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How to Stop Apps from Opening on Startup in Mac (In & Not in Login Items)
Many Mac users notice that their system feels slow during startup which is reflected in automatic launch of apps, fans starting to spin more, and longer loading times. Users often search for how to stop apps from opening on startup Mac (even not in login items) and still feel confused after checking basic settings.
This guide explains what is really happening behind the scenes and shows practical ways to fix it. You will learn how to stop apps from opening on startup Mac using built-in tools and smarter system management.
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Quick Answer: How to Stop Startup Apps on Mac (Featured Snippet)
Method 1. Remove Startup Programs from Login Items
If an app appears in Login Items, remove it from System Settings to stop apps from opening on startup Mac.
- This will disable startup programs app and prevent it from launching when you log in.
- It is the fastest fix for common startup issues.
Quick Steps: Go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions; Under Open at Login, select the app and click the - (minus) button to remove it.
Method 2. Remove Hidden Startup Services
If the app does not appear in Login Items, check Background Items in macOS or look for hidden startup services like Launch Agents.
-
These background processes often explain why apps reopen automatically
without permission.
Quick Steps: Open Finder and go to the Go menu. Select Go to Folder and enter path below. Once done, look for any unwanted startup services (.plist files). Drag them to the Trash to remove them.: - /Library/LaunchAgents
- or for user-specific services:
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
What Are Mac Startup Apps & Common Types
Some applications can start right as soon as your system boots up. This can sometimes be necessary depending on what you require, but some apps can also be set to start up as default. Over time, these macOS startup apps can pile up and impact performance.
The impact of each app starting up can be different. Some developers make it easy for you to manage the behavior, but sometimes, it can be made complicated as the apps run in the background silently.
Understanding the different types of Mac programs that open on startup helps you choose the right fix. Common startup app types include:
- Apps added to Login Items manually or during installation
- Background Items introduced in newer macOS versions
- Menu bar utilities that auto-launch
- Launch Agents or Daemons running hidden scripts
Once you know which category an app belongs to, it becomes easier to remove it from the startup list safely.
How to Stop Apps from Opening on Startup on Mac (Not in Login Items)
Even if an app isn't listed in Login Items, it may still launch at startup. This often occurs because macOS permits apps to restore previous windows, run background services, or start silently via system-level permissions.
If you're trying to prevent apps from opening on startup on Mac, the issue typically lies in these hidden background behaviors rather than the visible login list.
Fortunately, adjusting a few key system settings can resolve this, allowing you to stop unwanted programs from running in the background and regain full control over apps that launch without permission.
Here are some ways to perform this:
Method 1: Disable “Reopen windows when logging back in”
-
When restarting or shutting down your Mac, macOS gives an option to reopen windows when logging back in. Apps left open during shutdown can automatically launch if this option is checked.
-
To disable: click the Apple menu → Restart or Shut Down → uncheck “Reopen windows when logging back in.
-
This prevents apps that were open during your last session from relaunching automatically.
Method 2: Quit Apps Properly Before Shutdown
macOS sometimes treats apps that are running during shutdown as approved startup apps. To prevent this:
-
Use Command + Q or right-click the app’s Dock icon > Quit or Force Quit.
-
Ensure no apps show a dot under their Dock icon (indicating they’re running) before shutting down.
Proper quitting ensures apps won’t reopen unintentionally on startup.
Method 3: Turn off Background Items in macOS
Background Items are services that run silently, even if the app is not listed in Login Items.
To manage them:
-
Open System Settings → General → Login Items → Allow in Background (or Background Items)
-
Review the list of apps running in the background and toggle off anything unnecessary.
This helps remove Mac startup programs that don’t appear in Login Items.
Method 4: Disable auto-launch inside app preferences
Many apps, especially cloud storage, messaging, or sync tools, have built-in auto-start settings. These override system rules.
- Open the app > Preferences/Settings (usually Command + ,).
- Look for options like “Open at login,” “Start automatically,” or “Launch on startup” and disable them.
- Examples:
○ Dropbox: Click the menu bar icon > Preferences > General > uncheck “Start Dropbox on system startup”.
○ Spotify: Settings > Advanced Settings > Startup and Window Behavior > select “No”.
Method 5: Remove Launch Agents or Daemons (advanced users)
Some apps install hidden scripts that run at startup, known as Launch Agents or Launch Daemons.
- Open Finder > Go menu > Go to Folder….
- Check these folders one by one:
○ ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
○ /Library/LaunchAgents/
○ /Library/LaunchDaemons/
○ ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/
-
Look for .plist files related to the problematic app (e.g., containing “spotify,” “adobe,” etc.), move them to Trash.
