Layout Lock And Startup

Layout Lock And Startup

Layout lock and startup restore are the two features that make WindowAutoLayout useful after PC launch and during live use.

Layout Lock

Layout lock keeps reapplying the selected profile while it is active.

It helps with:

• Show Desktop
• accidental minimize
• accidental window dragging
• apps reopening in the wrong spot
• live streaming setups that should stay stable

The lock is intentionally clamped to a safe interval so it stays responsive without becoming a heavy background loop.

When To Use Lock

Use lock when:

• the stream is live
• the workspace should not move
• OBS and Discord should recover after being minimized
• you want a temporary guard around the setup

Turn lock off when:

• rearranging the layout intentionally
• changing monitors
• saving new positions
• troubleshooting app matching

Show Desktop

Windows Show Desktop minimizes windows. Layout lock is the recovery path.

With lock on, matching windows are restored back to the selected profile. For tray apps, the app entry still needs hidden/minimized restore settings enabled.

Startup Restore

Startup restore lets WindowAutoLayout prepare the workspace after Windows login.

Settings involved:

Setting	Meaning
Start with Windows	Adds/removes the current user's Run key
Start minimized to tray	Keeps the app out of the way on launch
Restore on launch	Runs restore automatically
Startup delay	Waits before restore starts
Default startup profile	Chooses which profile restores
Launch missing apps	Starts closed apps before moving
Enforce after startup	Turns on layout lock after startup restore

Startup Command

The Windows startup entry uses:

"<installed WindowAutoLayout.exe>" --startup-restore

It is stored under the current user's Run key:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

No admin rights are required.

Recommended Startup Delay

Good starting point:

8 seconds

Increase it if:

• OBS loads plugins slowly
• Discord takes a long time to expose its main window
• monitor drivers settle late after login
• startup apps compete for disk or CPU

Hotkey Restore

Default hotkey:

Ctrl+Alt+L

The hotkey restores the selected or default profile. If restore-without-opening is enabled, the app can stay in the tray.

Good Streaming Startup Flow

1. Windows starts.
2. WindowAutoLayout starts minimized to tray.
3. Startup delay gives Windows and apps time to settle.
4. Restore launches missing apps.
5. OBS is pulled from tray if already running.
6. Discord is moved when its window appears.
7. Layout lock keeps the setup stable.