There are several significant organizations who make use of Microsoft Teams as a collaboration tool. It helps for communication, file sharing and meetings and is a vital app for many people who work in the field. But one common hassle is that it likes to start up every time you turn on your computer.
If you don’t use it regularly yourself or prefer to open Teams on your own, this behavior may be frustrating. If you’re wondering how to stop Microsoft Teams from opening on startup, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Why Do Microsoft Teams Open on Startups?
Microsoft Teams is meant to launch automatically at startup so that users can go straight to using the features as soon as they log in to their computers. This is convenient if you are the person using the app daily, but its not the best for everyone.
Starting Microsoft Teams up (even if hidden from the screen) can therefore slow down your computer at startup, use system resources, and about the only thing it does is open up a chat window for the first time of the day. If you do not require Teams right away then you may find it more efficient, and also more in line with your typical workflow, by having it not open up on your startup.
Why You Might Want to Disable Microsoft Teams on Startup
Disabling Microsoft Teams from opening on startup offers several benefits:
- Improved Boot Times: Launching your computer faster by stopping Teams from launching automatically.
- Reduced Resource Usage: You free up CPU and memory for other tasks by preventing Teams from running in the background unnecessarily.
- Custom Workflow: Enabling Teams allows you to use it when you need to, which offers you more flexibility over your daily flow.
If you only use Teams occasionally or on a schedule and do not certainly need it running immediately when you start, you can disable its auto start feature.
Also Read: How to Disable Startup Programs Windows 10 | 4 Steps
How to Stop Microsoft Teams from Opening on Startup in Windows
If you use Windows, you actually have several different ways to prevent Microsoft Teams from loading at startup. All methods are very simple and only require no advanced technical skills.
In the Microsoft Teams Settings
The best way to stop Microsoft Teams from opening on startup is to change the app’s internal settings.
- Click on Microsoft Teams icon in the taskbar or the Start menu, to open.
- To do that, click on the icon of the Microsoft Teams in the taskbar or in the Start menu.
- Not sure how to do this in Teams?
- On the dropdown menu, click Settings.
- Under the General tab, locate Auto-start application, check the option next to it and uncheck it.
- Save your changes, but then close Microsoft Teams.
- This setting will stop Teams from starting the next time you turn on your PC.
Using Task Manager
- Task manager is another way to disable Teams on startup.
- To do this, click your right mouse button in the taskbar and choose Task Manager, or press a combination of Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open it directly.
- Go to task manager | Click on the startup tab and select the task you wish to turn off.
- Check the list of startup programs for Microsoft Teams.
- Click on Select Teams, and in bottom right corner of the window click on Disable.
Microsoft Teams will stop opening automatically every time your computer turns on after being disabled.
How to Stop Microsoft Teams from Opening on Startup in macOS
Mac users can also prevent Microsoft Teams from launching on startup by adjusting system settings or the app’s preferences.
Using System Settings
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences for older macOS versions).
- Go to Users & Groups and select your user account.
- Click the Login Items tab to view a list of apps that open automatically when you log in.
- Select Microsoft Teams and click the minus (-) button to remove it from the list.
This will prevent Teams from launching automatically when you start your Mac.
Using Teams Settings
For an additional layer of control, disable Teams’ auto-start feature from within the app:
- Open Microsoft Teams on your Mac.
- Click on your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner.
- Navigate to Settings and locate the Auto-start application option.
- Uncheck the box to disable auto-start.
These steps ensure that Teams doesn’t launch unless you open it manually.
Troubleshooting: Teams Still Opens on Startup
Sometimes, Microsoft Teams may continue to open on startup despite disabling its auto-start settings. Here are a few troubleshooting steps to address this issue:
Check for Software Updates
Ensure that both Microsoft Teams and your operating system are updated to their latest versions. Outdated software can override settings and cause unexpected behavior.
Reinstall Microsoft Teams
If Teams persists in opening on startup, uninstall and reinstall the app. Reinstallation resets its settings and can resolve any lingering issues.
Review Group Policies (Windows Users)
In organizational environments, group policies set by IT administrators may enforce certain settings, including Teams’ auto-start behavior. If this is the case, contact your IT department for assistance.
Also Read: How to Stop Programs from Running at Startup: A Beginner’s Guide
Managing Other Startup Programs
While disabling Microsoft Teams is a good start, it’s also worth reviewing other programs that launch on startup. Many applications are set to open automatically by default, which can slow down your computer over time.
For Windows users, the Task Manager provides an easy way to manage startup programs. Similarly, macOS users can use the Login Items section in System Settings to customize their startup apps.
By periodically reviewing and adjusting your startup programs, you can optimize your computer’s performance and ensure it runs smoothly.
Should You Disable Microsoft Teams on Startup?
Whether or not to disable Microsoft Teams on startup depends on your personal preferences and work habits. If Teams is an essential part of your daily routine, having it launch automatically might be convenient. However, if you use it infrequently or prefer to open it only when needed, disabling its auto-start feature is a better option.
Remember, these changes are reversible. If you find that you need Teams to launch automatically later, you can easily re-enable the setting by following the same steps.
Conclusion: How to Stop Microsoft Teams from Opening on Startup
Learning how to stop Microsoft Teams from opening on startup is a simple yet effective way to improve your computer’s performance and customize your workflow. Whether you’re using Windows or macOS, the steps outlined in this guide make it easy to prevent Teams from launching automatically, giving you greater control over your system.
By taking a few moments to adjust these settings, you can enjoy faster boot times, reduced distractions, and a more streamlined experience. If you change your mind, re-enabling the feature is just as simple. Make these changes today to take charge of your device and enjoy a smoother, more efficient startup process!
