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Stop Browsers App Launching at System Startup on Mac

Need to stop the browser from launching at startup on the Mac? Learn how to disable the browser from the system startup option.

The browser automatically starts after the Mac is started, possibly because the app was added to Login Items.

You can stop the browser app from auto-starting by removing it from the Login Items list. Also, uncheck the “Open at Login” option in the dock.

In this guide, we have shared the detailed steps to prevent browser apps from auto-starting on system startup.

Method 1: Remove the Browser from Login Items

The Login Items settings in Mac decide whether an app will launch at startup. Sometimes, these apps can be helpful, such as opening a VPN service or setting up development software. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Launch System Preference/Settings from Apple apple logo at the top.
  2. Select Users & Groups from the System Preferences window.
  3. Choose your admin account and switch to the Login Items tab.
    It will display a list of apps.
  4. Select Google Chrome or any browser from the items list.
  5. Click on the sign to remove.
    Mac User and Group Login Items remove from list

It will remove selected app from the login app. Hence, the browser won’t launch at the system startup.

If you want to add it again, use the + and select the browser or any app from Applications folder to add to Login Items.

Method 2: Turn Off the ‘Open at Login’ option in Dock

If the above method is not working or you finding it too complicated, then you can simply uncheck the Open at Login option in the dock bar for the browser app. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Right-click on the browser icon within docker.
  2. Hover on the Options menu for more options.
  3. Click the Uncheck on the Open at Login option.
    Chrome Open at Login enabled

After making any changes to these settings, restart your Mac. The web browser will not launch at the system startup.

Bottom Line

Clearing up the start up application will effectively stop browsers from launching. If you don’t find such an option, you can also try looking for app options and disabling them from the floating dock. I recommend using both methods to stop the browser at startup at login and make the best out of it.

In the case of old versions of macOS, you have to remove the browser from the auto-start apps list. You can lookup for auto-start apps in the spotlight search.

Lastly, if you've any thoughts or feedback, then feel free to drop in below comment box. You can also report the outdated information.

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Kushal Azza

Kushal Azza

Kushal Azza is a Google Certified IT Professional, Digital Content Creator, and Go-To Digital Marketer with Engineering Degree. He has over a decade of experience solving tech problems, troubleshooting, and innovating digital solutions. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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