Discord is a well-known communication platform, however, it can be exasperating to a user who wouldn’t want it to start running every time you open your notebook. If you use Discord lightly or find that you start slow, you may wish to disable their auto launch. So, how to stop discord from opening on startup?
Why Does Discord Start Automatically?
Discord by default includes a ‘feature’ that starts the app when your device boots up. However this is good for normal users, lacks performance and makes you distracted. Luckily, you can change this setting according to your needs.
Benefits of Disabling Auto-Startup
Disabling Discord from starting automatically offers several benefits:
- Faster Boot Times: Less startup programs make your desktop / login screen faster.
- Less Clutter: Makes background processes unnecessary.
- Improved Control: Lets you pick when and how you use Discord.
- Better Resource Management: At startup, it frees up RAM and CPU resources, especially for low end systems.
How to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup | Step-by-Step Methods
Here are detailed instructions for various operating systems and tools to prevent Discord from starting automatically.
1. Disable Auto-Start in Discord Settings
The easiest way to prevent Discord from starting is within its own settings:
- Launch Discord.
- Click the User Settings icon (gear symbol) in the bottom-left corner.
- Scroll to Windows Settings under the “App Settings” section.
- Toggle off the Open Discord option.
This method ensures Discord no longer launches automatically, regardless of operating system-level startup settings.
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2. Use Task Manager (Windows)
Task Manager provides a centralized way to manage startup apps on Windows. Follow these steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Navigate to the Startup tab.
- Locate Discord in the list of startup programs.
- Right-click on it and select Disable.
This method directly affects the Windows boot process and can be helpful for managing other unnecessary startup programs.
3. Adjust System Preferences on Mac
For Mac users, startup items are managed through the system preferences. Here’s how:
- Open System Preferences and go to Users & Groups.
- Click your profile and then select the Login Items tab.
- Find Discord in the list.
- Highlight it and click the minus (-) button.
This ensures Discord won’t launch at login on macOS.
4. Remove Discord from Windows Startup Folder
Windows has a dedicated startup folder for applications. Removing Discord from this folder is another effective method:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type shell:startup and press Enter.
- If Discord appears in this folder, right-click and delete the shortcut.
This removes Discord’s startup entry directly, further reinforcing the changes.
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5. Disable Startup in Windows Settings (Windows 10/11)
Modern Windows versions include a simple app startup manager:
- Open the Settings app and go to Apps > Startup.
- Locate Discord in the list of apps.
- Toggle the switch to Off.
This method is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require accessing Task Manager or the Startup folder.
6. Use Linux Startup Application Manager
On Linux, startup programs are managed differently depending on the distribution. For most distros:
- Open Startup Applications Preferences or the equivalent tool.
- Locate Discord in the list of programs.
- Uncheck or remove its entry.
Linux users can rely on this system-specific approach to prevent auto-launch.
7. Advanced Method: Modify Registry (Windows Only)
For tech-savvy users, the Windows registry provides an advanced way to manage startup programs:
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run - Look for a key labeled Discord.
- Right-click it and select Delete.
Caution: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Proceed with care.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Discord Still Starts After Disabling:
- Ensure you’ve saved the settings in Discord.
- Double-check Task Manager or system preferences for any residual entries.
- Settings Greyed Out:
- Restart your computer after disabling auto-start.
- Run Discord with administrative privileges to access certain settings.
- Linux Users Struggle to Find Startup Manager:
- Use terminal commands specific to your distro (e.g., systemctl for systemd-based systems).
Additional Tips to Optimize System Startup
While managing Discord, consider these additional tips:
- Audit All Startup Programs: Use Task Manager or system preferences to disable unnecessary apps.
- Upgrade Hardware: Adding RAM or switching to an SSD can significantly improve boot times.
- Keep Your System Clean: Uninstall unused apps and run disk cleanup utilities.
FAQs About Discord Auto-Startup
Why Does Discord Open Automatically?
This default setting ensures Discord is ready for users immediately upon boot. It’s designed for convenience but can be disabled if unnecessary.
Will Disabling Auto-Startup Affect Discord’s Performance?
No, this setting only changes when the app launches. Once manually opened, Discord functions as usual.
Can I Re-Enable Auto-Startup Later?
Yes, simply toggle the relevant settings back on in Discord or Task Manager.
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Conclusion
Stopping Discord from launching at startup is a straightforward process across various platforms. Whether you’re using Discord’s internal settings, system utilities, or advanced methods, you have full control over when and how Discord starts. Following these steps will optimize your system’s boot performance and provide a more streamlined experience.
Hope so, now you know how to stop discord from opening on startup? Take charge of your startup programs and enjoy a faster, distraction-free boot process!
