Mac is for people who want exceptional performance and a clutter-free working desktop environment. But few apps, such as browsers, tend to autorun while a user starts their Mac.
This problem of browsers launching at startup in Mac is troubling many users as not all the time a user would like to open a browser whenever they turn on the computer.
This problem is mainly seen with mac browsers such as Citiro browsers, Dolphin browsers, and so on, which automatically change the system settings.
I had faced similar issues where the Chrome browser launched at startup even when I didn’t need it. Mac is supposed to be a productive workstation, and if apps keep on opening by themselves, it would be cluttered, not to mention mental stress.
So here is how you can quickly stop browsers launching at startup on Mac —
Remove Browser from Login Items
The auto-launch settings in Mac decide whether an app will launch at startup. Sometimes these apps can be helpful if they fulfill a specific purpose, such as opening a VPN service or setting up development software. But in none of the scenarios would you need to have a browser app in the auto-launch settings.
Here are steps to stop browsers launching at Startup on Mac:
- Launch System Preference… from Apple
at the top. - Select Users & Groups from the System Preferences window.
- Choose your admin account and switch to the Login Items tab.
This will be the list of apps that will start automatically once you log in to your Mac. - Select Google Chrome or any browser from the Items list.
- Click on the sign to remove.
This will remove Chrome or any selected app from the login app. Hence, the app won’t launch at the system startup.
If you want to add it again, you can use the and select browser or any app from Applications to add to Login Items.
Stop Browser to Open at Login
If the above method sounds complicated, then there is one more method by which you can disable Chrome at startup via the floating dock.
Here are the steps to stop the browser open at login:
- Right-click on the browser icon within docker.
- Hover on the Options menu for more options.
- Click on the on the Open at Login option.
After making any changes to these settings, restart your Mac. Now the chosen web browser will not launch at the system startup.
Bottom Line: Stop Browser at Startup
Clearing up the auto-start list of programs will effectively stop browsers from launching from the startup. If you don’t find such an option, you can also try looking for app options and disabling them from the floating dock. I do 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 Mac OS, you have to remove the browser from the auto-start apps list. You can lookup for auto-start apps in the spotlight search within Mac OS.
I do not allow any apps to launch unless it’s beneficial. Like the VPN or cloud storage sync apps. Having said that, if you always need the browser to run, keeping the app running immediately after login makes sense.
Let us know what you think about the feature to stop the browser at the startup. Is it helpful to avoid unnecessary system load?
Feb 2022, Chrome will re-add itself each time you launch it. These steps will remove it, but won’t prevent it from adding itself later.