Welcome to this article, where we will be discussing how to change what programs open on startup Mac. Often when we start our Mac, we find that certain programs automatically launch, causing our system to slow down and become sluggish. This can be frustrating, especially if these programs are not essential to our work. Luckily, there’s an easy solution to this problem – we can simply change the programs that open on startup.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do just that:
Steps:
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo
Open the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen.
Step 2: Click on “System Preferences”
Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Click on “Users & Groups”
From the System Preferences menu, select “Users & Groups.”
Step 4: Click on your username
Click on your username from the list of users on the left-hand side of the window.
Step 5: Click on “Login Items”
Next, select the “Login Items” tab on the right-hand side of the window.
Step 6: Select the app you want to remove
Now, select the app you want to remove from the login list. To select multiple apps, press and hold the Command key while clicking on them.
Step 7: Click on the “-” button
Click on the “-” button at the bottom of the list to remove the selected app(s) from the login list.
Step 8: Add a new app
To add a new app, click on the “+” button at the bottom of the list, locate the app you want to add, and select it.
Step 9: Adjust the startup order of apps
If you want to adjust the order in which apps start up, you can simply drag and drop them in the list.
Step 10: Restart your Mac
Once you’ve made changes in the Login Items list, restart your Mac for the changes to take effect.
Step 11: Check the login items
After your Mac restarts, check the Login Items list again to ensure that the changes have been made.
Step 12: Enjoy your improved Mac performance!
Now that you’ve removed unnecessary apps from your startup list, you should notice a significant improvement in your Mac’s performance.
Explanation:
Changing what programs open on startup may seem like a small change, but it can have a big impact on your Mac’s performance. By removing unnecessary apps from the login list, you’re freeing up resources, which allows your system to run more smoothly.
It’s important to note that not all apps are listed in the Login Items menu. Some apps are set to automatically launch by the app itself, such as Skype or Dropbox. To prevent these apps from starting up, you’ll need to adjust their settings within the app itself.
Additionally, some apps may not be removable from the Login Items menu, as they are essential to the system’s functionality. In this case, it’s best to leave them be, as removing them may cause unintended consequences.
Tips and Tricks:
Tip 1: Keep the Login Items list lean
The fewer apps that are listed in the Login Items list, the better your Mac will perform. As a general rule of thumb, only include apps that you use frequently and that are essential to your work.
Tip 2: Use Activity Monitor to identify resource-hogging apps
If you’re unsure which apps are causing your system to slow down, you can use Activity Monitor to identify resource-hogging apps. This way, you can make an informed decision on which apps to remove from your startup list.
Tip 3: Use “Prevent App Nap” to improve performance
App Nap is a feature that puts inactive apps to sleep to conserve system resources. However, if an app is important to your work, you may want to prevent it from going to sleep. To do this, right-click on the app in your Dock, select “Options,” and then select “Prevent App Nap.”
Tip 4: Use CleanMyMac X to manage startup items
CleanMyMac X is a powerful utility that can help you manage your startup items and optimize your Mac’s performance. It can identify apps that are slowing down your system and offer suggestions on which apps to remove from the startup list.
Tip 5: Use a maintenance tool to keep your Mac running smoothly
Regular maintenance can help keep your Mac running smoothly and prevent performance issues. Consider using a maintenance tool like Onyx to clear out temporary files, repair disk permissions, and perform other routine maintenance tasks.
Tip 6: Be careful when removing system apps
Removing system apps from the Login Items list can have unintended consequences, so be careful when removing them. If you’re not sure whether an app is essential to the system’s functionality, it’s best to leave it be.
Tip 7: Update your apps regularly
Keeping your apps up to date can help prevent performance issues and improve your Mac’s overall performance. Be sure to regularly check for updates to your apps and install them as needed.
Tip 8: Consider upgrading your hardware
If your Mac is consistently performing poorly, it may be time to consider upgrading your hardware. Adding more RAM or upgrading to a solid-state drive can significantly improve your system’s performance.
Tip 9: Consider resetting your SMC and PRAM
Sometimes, resetting your SMC (System Management Controller) and PRAM (Parameter RAM) can help resolve performance issues on your Mac. Before doing so, be sure to back up your data and read up on how to properly reset these components.
Tip 10: Use CleanMyMac X to optimize your Mac’s performance
CleanMyMac X is a comprehensive utility that can help you optimize your Mac’s performance. It can clean up junk files, uninstall apps, improve your system startup time, and much more.
How to Change What Programs Open on Startup Mac
Advantages and Disadvantages
Changing what programs open on startup is a common practice for many Mac users. While it can provide a number of advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Let’s take a closer look at both.
