App and Action: Begin by selecting the app you want to keep active. For instance, if you frequently use a web browser for work, choose that app. Next, determine the specific action or function you want to default to this app. For example, you might want to set it as the default browser for opening web links or the default app for handling PDF files.
• Access Settings: Open the Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard or clicking the gear icon in the taskbar. This will open the Settings window.
• Navigate to Default Apps: In the Settings window, scroll down and click on "Apps." Then, select "Default apps" from the left-hand menu. Here, you'll find a list of various app categories, such as web browsers, email, media players, and more.
• Set the Default Action: Click on the app category related to the action you want to default. For instance, if you want to set your web browser as the default for opening links, click on "Web browser." A list of installed web browsers will appear. Select the app you want to set as the default and click "Set default" or a similar option, depending on the interface. Repeat this process for each action you want to associate with the app.
• Verify and Customize: After setting the defaults, Windows might prompt you to confirm your choices. Review the selected apps and actions to ensure they are correct. You can also customize further by adding or removing apps from the default list, ensuring that the app you want to keep active is always at the top of the priority list.

By following these steps, you can effectively configure apps to remain active and responsive, ensuring a seamless user experience in Windows 10. This method is especially handy for preventing apps from falling into a sleeping state, which can be frustrating when trying to perform specific tasks.

Using Windows Startup Manager: Explore and enable apps in the startup manager

To permanently wake up a sleeping app in Windows 10, you can utilize the Startup Manager feature, which allows you to control which applications launch automatically when your computer starts up. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the Startup Manager to enable and manage your apps:

Accessing the Startup Manager:

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• Type 'msconfig' and click OK. This will open the System Configuration utility.
• In the System Configuration window, navigate to the 'Startup' tab. Here, you'll find a list of all the applications and services that start automatically when Windows boots up.

Exploring Startup Items:

• The 'Startup' tab displays a list of all the startup items, including enabled and disabled applications. You can scroll through the list to find the app you want to wake up.
• Each item in the list has a status indicator (Enabled or Disabled) and a description. Click on an item to view its details and modify its startup status.

Enabling a Sleeping App:

• Locate the app you want to enable in the Startup Manager list. If it's currently disabled, you'll see a status of 'Disabled' next to it.
• Click on the app's name to select it. This will highlight the item in the list.
• To enable the app, click the 'Enable' button at the bottom of the System Configuration window. The app will now be added to the list of startup items and will launch automatically when Windows starts.

Customizing Startup Settings:

• You can customize the startup behavior further by using the 'Advanced' tab in the System Configuration utility. Here, you can control which apps launch based on specific conditions or disable them entirely.
• Additionally, you can create a new startup item by clicking 'New' and specifying the location of the executable file for the app you want to launch at startup.

Saving Changes:

Remember to save your changes before exiting the System Configuration utility. Click 'OK' to apply the modifications, and then restart your computer for the changes to take effect. This process ensures that your selected apps will consistently wake up when Windows starts, providing a more personalized and efficient startup experience.

Frequently asked questions