# Startup and Shutdown

The General > Startup and Shutdown preference page allows the selection of plug-ins to be automatically activated during workbench startup.

Normally plug-ins are not activated until they are needed. However some plug-ins may specify that they wish to be activated during startup. This preference page allows the selection of which of these plug-ins will actually be activated during startup.

Option | Description | Default
--- | --- | ---
Prompt for workspace on startup | If this option is turned on then the workbench will prompt you each time it is started for what workspace to use. | On
Refresh workspace on startup | If this option is turned on then the workbench will synchronize its contents with the file system on startup. | Off
Confirm exit when closing last window | If this option is turned on then the workbench will ask if you wish to exit when closing the last window if. | On
Plug-ins activated on startup | This option allows you to select which available plug-ins should be activated on startup. |

Here is what the Startup and Shutdown preference page looks like: