Stop Apps From Opening Automatically When Your Computer Starts

You usually don't have to uninstall an app just to stop it opening every time your computer starts.

Both Windows and macOS provide controls for startup/login applications.

Windows 11

Open Start > Settings > Apps > Startup.

You'll see applications registered to start automatically.

Turn Off an app you don't want automatically opening when you sign in.

Microsoft also lets you manage startup applications through Task Manager > Startup apps, where additional startup-impact information may be available.

What should you disable?

Start with obvious convenience applications you recognize but don't need immediately.

Examples might include a music player, chat program, game launcher, or other nonessential application you prefer opening manually.

Don't disable an unfamiliar security, hardware, accessibility, backup, or synchronization component just because its name looks technical.

Find out what it does first.

macOS

Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions.

Under Open at Login, select an item you no longer want automatically opening and remove it from that list.

Be more cautious with the separate controls for applications permitted to run tasks in the background. A background process may support syncing, updates, or other functionality even when its main window isn't open.

Does this delete the program?

No.

You're changing when it starts, not uninstalling it.

You can still open the program normally whenever you need it.

How to undo it

On Windows, return to Settings > Apps > Startup and switch the application back on.

On macOS, return to Login Items & Extensions and add the desired login item again.

Why this helps

Fewer unnecessary startup applications can mean less clutter immediately after sign-in and fewer programs competing for system resources.

It's also one of the easiest computer tweaks to reverse.

Sources and Further Reading

Microsoft Support: Configure Startup applications in Windows — https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/startup-boot/configure-startup-applications-in-windows

Apple Support: Open items automatically when you log in on Mac — https://support.apple.com/en-lamr/guide/mac-help/mh15189/mac