How to Stop Apps from Launching Automatically on Startup and Speed Up Your PC or Mac

Why Your Computer Boots Up So Slowly

Every time you install a new program—whether it is a chat app, a music player, or cloud storage—there is a high chance it quietly configures itself to launch the moment you turn on your computer. While this makes the specific app open faster, having dozens of programs fighting for your CPU and RAM during boot-up can drag your system performance to a crawl. Fortunately, you can reclaim your computer's speed in just a few clicks.

How to Stop Startup Apps on Windows

Windows makes it incredibly easy to manage startup applications using the Task Manager. Here is how to clean up your boot sequence:

• Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to launch Task Manager instantly.
• Navigate to Startup Apps: Click on the Startup apps icon on the left sidebar (it looks like a small speedometer). On older versions of Windows 10, click the Startup tab at the top of the window.
• Assess the Impact: Look at the Startup impact column. Focus on apps labeled High or Medium, as these slow down your computer the most.
• Disable the Culprits: Right-click any app you do not need immediately upon boot-up (such as Spotify, Discord, or Steam) and select Disable.

Avoid disabling anything related to your graphics card (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel), audio drivers, or security software (Windows Security/Windows Defender).

How to Stop Startup Apps on Mac

macOS manages startup programs through "Login Items." Follow these steps to clean up your Mac's startup routine:

• Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
• Go to General: In the sidebar, click on General, then select Login Items on the right side.
• Remove Login Items: Under the Open at Login section, select any app you want to block from starting automatically, then click the Minus (-) button at the bottom of the list.
• Manage Background Items: Look at the Allow in the Background section below. Toggle off any apps that do not need permission to run processes when you are not actively using them.

The In-App Method (For Stubborn Programs)

Some persistent apps might sneak back onto your startup list after an update. To prevent this, disable the startup setting directly inside the app itself:

• Open the App: Launch the specific program (like Spotify, Discord, or Steam) and open its Settings or Preferences menu.
• Find Startup Settings: Look for a section labeled General, System, or Windows/Mac Settings.
• Toggle Off Auto-Start: Locate the option that says "Open automatically when you log into your computer" and turn it off.