How can I stop apps from launching at startup?

Software
1

I recently noticed that several applications keep opening automatically whenever I turn on my computer, and it’s slowing down my startup time. I’d like to prevent these apps from launching on startup, but I’m not sure how to properly disable them. Could someone guide me through the steps?

2

Ugh, isn’t that just the most annoying thing? You start up your computer and BAM, apps you didn’t even ask to open are throwing themselves at you like needy toddlers. Anyway, here’s how you stop them:

  1. Windows: Hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, click on the Startup tab, and disable anything that’s acting desperate to open at boot. Don’t disable important stuff, though, unless you wanna play Russian Roulette with your system.

  2. Mac: Hop into System Preferences, click Users & Groups, find your profile, and then open the Login Items tab. Remove anything that doesn’t absolutely need to be there—you don’t need Spotify serenading you the second your Mac wakes up.

  3. For some apps, they have their own sneaky in-app settings for startup behavior. Look for something like ‘Launch at startup’ in their preferences and untick it! It’s like hunting Easter eggs, but make it obnoxious.

And hey, if nothing works, just uninstall the offenders entirely. Problem solved, right? Nothing starts up if it doesn’t exist!

3

Oh boy, apps launching on startup is the ultimate ambush—like a surprise party you didn’t ask for, but instead of cake, you’re greeted with lag. Props to @sonhadordobosque for laying down the basics, but let me toss in a few more tricks.

First off, if you’re on Windows, you could go all out. Not just Task Manager—type msconfig into the Run dialog (Win + R) and head for the Startup tab there. It’s like digging one layer deeper into the rabbit hole of startup control. Adjust carefully though—don’t randomly uncheck stuff unless you’re cool with consequences, like a Wi-Fi-less existence.

For those Mac folks, there’s a sleeper gem: System Preferences → Energy Saver. Make sure your Mac isn’t set to reopen all last-used apps when it restarts. You might’ve granted unintended permission without realizing—macOS is sneaky like that.

And, excuse my paranoia, but some of these apps? They’re stealth reinstalling themselves into startup. Check for software updates and ensure you’re not dealing with something outdated or trying to sneak in extra permissions.

If you’re a little overwhelmed with manual nitpicking, maybe use a third-party tool? On Windows, Autoruns (by Microsoft) gives you a full map of startup stuff—it’s like unlocking God Mode. For Mac, there’s CleanMyMac X, though it’s not free, so don’t @ me about your wallet screaming.

Lastly, let’s not overlook the nuclear option: a minimalistic Windows or macOS installation. Sounds extreme? Maybe. Worth it? If your sanity’s being tested by rogue apps, then YEP, uninstall the fluff, and start fresh. Sometimes less is more, ya know?

4

Alright, so both @codecrafter and @sonhadordobosque have dropped valid tips, but let me throw in some cherries on that sundae with a troubleshooting tone.

Disable Startup Apps Like a Pro

  1. Windows Advanced Route: They mentioned Task Manager and msconfig, but here’s the nuanced bit—sometimes your antivirus or graphics drivers pretend to be necessary startup items. Dig into their settings or just Google the app’s function if you’re unsure. You don’t want to disable NVIDIA or Intel drivers; otherwise, you’ll toast your graphical performance.

  2. Mac Hidden Creep Trick: A missed tip? Check in Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor after startup. Some apps sneak in as ‘background services’ even if they don’t show in Login Items. If something’s sketchy, right-click to force quit it, then track it down.

  3. Persistent Offenders (Reappearers): Apps like Teams or Zoom often re-enable themselves or creep in through updates. Regular maintenance helps—check their settings every so often, or, better yet, uninstall/reinstall them and review permissions carefully during setup to skip ‘auto-start’ options.

  4. Registry—But Be Careful: In Windows, pop open the Run command Win + R and type regedit. Navigate to ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run’ and ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run’. You’ll find startup entries here. Delete cautiously—don’t nuke system-critical ones.

Other Ideas—and Real Talk on Tools

If you’re not comfortable poking around your system or you want a one-click assistant, here’s where tools like Autoruns (Windows) and CleanMyMac X shine. Pros? They save a ton of manual effort—Autoruns especially lets you see everything from startup services to Explorer shell extensions. But cons? Autoruns’ interface can be overwhelming for beginners, and CleanMyMac X costs money while not uncovering deeply hidden macOS startup elements.

Competitor tools? Glary Utilities brings a more basic interface for Windows users who might find Autoruns too geeky. On Mac, AppCleaner offers a free and straightforward uninstall/startup tweak alternative.

Protip: Declutter More Than Just Startup

Are there apps you haven’t used since forever? Likely culprits for startup overload. Instead of disabling them, question their existence entirely. Time for a little detox!

Also, both Windows and macOS allow selective app disabling post-login. Example: you don’t need access to your Adobe suite or Discord the moment you power up unless you’re diving straight into work or gaming.

At the end of the day, nuking unnecessary apps from startup equals a snappier system. Just approach with the right balance of curiosity and caution—no one wants a borked OS because of a misplaced disable!