For music fans who crave endless playlists, podcasts and albums at your fingertips, Spotify is a good app. While one instance you may find frustrating in Spotify is when turning on your computer, it instantly opens Spotify. Of course, it comes in handy for others but is otherwise a disused resource drain for others.
And if you’re sick of having to close Spotify every time you turn on your device, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re looking to stop Spotify from opening on startup, this guide is going to walk you through simple and beginner friendly methods to do so.
Why Does Spotify Open on Startup?
Let’s first see why Spotify starts on startup. Spotify and many other apps are set to automatically start to give you easy access to them. This can obviously save a few seconds but it drains off system startup time, as well as system resources that are not being used.
Fortunately, you can always change this behavior easily. Whatever operating system you’re on, be it Windows or Mac OS, there are settings that can be done within Spotify and your OS that will prevent it from ever happening.
Also Read: How to Stop Steam from Opening on Startup | 7 Amazing Methods
Methods to Stop Spotify from Opening on Startup
Here’s a step-by-step guide for various methods to ensure Spotify doesn’t open automatically when you start your computer.
1. Change Spotify’s In-App Settings
Spotify has a built-in setting to manage its startup behavior. Follow these steps:
For Windows:
- Open Spotify: Launch the Spotify app on your PC.
- Access Settings: Click on your profile picture or name in the top-right corner, then select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- Scroll to Startup and Behavior: Under the Startup and Window Behavior section, locate the option that says Open Spotify automatically after you log into the computer.
- Select ‘No’: Click the dropdown menu next to this option and select No.
- Restart Your Computer: Restart your device to ensure the changes take effect.
For macOS:
- Launch Spotify.
- Navigate to Preferences by clicking Spotify in the top-left menu and selecting Settings.
- Scroll down to Startup and Window Behavior.
- Set Open Spotify automatically after you log into the computer to No.
- Restart your Mac to apply the changes.
2. Disable Spotify from the Task Manager (Windows)
If the in-app settings don’t work, you can use the Task Manager to stop Spotify from running on startup.
- Open Task Manager:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Alternatively, right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.
- Go to Startup Tab:
- In Task Manager, click on the Startup tab at the top.
- Locate Spotify:
- Look for Spotify in the list of startup programs.
- Disable Spotify:
- Right-click on Spotify and select Disable.
- Reboot Your Computer:
- Restart your computer to confirm that Spotify no longer opens on startup.
3. Remove Spotify from Login Items (macOS)
If you’re a Mac user, you can stop Spotify from opening on startup by removing it from the login items.
- Open System Settings:
- Click on the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences for older macOS versions).
- Navigate to Users & Groups:
- Select Users & Groups from the menu.
- Access Login Items:
- Choose your user account and click on the Login Items tab.
- Remove Spotify:
- Find Spotify in the list, select it, and click the minus (-) button to remove it.
- Restart Your Mac:
- Restart your computer to ensure Spotify no longer launches on startup.
4. Use Third-Party Tools (Optional)
If you want to manage multiple startup programs at once, third-party tools like CCleaner for Windows or CleanMyMac for macOS can simplify the process.
For Windows:
- Download and install CCleaner.
- Open the tool and navigate to Tools > Startup.
- Find Spotify in the list and disable it.
For macOS:
- Install CleanMyMac.
- Go to the Optimization tab and select Login Items.
- Remove Spotify from the list.
Additional Tips to Optimize Your Startup Programs
Spotify isn’t the only app that may slow down your startup time. Here are some general tips to keep your system running smoothly:
- Review Startup Programs Regularly:
- Periodically check which apps are set to open on startup and disable unnecessary ones.
- Keep Your System Updated:
- Ensure your operating system and Spotify app are up to date to avoid bugs or glitches.
- Use Lightweight Alternatives:
- If Spotify still seems to use excessive resources, consider logging in via the web player instead of the desktop app.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even after following these steps, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to resolve them:
Spotify Still Opens on Startup
- Double-check that you’ve disabled Spotify in both the app settings and the operating system’s startup manager.
- Ensure you’ve clicked Save or restarted your computer to apply the changes.
Settings Are Reverting
- If Spotify’s settings revert, it could be due to a corrupted installation. Uninstall and reinstall the app to fix the issue.
Why Disabling Startup Programs is Important
Disabling unnecessary startup programs like Spotify can significantly improve your computer’s performance. When fewer apps run at startup, your system boots faster, and you can start working sooner. Plus, it reduces the strain on your CPU and memory, allowing you to allocate resources to more important tasks.
Also Read: How to Stop Apps from Opening on Startup: A Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion: How to Stop Spotify from Opening on Startup
Now you know how to stop Spotify from opening on startup with easy, step-by-step methods for both Windows and macOS. Whether you choose to disable it through Spotify’s settings, Task Manager, or macOS login items, the process is simple and effective. By taking control of your startup programs, you can ensure a smoother and faster experience every time you turn on your computer. So go ahead, make the changes today, and enjoy a hassle-free startup!
