If apps open every time you start or log in to your Mac, you can usually stop them from launching in System Settings > General > Login Items. Remove unwanted apps from the list, and turn off background activity for apps you do not want running automatically.
If an app opens only after a restart or shutdown, also check the option that controls whether macOS reopens windows when you log back in.
Quick Answer
- Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner and choose System Settings.
- Select General in the sidebar, then click Login Items.
- Under Open at Login, select the app you do not want to launch.
- Click the minus (-) button.
- Under Allow in the Background, turn off background activity for apps that do not need to run automatically.
- When shutting down or restarting, clear Reopen windows when logging back in.
Removing an app from Open at Login does not uninstall it or delete its files. It only prevents macOS from opening that app automatically for your user account.
Remove Apps from Login Items
Login Items are apps and documents that macOS opens automatically after you sign in. This is the main place to control startup apps.
On newer versions of macOS
- Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
- Click General in the sidebar.
- Select Login Items.
- Look under Open at Login.
- Click the app you want to stop from opening.
- Click the minus (-) button below the list.
Repeat these steps for each unwanted app.
Removing several apps at once can change your normal startup routine. Make a note of anything you remove if you might want to restore it later.
On older versions of macOS
The wording and layout may differ on older Mac operating systems:
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
- Click Users & Groups.
- Select your user account in the sidebar.
- Click the Login Items tab.
- Select an unwanted app.
- Click the minus (-) button.
The app will no longer be opened automatically when you log in to that account.
Stop Apps from Running in the Background
Some apps do not open a visible window but still start background services. These may support notifications, automatic syncing, update checks, cloud storage, device management, or menu bar features.
To review them:
- Open System Settings.
- Select General.
- Click Login Items.
- Review the Allow in the Background section.
- Turn off the switch next to an app or service you do not want running automatically.
A background item may not appear as a normal app window. Disabling one could affect features such as automatic synchronization, notifications, file backups, password tools, or support for a connected device. If you are unsure what an item does, leave it enabled until you identify the related app.
Turning off background activity is different from removing an app under Open at Login:
- Open at Login controls apps that macOS launches after you sign in.
- Allow in the Background controls supporting processes that may run without opening a window.
You may need to change both settings to prevent an app from starting completely.
Stop macOS from Reopening Apps After a Restart
An app can appear after a restart even when it is not listed under Open at Login. macOS may be restoring the apps and windows that were open before you restarted or shut down.
Before restarting or shutting down:
- Click the Apple menu.
- Choose Restart or Shut Down.
- In the confirmation window, clear Reopen windows when logging back in.
- Confirm the restart or shutdown.
This option applies to the current restart or shutdown. If you leave it selected, macOS may reopen eligible apps and windows during the next login.
If you frequently forget to clear the option, you can change the behavior from the Login Items settings:
- Open System Settings.
- Go to General > Login Items.
- Look for the setting related to reopening windows when logging back in.
- Turn it off if it is available on your Mac.
The exact wording and availability can vary between macOS versions.
Check an App’s Own Startup Settings
Some apps launch themselves through settings inside the app rather than through the standard Login Items list. This is common with cloud storage tools, communication apps, password managers, media utilities, and hardware software.
Open the app and look in its settings or preferences for options such as:
- Launch at startup
- Open at login
- Start automatically
- Start when I log in
- Run in the background
- Open when my computer starts
Disable the relevant option, then quit and reopen the app to test the change.
An app may also add a menu bar icon. Click that icon and look for a settings, preferences, or startup option. If the app manages a connected monitor, dock, keyboard, mouse, or other accessory, disabling its startup service could affect that hardware. Change only the automatic-launch setting unless you know what the other options do.
Check the Dock for a Hidden Login Item
The Dock can also provide access to an app’s launch-at-login setting.
- Control-click the app’s icon in the Dock.
- Point to Options.
- Look for Open at Login.
- If it is selected, click it to clear the option.
This setting may add or remove the app from your account’s login items. If the app is not currently running, open it first or locate it in Applications, then check its Dock options.
Prevent an App from Reopening Its Previous Windows
Some apps have their own setting for restoring documents or windows. If one app keeps reopening its previous content, check that app’s settings for an option related to:
- Restoring windows
- Reopening documents
- Remembering the last session
- Continuing where you left off
You can also quit an app normally before logging out or restarting. To quit it, click the app’s name in the menu bar and choose Quit, or press Command-Q while the app is active.
