macOS · Mac · Speed & performance

Stop apps from launching at login

Every app that starts with your Mac steals seconds from boot and RAM all day long. Most of them don't need to be there.

DifficultyEasy
Time5 min
RiskLow
ReversibleYes
PlatformmacOS
UpdatedOct 3, 2026

Written and tested by emdottech

What that means

Low risk. This fix only checks things, or changes settings you can switch back in the same place. This change is reversible — you can return to the previous state without professional help or data loss.

macOS login items list with one app highlighted and a minus keycap showing how to remove it from startup

Steps

01
- macOS Sequoia or later:System SettingsGeneralLogin Items & Extensions. Under 'Open at Login', select an app and click − to remove it; under 'App Background Activity', switch off apps you don't need running in the background
02
- macOS Ventura and Sonoma:System SettingsGeneralLogin Items— remove apps you don't need under 'Open at Login', and switch off ones you don't need under 'Allow in the Background'
03
- Monterey and earlier:System PreferencesUsers & GroupsLogin Items, then remove what you don't need at startup
04
- Switching off an app's background activity can stop it checking for updates or syncing, so only turn off apps you recognise and don't need
05
- Some apps hide their setting inside themselves (Slack, Discord, 1Password all have a 'Launch at login' toggle) — check there too if it sneaks back

How to verify the fix

Login Items & Extensions (Login Items on Ventura and Sonoma) lists only apps you consciously want at startup, and boot feels faster with less background RAM use.

If this didn't fix it

An app sneaks back into login — check its own Launch-at-login toggle inside the app's settings.

Next stop: the related fixes below, or start a guided diagnosis.

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Stop apps from launching at login

Steps

✓How to verify the fix

!If this didn't fix it

Related fixes

How to verify the fix

If this didn't fix it