Introduction
Stop Discord from Opening on Startup Many Discord users face the issue of the app opening automatically on startup, which can be frustrating, especially if you’re not ready to use it or want to conserve system resources. Fortunately, you can easily stop Discord from launching on startup, but the steps can differ depending on your operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.) and version. Whether you’re using Windows 11, macOS Ventura, or an older version like Windows 7, this guide will walk you through all the necessary steps to prevent Discord from starting automatically and ensure a smoother user experience.
The Steps Differ Across Operating Systems
The method for stopping Discord from opening on startup varies across different operating systems. Windows and macOS each have their own specific settings that affect whether Discord starts automatically, so we’ll cover both. We’ll also look into specific solutions for versions like Windows 7, Windows 11, and macOS Ventura to make sure you’re guided no matter your setup.
How to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup (Windows 11)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Task Manager: Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
- Navigate to the Startup Tab: In the Task Manager window, go to the Startup tab.
- Disable Discord: Find Discord in the list of startup programs. Right-click it and select Disable.
Alternative Method (Discord Settings):
- Open Discord: Launch the Discord app if it’s not already open.
- Go to User Settings: Click on the gear icon (⚙️) near the bottom left corner of the app.
- Windows Settings: Scroll down to Windows Settings and uncheck the option that says “Open Discord” on startup.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- If Discord keeps re-enabling itself on startup, it could be due to Discord’s auto-start settings or Windows Task Scheduler. Open Task Scheduler and check for any scheduled tasks related to Discord.
- Ensure no conflicting software (such as game launchers) is forcing Discord to launch on startup.
How to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup (Mac)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open System Preferences: Click the Apple logo on the top left of your screen and select System Preferences.
- Go to Users & Groups: Click on Users & Groups and then the Login Items tab.
- Uncheck Discord: Find Discord in the list of login items and uncheck it to prevent it from launching automatically.
Discord Settings:
- Open Discord: If you haven’t already, open the Discord app.
- Go to User Settings: Click on the gear icon (⚙️) next to your username in the bottom left corner.
- Windows Settings: Navigate to Windows Settings (even for macOS, you’ll find this option) and turn off the option to open Discord on startup.
Extra Tips:
- It’s important to check both macOS login items and Discord settings to prevent any conflicts.
- If Discord reappears in the login items after updates or restarts, double-check these settings.
General Instructions for Both Windows and Mac Users
To stop Discord from opening on startup, you can always manage the app’s settings directly from within Discord itself. This ensures that Discord will respect your preferences, no matter your operating system.
Discord Settings for Both Platforms:
- Open Discord and go to User Settings.
- Find Windows Settings: Scroll to find the Windows Settings (this will also apply to macOS users).
- Disable Auto-Start: Uncheck the box for “Open Discord” on startup to prevent the app from launching automatically.
Possible Behavior Differences:
- On older versions of Discord, you may not find this option in Windows Settings; instead, you might need to use your system’s settings (Task Manager on Windows or Login Items on macOS) to control the auto-start behavior.
How to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup (MacBook)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple logo in the top left of the screen and choose System Preferences.
- Users & Groups: Go to Users & Groups, then click on the Login Items tab.
- Uncheck Discord: Find Discord in the list of apps set to open on login and uncheck it.
MacBook-Specific Note:
- On MacBooks, the battery-saving mode can sometimes influence startup behavior. Ensure that low-power settings aren’t causing Discord to re-enable itself.
How to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup (macOS Ventura)
System Settings Update:
In macOS Ventura, the steps to stop Discord from opening on startup are the same, but the layout may look slightly different.
- Open System Preferences.
- Users & Groups: Click Users & Groups and go to the Login Items tab.
- Uncheck Discord: Ensure Discord is unchecked from the list of login items.
Additional Troubleshooting:
- Settings Resetting: If macOS settings keep resetting after an update or restart, it could be due to a system update or a conflicting third-party app. Make sure Discord’s own settings are in line with your preferences.
How to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup (Windows 7)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Task Manager: Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Navigate to the Startup Tab: In the Task Manager window, go to the Startup tab.
- Disable Discord: Right-click Discord and choose Disable.
Alternative Method:
- Access the Startup Folder: Navigate to the Startup folder in your Start Menu (click Start → All Programs → Startup).
- Remove Discord: Right-click Discord and choose Delete.
Legacy Tips:
- Windows 7 has a slightly different Task Manager interface, so make sure you’re looking at the Startup tab for the correct information.
- Some older versions of Discord might not offer a direct startup option within the app itself, so rely on Task Manager or the Startup Folder.
How to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup (2024)
Newest Updates & Features:
With updates to Discord in 2024, there may be new settings or changes that impact whether Discord launches automatically on startup.
- Check Discord Settings: Make sure you have the latest version of Discord installed and double-check the Windows Settings (or macOS Settings) for the startup toggle.
- Operating System Changes: Newer Windows and macOS updates might have different default behaviors for startup programs. Ensure you’ve updated your system’s settings accordingly.
Guide for Newer OS Versions:
Instructions for Windows 10/11 and macOS Ventura/Monterey might vary slightly. Always check the latest Discord version and OS updates.
How to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup (macOS)
General macOS Instructions:
- Open System Preferences: Select System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Users & Groups: Click on Users & Groups, and then go to the Login Items tab.
- Uncheck Discord: Remove Discord from the list of login items by unchecking it.
Key Variations:
- Older versions of macOS may have slight differences in layout, so ensure you are following the right steps for your macOS version.
How to Keep Discord from Opening on Startup
Additional Discord Settings:
- Inside Discord, go to User Settings → Windows Settings → Startup Behavior, and ensure “Open Discord” on startup is turned off.
Check Task Scheduler (Windows) / Background Apps (macOS):
- Windows: Verify Task Scheduler doesn’t have any leftover Discord entries.
- macOS: Make sure no background apps are interfering with Discord’s startup behavior.
How to Stop Discord from Opening on Launch
Preventing Launch on Install:
During Discord’s initial installation or after an update, it may automatically set itself to open on startup. Ensure to disable this option during the setup process.
Managing Discord’s Launch Settings:
After installation, go to Discord Settings → Startup Behavior to disable auto-launch on restart.
Conclusion
In this guide, Stop Discord from Opening on Startup we’ve covered all the methods for stopping Discord from opening automatically on startup, whether you’re using Windows 7, Windows 11, macOS, or other devices. With the steps outlined for each operating system, you can easily control Discord’s startup behavior and enhance your system’s performance. Remember to double-check both your system settings and Discord’s settings to prevent conflicts, and if you’re still facing issues, consult Discord’s official support page for additional help.