Closing a window with the red close button is not always the same as quitting the app. The app may continue running, so use Command-Q when you want it to stop completely.
Troubleshooting: Apps Still Open Automatically
The app is not listed under Login Items
Check these locations:
- Review General > Login Items again and look under both sections.
- Check the app’s own settings.
- Control-click its Dock icon and inspect Options.
- Turn off Reopen windows when logging back in during the next restart.
- Sign out and sign back in to test the result.
Some apps are launched by helper software, login agents, or device utilities rather than by the main app itself. If the app belongs to a monitor, dock, backup tool, cloud service, or security product, check that product’s settings as well.
The app opens only after a restart
This usually points to window restoration rather than a permanent login item.
Before restarting, clear Reopen windows when logging back in. Also quit the app with Command-Q before restarting. If it continues to appear, inspect the app’s own startup and session-restoration settings.
The app opens after every login, but only for one user
Login Items are generally associated with the account that configured them. Sign in to the affected user account and remove the app from that account’s Login Items.
If multiple people use the Mac, each account may have different startup apps.
The app reappears in the list
An app may add itself back after an update, sign-in, or change to its preferences. Check its built-in settings for an automatic-start option and turn it off there.
If the app is required for a feature you use, such as file synchronization or support for an accessory, removing it may not be a permanent solution. Instead, disable only nonessential notifications or background features within the app.
Notifications continue even after removing the app
Removing an app from Open at Login does not disable its notifications. To change notifications:
- Open System Settings.
- Select Notifications.
- Choose the app.
- Change Allow notifications or adjust the alert style.
The app may still run in the background if Allow in the Background remains enabled, so review that section too.
The Mac becomes slower after disabling an item
Startup changes can affect services you rely on. If a feature stops working, return to System Settings > General > Login Items and restore the related item. You can also re-enable the app’s own startup setting.
Avoid disabling unknown system or security services just to reduce the number of startup items. Focus on apps you recognize and no longer need at login.
An app opens when an external display is connected
Some display utilities launch when macOS detects a monitor, dock, or adapter. Check the utility’s settings for an option that starts it when a display is connected or when you log in.
If display-related apps are causing performance problems, startup apps may be only part of the issue. For additional display troubleshooting, see our guide on reducing WindowServer CPU usage when using an external display on a Mac.
A work or school Mac keeps restoring an app
An organization may use device-management software to enforce startup apps or background services. If an item returns after you remove it, contact the administrator rather than repeatedly deleting it.
Should You Remove Every Startup App?
No. Some startup items provide functions you intentionally use, including:
- Cloud file synchronization
- Password manager features
- Backup services
- Security tools
- Accessibility utilities
- Keyboard, mouse, or display controls
- Support for a dock or other connected hardware
The goal is to remove unnecessary automatic launches, not to empty every list. Keep essential services enabled and disable only apps you recognize and do not need immediately after login.
If an app is rarely needed, removing it from startup can make your login session less cluttered. You can still open it manually from Applications, Launchpad, Spotlight, or the Dock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing an app from Login Items uninstall it?
No. It only stops macOS from opening the app automatically when you sign in. The app and its files remain on your Mac.
Will the app still work if I open it manually?
Usually, yes. Removing a login item changes when the app starts, not whether you can launch it.
Why does an app open even though it is not in Login Items?
It may be restored from the previous session, launched by its own settings, started by a background helper, or opened when connected hardware is detected.
What is the difference between closing and quitting an app?
Closing a window does not always quit the app. Command-Q quits the active app, while the red close button usually closes only its current window.
Can I stop all apps from opening after a restart?
Clear Reopen windows when logging back in and quit unwanted apps before restarting. Apps with their own startup services may still require separate changes in Login Items or their individual settings.
Is it safe to disable background items?
Only disable items you recognize. Some background processes support syncing, notifications, security, accessibility, or connected hardware. If a feature stops working, re-enable the related item.
Final Thoughts
The most reliable way to stop apps from opening automatically is to review System Settings > General > Login Items, remove unwanted entries from Open at Login, and disable unnecessary background activity. If apps return after a restart, clear Reopen windows when logging back in and check the apps’ own startup settings.