Advantages
| Advantages | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Improved performance | By removing unnecessary programs from startup, you can improve your Mac’s overall performance and speed up the boot time. |
| Reduced clutter | By only opening the programs you need, you can avoid clutter on your desktop and improve productivity. |
| Increased privacy | If you have personal or sensitive files on your Mac, removing certain programs from startup can increase your privacy and prevent unauthorized access. |
| Customization options | Changing what programs open on startup allows you to customize your Mac to fit your specific needs and preferences. |
| Enhanced security | Removing unnecessary programs from startup can reduce the risk of malware and other security threats. |
| Improved battery life | By reducing the number of programs that open on startup, you can improve your Mac’s battery life. |
| Saves time and resources | If you have limited resources or are dealing with slow internet speeds, removing unnecessary programs from startup can save time and reduce the strain on your Mac. |
| Increased control | By changing what programs open on startup, you have greater control over your Mac and can avoid unwanted or intrusive programs. |
| Frees up memory | Removing unnecessary programs from startup can free up valuable memory and improve your Mac’s overall performance. |
| Reduced distractions | By only opening the programs you need, you can avoid distractions and focus on your work or other activities. |
Disadvantages
While changing what programs open on startup can provide many benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider. Here are some of the main disadvantages:
| Disadvantages | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Inconvenience | If you frequently use certain programs, removing them from startup can be inconvenient and require extra steps to open them. |
| Missed updates | If you remove certain programs from startup, you may miss out on important updates or notifications. |
| Difficulty identifying unnecessary programs | Identifying which programs are necessary and which are not can be difficult, and removing the wrong programs can cause issues or errors. |
| Potential for errors or conflicts | If you change what programs open on startup without proper knowledge or guidance, you may cause errors or conflicts that can negatively impact your Mac. |
| Inability to open certain programs | If you remove certain programs from startup that are required for other programs to function properly, you may run into issues or be unable to open certain programs. |
| Need for regular updates and maintenance | To maintain optimal performance and avoid issues, you will need to regularly update and maintain your Mac’s startup programs. |
| Difficulty reversing changes | If you change what programs open on startup and experience issues or difficulties, it may be difficult or impossible to reverse those changes without causing further damage or issues. |
| Potential loss of functionality | If you remove certain programs from startup, you may lose some of the functionality or features associated with those programs. |
| Difficulty identifying necessary programs | Identifying which programs are necessary can be difficult and may require research or assistance from experts. |
| May not solve all performance issues | While changing what programs open on startup can improve performance, it may not solve all issues related to slow or sluggish performance. |
Overall, changing what programs open on startup can provide many advantages for Mac users. However, it’s important to weigh the potential disadvantages and consider your specific needs and preferences before making any changes. By doing so, you can ensure that your Mac is optimized for performance, productivity, and security.
FAQ
1. What is Startup on Mac?
Startup is a process of turning on your Mac and loading the operating system and all installed programs. When a Mac starts up, some applications launch automatically, and they are added to the login items list.
2. Why should I change the programs that open on startup?
You may want to change what programs open at startup because some applications may slow down your Mac’s startup process, or you may not need certain programs to open every time you boot up.
3. How do I see what programs are set to open on startup?
To see what programs are set to open on startup, go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Here you can view all the applications, files, and folders that open automatically when you log in.
4. Can I add or remove programs from Login Items?
Yes, you can add or remove programs, files, or folders from Login Items by selecting the item you want to remove or add and clicking the “-” or “+” button, respectively.
5. How do I stop an application from opening on startup without removing it from the Login Items list?
You can stop an application from opening on startup without removing it from Login Items by unchecking the box next to the application’s name.
6. Can I change the order of startup programs?
Yes, you can change the order of startup programs by clicking and dragging the items up or down in the list.
7. How do I add a program to startup on Mac?
To add a program to startup, open the application and go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Click the “+” button and select the program you want to add.
8. What if I can’t find the program I want to add?
If you can’t find the program you want to add, it may not have a built-in startup option. Check the application’s settings or preferences to see if it has an option to start on login.
9. Can I add multiple programs to startup at once?
Yes, you can add multiple programs to startup at once. Hold down the Command key and select the applications you want to add. Then, click the “+” button to add them to the Login Items list.
10. Can I change what order programs quit on shutdown or restart?
Yes, you can change the order in which programs quit on shutdown or restart. To do this, hold down the Option key and click the Apple menu. Select “Restart” or “Shut Down,” and in the dialog box, select the programs you want to quit first.
11. How do I change the login screen background on Mac?
You can change the login screen background on Mac by going to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Options. Click the “Change Desktop Background” button, and choose an image or solid color.
12. Will changing the startup programs affect my Mac’s performance?
Removing unnecessary startup programs can improve your Mac’s boot time and overall performance. However, some system processes are required for your Mac to function properly, so be careful when removing programs from the Login Items list.
13. How often should I review the startup programs on my Mac?
You should review the startup programs on your Mac periodically to make sure you’re not loading unnecessary applications. Reviewing them every few months or after installing new programs can help keep your Mac running smoothly.
How to Change What Programs Open on Startup Mac
When you start up your Mac, you might notice that a handful of applications open automatically. While this can be convenient for apps you use frequently, it can also cause your computer to run sluggishly if you have too many apps opening at once. In this article, we’ll show you how to change what programs open on startup Mac, so you can manage which apps launch automatically when you turn on your computer.
Conclusion and Closing
In conclusion, managing what programs open on startup Mac is a simple and effective way to optimize your computer’s performance. By limiting the number of apps that launch automatically, you can reduce startup times and prevent your computer from slowing down. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, taking control of your Mac’s startup apps is essential for ensuring that your computer runs smoothly and efficiently. Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next time!