How to Disable Startup Programs on Mac

Overall summary of the instructions

Disabling startup programs on a Mac involves managing login items and application settings to prevent certain apps from automatically opening when you start your computer. This guide provides detailed steps to stop apps from launching at startup using System Preferences and individual app settings.

TLDR

1. Use System Preferences to manage login items.
2. Adjust individual app settings to stop them from opening at startup.
3. Use the Dock to manage app startup behavior.

Step-by-step detailed guide

1. Use System Preferences to Manage Login Items

1. Click on the Apple icon at the top left of your screen.
2. Select System Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. Navigate to General and then select Login Items.
4. Find the application you want to stop from opening at startup under the Open at Login section.
5. Select the application and click the minus (-) button below the list to remove it.

2. Adjust Individual App Settings

Some applications have their own settings to manage startup behavior. Here's how to stop them from launching:

1. Open the application you want to modify.
2. Go to the application's preferences or settings menu. This is usually found under the application name in the top menu bar (e.g., Spotify > Preferences).
3. Look for an option related to startup behavior and disable it.

3. Use the Dock to Manage App Startup Behavior

1. Right-click (or Control-click) on the application icon in the Dock.
2. Hover over the Options menu.
3. Uncheck the Open at Login option.

Additional Tip: Force Quit Before Shutdown

To ensure that apps do not reopen at startup, you can force quit them before shutting down your Mac:

1. Click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen.
2. Select Force Quit from the menu.
3. In the Force Quit Applications window, select the apps you want to close and click the Force Quit button.
4. Proceed to shut down your Mac.

References

• How to Stop Apps from Opening at Startup … - Apple Community