How to stop apps from opening on startup

If your computer has been slow to start lately, stopping some apps from opening when it turns on can help it start faster and use less power in the background.

Asurion Experts take care of your favorite home tech devices. Whether you want general tech tips or need help picking out a new phone, trust us for answers. Here's how to stop apps from opening on startup.

Manage startup apps using Task Manager (Windows)

Task Manager provides a detailed view of all apps that load during the boot-up process. It shows which programs use the most resources, which can help you identify the primary sources of slow system startups. Task Manager uses a classification system to tell you which apps have the biggest startup impact.

• None: The startup app is currently disabled.
• Not Measured: The startup app is on, but Windows doesn't have enough data to rate its impact.
• Low Impact: The app uses less than 292 kilobytes on startup.
• Medium Impact: The app uses between 292 kilobytes and 3 megabytes on startup.
• High Impact: The app uses more than 3 megabytes on startup.

Medium and high-impact apps are the worst offenders and can drastically impact computer load times. Consider disabling them if they aren't a part of your regular computer routine. To do so, take these steps:

1. Right-click Start. Click Task Manager.
2. Click Startup apps.
3. View the Startup impact column and note apps with the highest impact.
4. Right-click the name of an app to configure.
5. Click Disable to prevent the app from starting automatically.

If any of your apps fall into the Not Measured category, they may still affect startup resources when enabled. It may be worth turning off a Not Measured app to see if doing so improves start load times.

Manage startup apps using Windows Settings

Windows Settings provides a clean interface for viewing, disabling, and enabling startup apps. Each program's name is listed underneath its system impact. Disabling high- and medium-impact startup apps can optimize your PC's performance.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click Apps > Startup.
3. Review the list of apps. Turn Off button for apps you don't need at startup.

Manage startup apps using System Preferences (macOS)

If you have an Apple computer running macOS, use System Preferences to view startup apps and disable the ones you don't need. Unfortunately, macOS doesn't show the startup impact of each app. But if you recently installed an app and experienced slow load times afterward, that program is likely the source of your startup issues.

1. Open System Settings.
2. Click General > Login Items.
3. Highlight an app and click the — button to prevent it from loading during startup.

Disable auto-launch from within app settings

macOS allows you to manage startup settings from within each app. This is helpful if you know what app is causing your issues. You can simply adjust the app's configuration to optimize your PC's performance.

1. View the app's icon on the Dock.
2. Control-click the app. Click Options.
3. If a checkmark appears next to Open at Login, click it to prevent it from auto-launching during startup.

Restart your computer to confirm changes

After configuring your new startup settings, shut down your computer. Restart to see if the changes improve your computer's load time. If it still seems slow, revisit the list of startup apps and disable any that you don't need.

System apps are one source of slow startup, but corrupt or outdated software can also affect your computer. If problems persist, get tech help from the qualified team at Asurion. We'll get your computer running smoothly again!

FAQ

How do I stop apps from opening on startup in Windows 11?

You can manage your startup apps through the Settings menu in Windows 11. Click Apps > Startup to view a list of apps that load every time you turn on your computer. Disable apps that you don't use and hog system resources.

Where can I manage startup apps on a Mac?

You can configure startup apps through the Dock or Systems Settings menu. The Dock lets you manage individual apps, while Systems Settings lists all apps that load during the bootup process.

Can I disable startup apps using Task Manager?

Yes, you can view a list of startup apps and disable them through Task Manager. With it open, click Startup Apps. Right-click the name of the app and select Disable to prevent it from loading automatically.