How to Stop Microsoft Teams from Starting Automatically
Question details
The user wants to prevent the new Microsoft Teams application from launching automatically every time Windows starts.

- Product
- Microsoft Teams
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Managing Windows startup applications to improve boot time and prevent unwanted app launches.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Teams automatically opens during the Windows boot process, taking up screen space and consuming system resources.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows account, as modifying startup applications via Task Manager may require elevated permissions. Save any ongoing work before restarting your computer to test the changes.
Disable Auto-Start in Microsoft Teams Settings
The most straightforward way to stop Teams from opening at boot is through its built-in settings menu.
Microsoft Teams includes a built-in toggle specifically designed to manage its startup behavior. Adjusting this setting will communicate your preference directly to the application.
Launch the new Microsoft Teams application on your Windows computer.
Click on the three-dot menu (More options) or your profile picture in the top-right corner of the application window, then select 'Settings'.
Navigate to the 'General' tab located in the left sidebar of the settings menu.
Locate the 'Auto-start Teams' option and clear the checkbox or toggle it to the off position. Close the settings menu to save your preference.

Disable Teams Startup via Windows Task Manager
If changing the setting inside Teams doesn't work, you can force Windows to block it from launching via the Task Manager.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Teams keep starting automatically even after I disabled it?
This issue typically occurs if the application undergoes a major update, which might reset user preferences to default settings. Double-check both the in-app Settings and the Windows Task Manager Startup tab to ensure the auto-start option remains disabled.
Will disabling Teams on startup log me out of my account?
No, disabling the auto-start feature only stops the application from launching when Windows boots. Your account credentials, chats, and workspace settings remain securely saved for the next time you manually open the app.
Does disabling startup apps improve Windows boot speed?
Yes, preventing resource-heavy applications like Microsoft Teams from launching at startup reduces CPU, disk, and memory usage during boot, resulting in a noticeably faster and smoother Windows startup experience.
Can I disable Teams auto-start on macOS as well?
Yes, on a Mac, you can right-click the Microsoft Teams icon in the Dock, hover over 'Options', and uncheck 'Open at Login'. Alternatively, you can manage startup applications via System Settings > General > Login Items.




