How can I stop apps launching at startup?

Software
1

Lately, I’ve noticed my computer is slowing down during boot because several apps automatically open. I am not tech-savvy and really need help figuring out how to prevent these apps from launching on startup. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

2

Alright, so here’s the deal. You’ve got a bunch of apps ambushing your computer at startup, right? It’s like a party you didn’t RSVP to, and everyone’s showing up anyway. Here’s how you shut the door on these uninvited guests:

  1. Windows Users:
    Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc for the Task Manager.
    Jump over to the Startup tab.
    There, you’ll see a list of apps that start automatically. For the ones hogging your boot time, right-click and hit Disable. Easy as that.

  2. Mac Users:
    Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items.
    You’ll see the culprits listed there. Select the ones causing trouble and click the minus - button to kick them off the team.

  3. Universal Technique:
    If you’ve got a rogue app that doesn’t appear in these settings, it might’ve tucked itself away in its own options menu. Open the app, dig through the settings, and uncheck anything that says “Run at startup” or similar.

  4. For the Reckless Curious Ones:
    There’s software like CCleaner that can also manage startup tasks, but play safe. Don’t disable stuff you don’t recognize, unless you’re willing to live on the edge (or break something important).

Now, breathe. Your computer might not boot like lightning right away, but this should smooth things out quite a bit. And hey, maybe take a peek at those apps—do you really need all of them?

3

Stopping apps from hijacking your startup is like playing bouncer at the nightclub of your computer—decide who gets in and who doesn’t. While @sterrenkijker nailed the basics, I’ll toss in an extra tip or two since you’re not tech-savvy (no shame in that).

First, don’t ONLY rely on the Task Manager (Windows) or Login Items (Mac). That’s like vacuuming one room when the whole house is dirty. Some apps have sneaky settings buried deep in their preferences—hunt those down. Look for options like “Launch at login” or “Start application with system” and uncheck them.

Next level move? DISCONNECT from the apps you don’t need all the time. Messaging apps are the worst offenders. Do you really need Slack, Discord, and Zoom opening your life story as soon as you boot up? Just… no. Close those, log in manually if and when you need them. It might sound annoying, but your computer will thank you.

Also, you might wanna look at your browser extensions. Chrome, Firefox, or whatever monster you stream through—those can drain resources at startup too.

One last thing—you’re tempted by stuff like CCleaner (admit it). And yes, it’s a solid option, but these tools can create as many problems as they solve if you fiddle recklessly. Disable the wrong service, and suddenly your computer won’t even know what day it is.

Honestly, a cluttered startup is symptomatic of a bigger issue: too many apps you probably don’t even use anymore. If you’ve got leftovers from 2016 you never uninstalled, now’s the time to Marie Kondo your software. “Does this bring me joy?” If not, yeet it into the trash. Done.