Empty Trash and restart.
Warning:
Do not touch anything inside /System/Library/.
Method 6: Stop Menu Bar Apps from Launching Automatically
Menu bar utilities (e.g., Bartender, Magnet, or cloud sync tools) often relaunch by design.
-
Click the menu bar icon > check for a “Launch at login” or Preferences option and disable it.
-
If the icon persists, you can Command-drag it off the menu bar (removes the icon but may not stop the process).
-
Combine with steps 3 and 4: disable in Background Items or app preferences.
-
For stubborn cloud services, turn off “Show menu bar icon” or background syncing in their settings.
These steps together cover most cases where users need to know how to stop applications from automatically opening on Mac even when Login Items are empty.
In Big Sur and Monterey, it was difficult to see all apps running in the background. However, with Ventura and onwards, the processes have become more visible and easier to control.
How to Stop Applications from Opening on Startup in Mac Login Items
Many apps automatically start when you log in to your Mac, and the most obvious place to control them is Login Items. Learning how to stop applications from opening on startup Mac using this method is simple, safe, and effective. Below are two main ways to manage these startup programs.
Method 1: Remove Apps from Login Items in System Settings
When apps are listed in mac login items, macOS automatically opens them during startup. You can easily remove them without affecting app functionality.
Steps:
-
Open System Settings → go to General → Login Items.
-
Review the list of apps under Open at Login.
Select the apps you no longer want to launch automatically.
-
Click “-” (Remove) to delete them from Login Items.
When to use:
- This method works best for apps that are clearly listed and are visibly causing slow startup.
- Ideal for most users who want to disable startup programs Mac without touching system files.
Method 2: Disable “Open at Login” from the Dock
Some apps add themselves to startup directly via the Dock. You can disable them without going into System Settings.
Steps:
Locate the app icon in the Dock.
Right-click the icon → select Options → uncheck “Open at Login.”
When to use:
- Useful for apps that appear in the Dock but do not show up in Login Items.
- Helps remove Mac startup programs quickly without navigating system menus.
These two methods work best for visible startup apps and give you direct control over Mac login items without touching deeper system files.
However, it is important to know that if you have Big Sur and Monterey, not all items show up in the login list. This can prove to be troublesome as you may not be able to find all programs, but with the help of other applications, you can gain control of them.
How to Manage Startup Programs on Mac in One Click Properly
Manually checking settings across macOS can be time-consuming, especially when multiple background services are involved. This is where a dedicated cleanup tool becomes useful for long-term startup control.
Tenorshare Cleamio includes a Startup Item Management feature inside its Mac Status Center. It scans your system and shows all startup-related items, including hidden background services. This simplifies stop apps from opening on startup Mac into one clear view.
With Cleamio, you can:
Detect all startup and background items automatically
Disable or remove them with one click
Avoid risky manual folder edits
Steps to Manage Startup Items on Mac Using Cleamio:
-
Install and open Tenorshare Cleamio on your Mac. Then click on the Cleamio logo at the top-right corner.
-
When the Mac Status Center opens, tap on the “Startup item management” module and click “Remove” or “Remove All” button to stop applications from opening on startup Mac in one click.
People Also Ask About macOS Startup Apps
Q. Why do all my apps open when I turn on my Mac?
A. This usually happens because macOS is reopening previous windows or apps have background permissions enabled. Adjusting these settings helps how to prevent apps from opening on startup Mac.
Q. How to change startup apps on Mac?
A. You can manage startup apps through Login Items, Background Items, and app preferences. A management tool can also simplify this process.
Q. How to choose what applications start on startup Mac?
A. Review Login Items first, then background services. This approach gives full control over how to stop applications from automatically opening on Mac.
Q. How to stop Word opening on startup Mac?
A. Disable auto-launch in Word’s preferences and remove it from Login Items if listed.
Q. How to stop EA app from opening on startup Mac?
A. Turn off startup options inside the EA app and check Background Items.
Q. How do I know if an app is a startup item or just reopening?
A. If it opens every login, it’s a startup item. If it opens only after restart, it’s likely reopening windows.
Q. Why do some apps open automatically even when disabled?
A. Hidden Launch Agents or background services may still be active. Removing them solves most cases.
Conclusion
Startup apps can quietly slow down your Mac and affect daily performance. Knowing how to stop apps from opening on startup Mac (even not in login items) can help your Mac perform better and allow you control over what runs in your system.
By taking small steps to configure your macOS settings properly, or using a convenient solution like Tenorshare Cleamio, you can ensure that no unwanted apps launch on start, giving you a smoother experience.
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Available for: macOS 10.13 or later
By Jenefey Aaron
2026-02-08 / Mac Tips