How to Stop Programs from Running on Startup: Guide for Windows & Mac

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Does your computer feel like it's waking up from a deep hibernation every time you turn it on? If your PC or Mac takes several minutes to become usable after booting, the most likely culprits are startup programs.

Many applications automatically configure themselves to launch the moment your system starts. While some—like your antivirus—are essential, many others are "resource vampires" that eat up your RAM and CPU power before you've even opened a browser.

In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to stop programs from running on startup and remove apps from running on startup to reclaim your computer's speed.

Why You Should Manage Your Startup Apps

Learning how to manage these apps offers immediate benefits for your digital life:

• Faster Boot Times: Fewer apps trying to "squeeze through the door" at once means you get to your desktop faster.
• Snappier Performance: By freeing up RAM and CPU cycles, your active apps run much smoother.
• Extended Battery Life: For laptop users, fewer background processes mean less strain on the battery.

Which Programs Are Safe to Disable?

A common fear is: "If I disable this, will my computer break?" Generally, disabling a startup item does not uninstall it; it just means you have to click the icon manually to open it.

How to Stop Programs from Running on Startup in Windows

Windows makes it relatively easy to see what is starting up with your system, though the menus differ slightly between versions.

Method 1: The Task Manager (Best for Most Users)

The Task Manager is the most powerful "at-a-glance" tool for Windows users.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Startup apps tab (in Windows 11, it looks like a small tachometer icon).
3. Look at the Startup impact column. Apps labeled "High" are the ones slowing you down the most.
4. Right-click any unwanted app and select Disable.

Method 2: Using Windows Settings

If you prefer a more modern interface:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps > Startup.
3. Toggle the switch to Off for any apps you don't need immediately.

Method 3: The "Shell:Startup" Trick (For Hidden Shortcuts)

Some older apps place shortcuts in a secret folder rather than using registry keys.

1. Press Windows + R, type shell:startup, and hit Enter.
2. A folder will open. Any shortcut here will launch at boot. Simply delete the ones you don't want.

How to Stop Programs from Running on Startup on macOS

Apple keeps things a bit more tucked away, but the process is very straightforward once you know where to look.

Method 1: System Settings (Login Items)

1. Click the Apple Menu and select System Settings.
2. Go to General > Login Items & Extensions.
3. Under the "Open at Login" list, select an app and click the minus (–) button to remove it.

💡 Pro Tip: Check the "App Background Activity" section below it to turn off helpers and updaters that run even when the app isn't open.

Method 2: The Dock Shortcut

If an annoying app is currently sitting in your Dock:

1. Right-click (or Control-click) the app icon.
2. Hover over Options.
3. Uncheck Open at Login.

Method 3: Use Third-party Tool

You can also use a third-party tool to help you remove startup items. For example, the Mac optimization and cleanup tool Donemax DMcleaner for Mac offers the option.

You can run the software and change to Startup Items. Choose the apps which you want to remove from running on startup, click the trash icon or Remove button (at the bottom) to delete.

Advanced Maintenance: Troubleshooting & Performance

If you've disabled everything and your system is still slow, consider these advanced steps:

Check for "Ghost" Processes

Sometimes, even after you remove apps from running on startup, small "Launch Agents" remain on Mac or "Registry keys" remain on Windows.

• On Mac: Check ~/Library/LaunchAgents for .plist files belonging to old apps.
• On Windows: Advanced users can use the Registry Editor (regedit) to check HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, but be extremely careful here.

The "In-App" Setting

Some persistent apps will re-enable their startup status every time you open them. To fix this, open the app's own Preferences or Settings menu and look for a toggle that says "Start with Windows" or "Launch at Login". Turn it off there to make the change permanent.

FAQs: Managing Startup Programs

Conclusion:

Knowing how to stop programs from running on startup is like giving your computer a breath of fresh air. By performing this quick 5-minute audit every few months, you can keep your Windows 11 or macOS system running like new.

Ready to take it further? If your drive is still slow after cleaning your startup list, it might be time to look at disk health. Tools like Donemax Disk Clone can help you migrate your entire system to a faster SSD, providing the ultimate speed boost!

Donemax Disk Clone

An award-winning disk cloning program to help Windows users and Mac users clone HDD/SSD/external device. It also can create full bootable clone backup for Windows PCs and Macs.

 Download for Win  Download for Mac