How to disable autorun apps when starting MacBook

This can be helpful, but it can be frustrating at times, and even having too many programs running at the same time can cause stuttering and annoying lag. Here are some ways for you to prevent apps from automatically opening when your Mac starts.

Method 1: Use the macOS Dock

This is the simplest method for you to disable apps that run automatically when the system boots. However, it will only be applicable to certain types of software, such as those that launch with a full interface. Here's what you need to do.

Step 1. Right-click on the icon of the application you want to prevent it from starting automatically in the Dock.

Step 2. A small context menu appears, click 'Options'.

Step 3. Uncheck the left side of the 'Open at Login' option. This disables the option, meaning it prevents apps from automatically opening each time your Mac starts.

Method 2: Prevent apps from starting automatically on MacBook using System Preferences

Certain types of applications can only run their services at startup. This means that you won't see the entire app interface, but you can still see their icons in the menu bar. To prevent these types of apps from launching on their own, there are a few things you need to do:

Step 1. Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen> select System Preferences > Users & Groups

Step 2. Select the user account you want to modify using the sidebar on the left sidebar. Click the Login Items tab at the top. (Don't confuse this tab with 'Login Options' located in the bottom left corner).

Step 3. Select the app you want to remove from the login entry and press the minus button at the bottom of the list. This will remove the app from the list of login entries, and prevent it from automatically starting at the same time as the system.

Method 3: Use Finder

This requires you to dig a little deeper into your system files, but is great for dealing with stubborn apps that won't stop starting on their own. Please follow these steps:

Step 1. Navigate to the macOS menu bar on the top edge of the screen and click the 'Go' tab. Make sure you press and hold the Option key to make the 'Library' entry appear, then click on the item.

Step 2. Find the folder labeled ' LaunchAgents '. To avoid having to search manually, press the L key on your keyboard. Find and open the 'LaunchAgents' folder. Make sure you have the correct folder open. (There are many similarly labeled folders.)

Step 3. You will see a group of "PLIST" files. Each of these files is again connected to a specific program that will run automatically when macOS starts. These files can have very long names, so slowly double-click on any of them to display their full name.

Step 4. Locate the application you are looking for. Delete that file by dragging it into Trash. Or you can right-click on the file and choose 'Move to Trash'.

The above are some methods you can follow to prevent apps from automatically starting with the operating system on your Mac. Good luck!

Micah Soto

Update 07 April 2021