Nowadays Discord is turning into one of the most popular platforms for communication, particularly for gamers, communities and many other groups. But while it’s very useful, you might not want the app to open as soon as you turn on your computer.
If you don’t need it right away, it can slow down your system’s startup so that you know Discord is available, distracting you. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Discord not open on startup using simple, beginner-friendly steps tailored for both Windows and macOS users.
Discord Launches at startup, but why does it?
By default, Discord is set up to launch automatically at startup. That way ensures that users can view their servers, chats and calls immediately after they log into their computers. It’s a nice behavior for someone trying to avoid a conversation they don’t want to have, although for others, it can be an unnecessary and annoying behavior, if that person isn’t needed for Discord.
Disabling Discord’s auto start saves you some time on booting up your computer, gives you back some system resources to use for other things, and it prevents it from cluttering up your system tray, so that’s always a nice perk. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to stop Discord from opening on startup, and you don’t need any advanced technical skills to do it.
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How to Make Discord Not Open on Startup in Windows
When it comes to controlling which programs launch when your machine reboots, Windows provides multiple ways to do so and the same stands true when it comes to Discord. But if you’re using Windows to start up your machine and you don’t want Discord to load automatically, I’ll detail the steps below.
The easiest and most direct thing you can do to stop Discord from opening on startup is to simply alter the app’s internal setting.
- Click the icon for Discord or search for it in the Start menu to open Discord.
- Open Discord, and click the gear icon (User Settings) in the bottom left corner of that window.
- Go to the User Settings menu, and scroll down to the Windows Settings section in the App Settings.
- Go to the Open Discord option and turn it off.
Crucial for this change is that this way Discord will not automatically start when Windows logs you in.
How to Manage Startup Programs in Task Manager
The Task Manager works by granting you the ability to control any startup applications so you can stop Discord from opening on startup.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard, right click on the taskbar and select Task Manager or click on the Windows icon located in the bottom left of the screen.
- Click the Startup tab of the Task Manager window.
- Open the drop down menu for programs in the list.
- With Discord right clicked select Disable.
Disabling Discord from the Task Manager allows it to not launch on startup without changing its in app settings.
Also Read: How to Disable Startup Programs Windows 10 | 4 Steps
How to Make Discord Not Open on Startup in macOS
Mac users can also stop Discord from opening on startup using the macOS System Settings and app-specific options. Here’s how you can do it:
Remove Discord from Login Items
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences for older macOS versions).
- Navigate to Users & Groups and select your user account.
- Click the Login Items tab to view the list of apps that open when you log in.
- Select Discord from the list and click the minus (-) button to remove it.
This ensures that Discord no longer launches automatically when you start your Mac.
Adjust Settings Within Discord
If Discord still opens on startup despite removing it from login items, you can disable auto-start from within the app:
- Launch Discord and go to the User Settings by clicking the gear icon.
- Scroll to Mac Settings under App Settings and toggle off any option related to launching Discord at startup.
Additional Tips for Managing Startup Programs
While disabling Discord from launching at startup is simple, managing startup programs in general is an excellent way to improve your computer’s performance. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Regularly review your startup programs to ensure only essential apps are set to launch automatically.
- Keep your operating system and apps updated to avoid unexpected startup behavior.
- If you frequently switch between devices, ensure you’ve made these changes on all computers where Discord is installed.
Troubleshooting: Discord Still Opens on Startup
If you’ve followed these steps but Discord still opens automatically, there are a few troubleshooting tips you can try:
- Check for Updates: Ensure that your Discord app is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, outdated software can override settings.
- Restart Your Computer: Changes to startup programs may not take effect until you reboot your device.
- Reinstall Discord: If the issue persists, uninstall and reinstall Discord to reset its default settings.
- Check for Conflicting Software: Some third-party tools or operating system features might interfere with your startup settings. Investigate and disable any conflicting programs.
Why Managing Startup Apps Is Important
Beyond preventing Discord from opening automatically, managing startup apps can have a significant impact on your computer’s performance. Too many programs launching at startup can slow down your boot time, consume system resources, and clutter your desktop.
By taking control of which apps start automatically, you can enjoy:
- Faster startup times.
- Improved system responsiveness.
- More control over your workflow.
These benefits make it worthwhile to periodically review and adjust your startup programs.
Should You Keep Discord Disabled on Startup?
Whether or not to disable Discord on startup depends on your personal preferences and how frequently you use the app. If you’re an active Discord user and need it ready to go as soon as you log in, leaving it enabled might be convenient.
However, if you only use Discord occasionally or prefer to open it manually, disabling auto-start can save you time and resources. Ultimately, the choice is yours and can be adjusted at any time based on your needs.
Conclusion: How to Make Discord Not Open on Startup
Learning how to make Discord not open on startup is a simple but effective way to improve your computer’s boot performance and customize your workflow. Whether you’re using Windows or macOS, the steps outlined in this guide make it easy to disable Discord’s auto-start behavior and regain control over your startup programs.
By taking a few minutes to adjust these settings, you can enjoy a faster, smoother startup experience without the distractions of unnecessary applications launching automatically. Make these changes today and enjoy a more streamlined computing experience!
