Manage Startup Apps
How to find and disable apps that automatically launch when you start your computer
Apps that launch automatically at startup can slow down your boot time and eat into CPU, memory, and battery life in the background. Most of them don't need to be running all the time. Here's how to find and disable them.
- Open System Settings
- Click General in the sidebar
- Select Login Items & Extensions
- Under Open at Login, select any app you want to remove and click the - (minus) button
- Scroll down to Allow in the Background and toggle off any apps you don't need running silently
The Open at Login section controls apps that visibly launch when you log in. The Allow in the Background section controls services that run invisibly (updaters, sync agents, helper tools). Check both.
Removing an app from the Dock or quitting it does not stop it from launching at next login. You have to remove it from Login Items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling a startup app delete it?▾
No. Disabling a startup app only stops it from launching automatically. The app stays installed and you can open it manually whenever you want. You can also re-enable it later.
Which startup apps are safe to disable?▾
Most third-party apps are safe to disable: messaging apps, cloud storage sync, game launchers, updaters, and media players. Avoid disabling antivirus software, accessibility tools you depend on, or anything from your hardware manufacturer that you're not sure about (like audio drivers or trackpad utilities).
Why does my computer take so long to boot?▾
The most common reason is too many programs launching at startup, especially heavy ones like chat apps, game launchers, and cloud sync tools. Disabling the ones you don't need immediately can cut boot time significantly. If boot is still slow after that, a full or fragmented disk, aging hardware, or a failing drive could also be factors.