Why apps open at startup and how to turn it off
When you turn on your computer, certain apps launch automatically before you even open them. This happens because the app's installer added it to your startup list — a collection of programs your operating system runs every time you log in. You can remove any app from this list in a few clicks, though the steps differ between Windows and Mac.
Stopping unwanted startup apps does two things: it makes your computer boot faster, and it reduces the number of programs running in the background using your memory and internet connection. Some apps you want at startup (like antivirus software), and some you don't (like a game launcher or a chat app you only use occasionally). The choice is yours.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, open Settings, go to Apps > Startup, and toggle off any app you don't want running when your computer starts.
- On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Items and remove apps from the "Allow in the Login Window" list.
- Removing an app from startup does not uninstall it — the app still exists on your computer and you can open it manually anytime.
- Antivirus, VPN, and security software are usually worth keeping at startup because they protect your computer from the moment it turns on.
- If you disable a startup app and later want it back, you can re-enable it using the same steps.
How to manage startup apps on Windows 10 and 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click Apps in the left sidebar, then select Startup from the menu that appears.
You will see a list of apps with a toggle switch next to each one. The toggle is blue and switched to the right if the app is set to open at startup, and gray and switched to the left if it is not. Click the toggle next to any app you want to stop — it will turn gray when ready. You do not need to restart your computer for the change to take effect; it will explore the next time you start up.
If an app you want to disable is not on this list, it may be starting through a different method. Some older programs add themselves to a folder called the Startup folder instead. Press the Windows key and type "Run," then type shell:startup and press Enter. A folder will open showing programs set to start that way. You can right-click any shortcut in this folder and select Delete to remove it from startup.
How to manage startup apps on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the left sidebar, then select Login Items.
You will see two sections: "Allow in the Login Window" and "Allow when using multiple users." The first section is what you want. Any app listed there will open when you log in. Click the plus sign to add an app, or select an app and click the minus sign to remove it. Changes take effect when ready, and the app will not open at the next startup.
Some Mac apps also have their own startup settings inside the app itself. If you want to keep an app installed but prevent it from opening at login, check the app's preferences or settings menu first — you may find a checkbox that says something like "Open at login" that you can uncheck directly.
Which apps should stay at startup
Security software almost always belongs at startup. Your antivirus program, malware scanner, and firewall should run from the moment your computer turns on, before you open any files or visit any websites. The same goes for a VPN (virtual private network) if you use one — it protects your internet traffic from the start.
Password managers like 1Password or Bitwarden can stay at startup if you want them ready the moment you open your browser. Cloud storage apps like OneDrive or Google Drive may be worth keeping at startup if you work with those files regularly, since they sync in the background.
Everything else — games, chat apps, music players, social media apps — can safely be disabled. You lose nothing by turning them off at startup; you can still open them manually whenever you need them. The only reason to keep them running is if you use them constantly throughout the day and want them ready when ready.
What happens when you disable a startup app
Disabling an app at startup does not uninstall it, change its settings, or affect how it works when you open it manually. The app remains fully installed on your computer. The only change is that it will not launch automatically when you log in.
If you disable an app and later decide you want it back at startup, you can re-enable it using the same steps: toggle it back on in Windows Settings, or add it back to Login Items on Mac. Some apps also have their own preference to "open at login," which you can toggle inside the app itself.
Why your computer might still be slow after disabling startup apps
If your computer is still slow to start up after you have disabled several apps, other things may be running in the background. Windows and Mac both run system processes you cannot see in the startup list — these are normal and necessary. Your hard drive speed, the amount of RAM you have, and how full your storage is also affect startup time.
If startup is still slow, restart your computer and pay attention to what appears on screen. If you see a spinning wheel or progress bar for more than a minute or two, your drive may be full or failing. You can also check your hard drive space by opening Settings on Windows (System > Storage) or System Settings on Mac (General > Storage) to see how much room is left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling startup apps make my computer faster?
Yes, but only noticeably if you disabled several apps. Each app at startup uses a small amount of your computer's memory and processing power. Removing five or ten apps may shave 10 to 30 seconds off your startup time, depending on what they are. Removing one app usually makes little difference.
Can I disable Windows or Mac system apps from startup?
You should not disable system apps — these are built-in programs your operating system needs to run properly. The startup list in Settings shows only third-party apps you installed yourself. If you see something you do not recognize, search for its name online before disabling it.
What if I accidentally delete an app from the Startup folder on Windows?
You deleted only the shortcut, not the app itself. The program is still installed on your computer. You can reinstall it or open it manually from your Programs folder. If you want it back at startup, you can create a new shortcut or use the Settings > Apps > Startup menu to re-enable it.
Do I need to restart my computer after changing startup settings?
No. Changes to startup apps take effect the next time you turn on or log into your computer. You do not need to restart when ready.
Why does an app keep coming back to startup even after I disable it?
Some apps re-add themselves to startup when they update. Check the app's settings or preferences menu for an option like "Launch at startup" or "Open at login" and disable it there. If the app keeps re-enabling itself, you may need to uninstall and reinstall it, or contact the app's support team.