When you start your Mac, do you wake up to find that you are shutting other applications that open as soon as the machine is switched on? Some applications you want handy though, such as the antivirus or cloud storage, while most others can be a curse to your computer or are just an eye sore on your desktop.
The good news here is that you can prevent this and change this behavior. This easy, step-by-step guide will teach you how to stop apps from opening on startup Mac, helping you streamline your boot process and enhance performance.
Why Do Apps Open on Startup?
By default, most of the application programmes are designed to open upon starting the system interface on a Mac. While this is useful for apps that are used often, it isn’t long before this turns into an issue. Here’s why apps open on startup:
- Automatic Login Items: Any installed application automatically forms part of the list of login items.
- User Settings: Occasionally, users allow startup behavior to occur without even being aware that it is occurring.
- System Preferences: macOS feature also enables applications to continue after the restart this may lead to previous applications being opened.
Certainly, numerous startup apps cause a Mac computer to take longer to boot and use up more resources than necessary. Because these applications were not required to run at startup, the disabling of them makes the startup run faster and the system performs better.
Also Read: How to Stop Apps from Opening on Startup: A Comprehensive Guide
How to Stop Apps from Opening on Startup Mac
In general, preventing applications from launching on start-up is quite simple and does not call for involving sophisticated procedures. Now it is time to look at the various approaches regarding what you can do as follows.
1. Manage Login Items in System Settings
The easiest method and which is most often used to disable apps from automatically opening on startup is through login items in System Settings on Mac.
Steps to Stop Apps Using Login Items:
Open System Settings:
- Open the Finder by clicking the Apple logo in the top left-hand of your Mac desktop.
- Choose System Preferences on the screen – this option can be found under the Apple logo in the lower left corner for older MacOS versions.
Navigate to Users & Groups:
- The following can be done by selecting Users & Groups from the System Settings window on the left column.
- Choose your own user account from the list on the right.
Edit Login Items:
- Click the Login Items tab.
- You will find that there is a list of programs that were supposed to launch at startup.
Remove Unwanted Apps:
Click the icon of the app which you wish to remove and then, on the list below, press the minus (-) sign.
Restart Your Mac:
- Type ‘sudo reboot’ to restart your Mac since the changes should be applied on the device.
- This works for all types of apps, mostly those that get installed with the app you are installing.
2. Turn Off App-Specific Startup Items
Certain applications have their settings with options that make them launch at startups. To manage this you have to go to the settings inside the main interface of the app.
- Example: How to Prevent Spotify from Launching at Startup
- Open the App: Open Spotify music streaming service (or the app you wish to supervise).
Access Settings:
- For Spotify, go to Spotify, click Preferences in the menu on the top.
- For other apps, there will be settings or preferences options which can be found from the menu list which appears when you click on the name of the app.
Disable Startup Behavior:
- Search an option such as Open Spotify automatically after login and then toggling the option off.
- For any further application with such settings, repeat this process.
3. Prevent Apps from Reopening After Restart
macOS allows apps to reopen automatically after you restart your Mac. While this feature is convenient, it might bring back apps you don’t need.
How to Stop Reopening Apps:
- Restart or Shut Down Properly:
- When shutting down or restarting, uncheck the box that says Reopen windows when logging back in.
- This ensures only essential system apps start upon reboot.
- Close Unnecessary Apps Before Restart:
- Quit apps you don’t want to reopen.
4. Use Dock Options to Disable Startup Behavior
You can manage an app’s startup behavior directly from the Dock.
Steps to Disable Apps from the Dock:
- Locate the App in the Dock:
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the app icon in your Dock.
- Access Options:
- Hover over Options in the menu.
- Disable Open at Login:
- If Open at Login is checked, click it to uncheck the option.
This quick method is great for managing one or two apps.
5. Use CleanMyMac for Advanced Management
If you prefer an all-in-one tool to manage startup apps and optimize performance, CleanMyMac is a great choice.
Steps to Use CleanMyMac:
- Download and Install CleanMyMac:
- Visit the CleanMyMac website and install the app.
- Open the Optimization Tool:
- Navigate to the Optimization section and select Login Items.
- Disable Unnecessary Apps:
- Review the list and disable apps you don’t need.
CleanMyMac is particularly useful for managing hidden startup items or optimizing overall performance.
Why Managing Startup Apps Matters
Stopping apps from opening on startup isn’t just about convenience—it’s about improving your Mac’s performance. Here’s why it matters:
- Faster Boot Times: With fewer apps launching, your Mac starts up quicker.
- Reduced Resource Usage: Disabling unnecessary apps frees up CPU and memory, ensuring smoother performance.
- Decluttered Workspace: Fewer apps opening means less clutter on your desktop, making it easier to focus.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Problem: Changes Don’t Take Effect
- Solution: Double-check that you’ve removed the app from login items or disabled its settings within the app. Restart your Mac to apply changes.
Problem: Essential Apps Disabled
- Solution: Re-add the app to your login items by clicking the plus (+) button in the Users & Groups menu.
Problem: Apps Re-Enabling Themselves
- Solution: Check for updates for the app. Some apps override user settings and need to be manually updated or reconfigured.
Regular Maintenance for a Faster Mac
Stopping apps from opening at startup is a significant step, but regular maintenance ensures your Mac stays fast and efficient:
- Uninstall Unused Apps: Remove programs you no longer use to free up space.
- Run System Updates: Keep macOS and your apps updated for better compatibility and performance.
- Clean Temporary Files: Use tools like CleanMyMac or macOS’s built-in utilities to remove unnecessary files.
Also Read: How to Get a Startup Business Loan with No Money: A Beginner’s Guide
Conclusion: How to Stop Apps from Opening on Startup Mac
Knowing how to stop apps from opening on startup Mac is essential for maintaining a fast and efficient system. Whether you use the System Settings, disable app-specific startup options, or leverage third-party tools, the process is simple and effective.
By taking control of your startup apps, you can enjoy faster boot times, reduced resource usage, and a decluttered workspace. Start making these changes today, and experience a smoother Mac experience!
