How to Stop Mac Apps From Launching at Startup

System Settings (Login Items)

1. Open System Settings
   Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select System Settings.
2. Go to Users & Groups
   Select Users & Groups (or General in macOS Ventura or later, then click Login Items).
3. Manage Login Items

• Under the Login Items tab, you’ll see apps that launch at startup.
• Select an app and click the – (minus) button to remove it.
• Uncheck the Hide checkbox if you want the app to open in the background.

App-Specific Settings

Some apps control their startup behavior within their own preferences:

1. Open the app you want to adjust.
2. Navigate to the app’s Preferences or Settings (usually under the app name in the menu bar).
3. Look for an option like:

• Open at Login
• Launch on Startup
• Start automatically
  Uncheck the box to disable it.

Activity Monitor (Advanced)

For apps not listed in Login Items:

1. Open Activity Monitor (via Spotlight or Utilities folder).
2. Find the app process in the list.
3. Click the Info (i) icon, then select Open Files and Ports.
4. Look for a .plist file in ~/Library/LaunchAgents or /Library/LaunchDaemons.
5. Delete the associated .plist file (use Finder to navigate to the location) or disable it via Terminal (see Method 4).

Terminal (Launch Agents/Daemons)

For apps controlled by system processes:

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1. Open Terminal.
2. List user-level launch agents:

   ls ~/Library/LaunchAgents

3. To disable an agent (replace com.example.plist with the actual filename):

   launchctl unload ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.example.plist

4. For system-wide agents (requires admin access):

   sudo launchctl unload /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.example.plist

Third-Party Tools

Use apps like AppCleaner, or LaunchControl to manage startup items visually:

1. Download a trusted tool.
2. Navigate to its Login Items or Startup section.
3. Toggle off unwanted apps.

Notes

• System Apps: Some apps (e.g., antivirus tools) may re-enable themselves. Check their preferences first.
• Caution: Avoid disabling system-critical processes (e.g., WindowServer, kernel_task).
• Restart: Changes may take effect after a reboot.