Instructions for preventing applications from auto-launching when you boot up your computer.
Overview
Annoyed by too many software applications automatically launching when you turn on your computer? Follow the instructions below to disable startup apps on Windows and macOS computers.
Disable "startup programs" in Windows
- In Windows, launch the Settings app
- On the left side of Settings, choose Apps and Select the Startup navigation option
- To disable any startup apps that are now active, click the toggle switches next to them
Disable "login items" in macOS
Via system settings
- On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings
- Select General in the sidebar, then choose Login Items on the right; you may need to scroll down to find it
- Select the login item(s) you want to remove and choose the Remove button that looks like a minus sign at the bottom of the list
- Restart your computer
Via the Dock
If the app you want to disable on login is available in the app dock, you can also disable it on login from there.
- Right click on the application you want to prevent from launching on login
- Choose Options
- If the app is set to open on login, there will be a check mark next to "Open on login"
- Select that option to toggle it on and off
What is all that stuff under "Allow in the Background"? There are some LITS-managed login items on MHC-owned macOS computers that help keep your computer up to date and checking into our campus systems. These can't be disabled. You'll notice that they say "This item is managed by your organization" underneath them and the toggle will be greyed out. These items should all run in the background and not disrupt your experience.