Express 7.13.1.0 - Massive Step Backwards

My Express launches in less than a minute ...

I still get the available updates bubble etc

Perhaps try an uninstall then reinstall.

Like "SUSSAMB", my GE launches quite rapidly, perhaps on the order of 10 to 15 seconds.  Having said that, the time is estimated with no device connected and the option "Always keep Garmin Express running in the background" is disabled.  But with that option enabled, I barely detect a difference, if any.

For a considerable amount of time my GE would not launch reliably and if it did it it was not fast.  I tried a lot of different things without too much success and then ran the Windows Compatibility Troubleshooter.  It determined to run the program with Windows 8 compatibility.  The product since has been very reliable and very fast ever since.  My Windows is version 21H2 build 19044.1706.

Perhaps give the Compatibility Troubleshooter check a try.  It is easy enough to change it back.  See solution 2 at https://appuals.com/fix-garmin-express-problems/ or right click the GE executable at C\Program Files (x86)\GarminExpress\Express.exe.   Then select "Troubleshoot compatibility."

Thank you I'll try that later today!

I own both Watches and Mobile GPS, and I really don't understand why anyone would "keep GE running in the backgrould". I certainly do not need to use it multiple times during the day, or even week. Maybe once a month, and I certainly do not need to be notified of every single update.\

And with the increasing problems with GE I will be hesitant to use it until I have checked out the reviews and current status of said problems.

Though I also do not have an issue with launch time, looking at the patch notes I’m inclined to agree with this being a step backwards only due to the statement that:

• Express is no longer removing activity files from devices.
  • Note: Files were only previously being removed if a user successfully synced.

Older models definitely don’t have enough on device storage to keep all activities so this will require some manual care and feeding 

This was specific to the Watches and in the last update GE deleted all the activity files (FIT) for the devices. A major bug that is now supposed to be fixed. Hence the "Express is no longer removing activity files from devices"

Does anybody know how it's going to work now?

I also don't need or want GE running in the background but you cannot tick only the checkbox for launching GE when a Garmin device is connected. If you uncheck the background option, the detection option is automatically greyed out. That is poor practice by Garmin. 

You can't have one without the other. 

I would still prefer to launch GE when I need it, not much effort to do that.

Yep, desktop shortcut, end of story