The developer preconfigures some macOS programs to run from the very start of the operating system. Undoubtedly, some of them are very useful, such as antivirus. However, many other programs run automatically but are rarely used in reality.
As the list of login items rises over time, your Mac’s system startup time may get slower. Each user must know how to modify the computer’s automatic startup settings to avoid situations like these. We’ll tell you how to add, stop, or delay auto-launch apps on Mac in the following instructions.
Do you have a particular question about how to stop apps from opening on startup on Mac? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
How To Add An App To Startup On Mac Using The Dock?
Many inexperienced macOS users wonder how to prevent login items from opening in the operating system. You may choose which apps, folders, documents, and other items in macOS’s startup programs launch when your Mac boots up or you log in. Including frequently used programs in Login Items are highly practical. For instance, you may set your Mac to launch Mail, Safari, and Messages automatically each time you turn it on.
Allow the computer to handle everything. If your preferred program is open and permanently docked, right-click on its icon (or hold Ctrl + click the left mouse button). Choose Options from the pop-up menu that opens to access a menu with three options. Select “Open at login” to enable the application’s automatic launch. Simply uncheck the option to remove a program from the automatic startup list.
How To Add Or Remove Programs From Mac Startup In Users & Groups Of System Preferences?
This technique makes it simple to pick various applications and change how they start for particular user profiles.
- Open System Preferences and go to Users & Groups.
- Click the Login Items tab to view your list of startup programs.
- Click on the plus or minus sign to add or remove startup programs on Mac.
- Check the Hide box if you wish to start an app once your Mac boots, but hide it when you log in.
How To Temporarily Disable Autoload On Mac?
macOS gives you the option to disable autoplay on a per-app basis temporarily. So if you found an error when logging in, or if you need to start your computer quickly, you can temporarily disable the autorun of all applications added to the startup list. To do this, you need to perform the following actions:
- On the login screen, enter the user’s credentials.
- Then press and hold the “Shift” key.
- Click on the “Login” button.
- When the Dock is loaded, “Shift” can be released.
- If the login screen does not appear when the system boots up, press “Shift” when the progress bar appears and hold until the dock appears. As a result, the operating system will boot without all applications.
How To Delay Automatic Launch Of Apps On Mac?
Too many automated application launches might have a detrimental effect on your Mac’s performance. Naturally, you may disable automatic launch, but doing so means you’ll need to manually launch each program, which will require a great deal of time and effort. An application that enables you to postpone automatic launch will help you in this situation.
- Remove all “Login Items” under “System Preferences” → “Users and Groups” → “Login Items.” Select all applications and click on the “-” icon.
- Click on the “+” icon and add the Delay Start application to the list.
- Now run the program. Click on the “+” icon to add applications that should start automatically.
- Set the time in “Time Setting.” The Mac will delay the launch of this application for a set period.
Conclusion
So, some services and applications in macOS are loaded with the system. On the one hand, this frees the user from turning them all on manually. On the other hand, it is an additional load on the system, extending startup time.
To ensure maximum usability, as well as the stability and performance of the operating system, you need to be able to perform the following actions:
- Discover how to use the Dock on a Mac to add a program to the startup.
- Learn how to disable programs from starting up on your Mac by using Users & Groups in System Preferences.
- Know how to turn off autoload on a Mac temporarily.
- Check how you can delay automatic Mac app launches.
Credits: Thanks for the photo to Canva.
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