Most new saws come with a depth gauge setting tool. It fits over the cutter and fixes the depth gauge in a slot. If the depth gauge protrudes, it needs to be filed down with a flat file. Do not file the depth gauges any lower than what the setting tool indicates. Increasing the gap gives the chain more bite, but it will also increase kickback potential, sometimes dramatically.
Proper settings make for efficient cutting.
Thomas Trebi is willing to bet you don't always follow the standards. You hold the saw in one hand and quickly push it down and away from you while pulling on the starter grip. You see a lot of oldtimers doing it this way all day long. If the chain should hit something, the machine can come flying right back at you. This is why we authorize only two ways of doing it.