Stop Apps from Slowing Down Your Startup

Have you ever wondered why your computer takes forever to boot up, only to find a swarm of applications launching themselves the moment you log in? These auto-starting programs not only slow down your system’s startup and overall performance but can also be a source of annoyance. Fortunately, you can regain control over your computer’s startup process by learning how to stop applications from opening automatically. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on both Windows and macOS.

Stopping Auto-Starting Applications on Windows

1. Task Manager to the Rescue:
   1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select “Task Manager” from the menu.
2. Navigate to the “Startup” Tab:
   1. In Task Manager, click on the “Startup” tab. Here, you’ll find a list of applications that launch at startup.
3. Disable Unwanted Apps:
   1. Right-click on the application you want to stop from opening on startup.
   2. Select “Disable” from the context menu.
4. Reboot to Test:
   1. Restart your computer to see if the changes have taken effect.

Stopping Auto-Starting Applications on macOS

1. Access System Preferences:
   1. Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner.
   2. Choose “System Preferences.”
2. Select “Users & Groups”:
   1. In System Preferences, select “Users & Groups.”
3. Choose Your User Account:
   1. On the left-hand side, select your user account.
4. Navigate to the “Login Items” Tab:
   1. Click the “Login Items” tab. You’ll see a list of applications set to open at login.
5. Remove Unwanted Items:
   1. Highlight the application you want to prevent from opening.
   2. Click the “-” button beneath the list to remove it.
6. Reboot to Confirm:
   1. Restart your Mac to ensure the changes take effect.

General Tips

Be Selective: Only disable applications you’re sure you don’t need at startup. Some applications, like antivirus software, are crucial for system security.

Update Software: Keeping your operating system and applications up to date can help prevent issues related to startup programs.