Speed Up Your Mac: How to Control Startup Apps on macOS

When you start up your Mac, there are certain apps that automatically launch, such as your favorite music app, a calendar, or even a web browser. While some of these are convenient, others may be unnecessary, slow down your startup time, or clutter your screen. The good news is, you have complete control over which apps open at startup. In this post, we’ll show you how to manage these apps so that your Mac starts up exactly the way you want it to.

1. Why Manage Startup Apps?

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s quickly cover why you should manage your startup apps:

• Faster Boot Times: Limiting unnecessary apps from launching can significantly reduce your Mac’s startup time.
• Better Performance: Fewer apps running in the background means more system resources for the apps you actually need.
• Customization: You can tailor your Mac to open the apps you use most often, saving time when you start your day.

2. How to Control Startup Apps Using System Preferences

One of the easiest ways to manage startup apps on your Mac is through the System Preferences menu. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open System Preferences:
   • Click the Apple logo () in the top left corner of your screen.
   • Select System Preferences from the dropdown menu.
2. Go to Users & Groups:
   • In the System Preferences window, click on Users & Groups.
3. Select Your User Account:
   • Make sure your User account is selected in the left sidebar (this should be your active account).
4. Click on Login Items:
   • At the top of the window, click the Login Items tab. This section shows a list of apps that automatically open when you log into your Mac.
5. Manage the Login Items:
   • To remove an app: Select the app in the list and click the minus (-) button beneath the list.
   • To add an app: Click the plus (+) button, then select the app you want to add from your Applications folder.
6. Hide Apps on Startup (Optional):
   • If you prefer an app to open at startup but don’t want it to be visible immediately, check the box in the “Hide” column next to the app. This will launch the app in the background, minimizing it automatically.

3. How to Disable Login Items via the Dock

In addition to the System Preferences method, you can also manage startup apps directly from the Dock. If you’ve got an app in the Dock that you don’t want to open on startup anymore, you can disable it quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Right-Click on the App in the Dock:
   • Locate the app in your Dock (the row of icons at the bottom of your screen).
   • Right-click (or Control-click) on the app’s icon.
2. Go to Options:
   • Hover your cursor over the Options menu.
3. Uncheck “Open at Login”:
   • If the app is set to open at login, you’ll see a checkmark next to Open at Login. Click on it to uncheck the option and prevent the app from launching automatically the next time you start your Mac.

4. Using the Finder to Manage Startup Items

If you want a more in-depth way to manage startup apps, you can also access and edit the Login Items from the Finder.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Finder:
   • Click on the Finder icon (the blue smiley face) in your Dock.
2. Go to the Go Menu:
   • In the Finder menu bar at the top of your screen, click on Go.
3. Select Go to Folder:
   • From the dropdown menu, select Go to Folder….
4. Enter the Login Items Folder:
   • Type the following path into the box and hit Enter:

~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginitems.plist

Remove Items Manually:

This will open the folder where macOS stores your login items. You can delete items here, but it’s a bit more advanced, and we recommend using this method only if you’re comfortable with the process.

5. Using Third-Party Apps to Control Startup Items

If you’re looking for a more robust solution or if you need to manage multiple Macs (especially for work or organizational settings), third-party apps can provide additional functionality to control your startup apps.

Some popular apps include:

• CleanMyMac X: This app has a “Login Items” tool that lets you easily manage startup apps, along with many other performance-boosting features.
• AppCleaner: This free app not only helps remove apps but can also help with managing your startup items.
• LaunchControl: This is a powerful app for controlling macOS launch agents and daemons, allowing you to schedule, remove, or disable startup items with more precision.

6. How to Restore Default Startup Apps

If you’ve accidentally removed apps or changed the settings and want to reset your Mac’s startup apps to their default settings, you can either add the apps back manually via System Preferences, or if you’re using a third-party tool, you may be able to reset all settings with a single click.

7. Additional Tips to Speed Up Startup Time

While managing startup apps is a great first step, here are a few other ways you can improve your Mac’s performance at startup:

1. Clear Cache Files: Over time, cache files can accumulate and slow down your Mac. Use a tool like CleanMyMac X or do it manually through Finder.
2. Reduce Startup Items in Other Places: Some apps have additional startup settings outside the Login Items list. Check individual apps like Dropbox or Google Drive for startup options.
3. Upgrade Your Hardware: If your Mac is old and slow, upgrading the RAM or switching to a solid-state drive (SSD) can provide a massive performance boost.

Conclusion

Managing which apps open when you start your Mac is a great way to improve your Mac’s boot time and overall performance. Whether you’re using System Preferences, the Dock, or a third-party tool, you have the power to control which apps launch automatically. By customizing your startup apps, you can enjoy a more efficient and personalized computing experience every time you turn on your Mac.

If you’re looking to take your Mac’s performance even further, consider reducing the number of startup apps or using a third-party app for more advanced control.