'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Prevent Applications from Opening Automatically at Mac Startup
Question details
The user wants to stop specific applications from automatically launching every time they turn on or log into their Mac.
- Product
- macOS
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Booting up the computer or logging into a user account on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Various applications automatically launch upon login, which can slow down the startup process and clutter the desktop environment.
Ensure you know your Mac's administrator password, as you may need to unlock system settings to modify startup items for your user account.
Remove Apps from Login Items in System Settings (macOS Ventura and later)
This is the primary method for modern macOS versions to view and remove applications that are configured to open automatically upon login.
Starting with macOS Ventura, Apple redesigned the System Preferences into System Settings. You can easily manage your startup applications directly from the General settings menu.
Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'System Settings' from the drop-down menu.
Click on 'General' in the left sidebar, then click 'Login Items' on the right side of the window.
Under the 'Open at Login' section, select the application you want to stop from opening automatically, and click the minus (-) button below the list.
Manage Login Items via Users & Groups (macOS Monterey and earlier)
Use this method if you are running macOS Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, or an older version of the Mac operating system.
Disable 'Open at Login' directly from the Mac Dock
A quick and convenient shortcut to stop an active application from opening at startup without navigating through system settings.
Experience a Faster Mac with WPS Office
Heavy office applications can add unnecessary background processes and slow down your Mac's startup. WPS Office is designed to be incredibly fast, lightweight, and resource-friendly. It won't forcefully add itself to your login items, ensuring your Mac boots up quickly while providing powerful, fully compatible tools for your documents.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded installer and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Launch When Needed: Click the WPS icon in your Applications or Launchpad only when you need to edit documents, keeping your Mac's startup clean and fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some apps still open even after removing them from Login Items?
Some applications have built-in preferences that override the macOS system settings. You will need to open the specific app, navigate to its internal Settings or Preferences menu, and manually disable its automatic startup feature.
How do I stop previous application windows from reopening when I restart my Mac?
When you choose to restart or shut down your Mac from the Apple menu, a confirmation dialog box appears. Ensure you uncheck the box that says 'Reopen windows when logging back in' before confirming the shutdown or restart.
Does disabling startup items improve my Mac's performance?
Yes. Every application that opens at startup consumes CPU resources and memory (RAM). By reducing the number of login items, your Mac will boot faster and run smoother from the moment you log in.
Can I hide an application at startup instead of completely stopping it?
Yes, on older macOS versions (Monterey and earlier), you can check the 'Hide' box next to an app in the Login Items list. The app will still launch automatically in the background, but its window will not pop up on your screen.
