Discord, while a fantastic platform for connecting with friends and communities, can be a bit of a hog when it comes to system resources. If you find Discord automatically launching every time you boot your computer, this article will show you some easy ways to stop that. We'll cover methods for Windows and Mac, making it simple for everyone.
Understanding Why Discord Opens on Startup
Before diving into solutions, let's understand why Discord might be launching on startup. It usually happens because Discord is set to automatically start with your operating system. This is a convenient feature for some, but not everyone needs their chat app immediately available.
How to Stop Discord From Opening On Startup (Windows)
Here are several simple methods to prevent Discord from automatically opening on Windows startup:
Method 1: Using the Discord Settings
This is the most straightforward approach:
- Open Discord: Launch the Discord application.
- Access Settings: Click on the gear icon (Settings) usually located near your username in the bottom-left corner.
- Navigate to Startup Settings: In the settings menu, look for the "Advanced" or "Settings" section. Within this, find the option related to "Startup" or "Open Discord on Startup". The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your Discord version.
- Disable Startup: Toggle the switch or uncheck the box to disable the "Open Discord on Startup" feature.
Method 2: Using Task Manager
This method is useful if the in-app settings aren't working or if you suspect other processes are contributing to the issue:
- Open Task Manager: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escsimultaneously. - Find Discord: Locate the Discord application in the list of running processes.
- Prevent Startup: Right-click on Discord and select "Open file location." This will take you to the Discord installation folder. Note: This step doesn't directly stop Discord from starting, but it helps in the next step.
- Disable from Startup: From the installation folder, you can try disabling any related startup programs.
Method 3: Modifying Startup Programs (Windows 10/11)
Windows offers a dedicated section to manage startup programs. This method ensures no Discord processes are set to auto-launch:
- Open Task Manager: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc. - Navigate to Startup: Click on the "Startup" tab at the top.
- Disable Discord: Locate Discord in the list and disable it by clicking the toggle switch.
How to Stop Discord From Opening On Startup (Mac)
The process is slightly different on macOS, but equally straightforward:
Method 1: Using System Preferences
This is the primary method for preventing Discord from launching on your Mac:
- Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen, and then select "System Preferences."
- Access Users & Groups: Click on "Users & Groups."
- Login Items: Select the "Login Items" tab.
- Remove Discord: Find Discord in the list of login items and click the "-" button to remove it.
Method 2: Checking Discord's Preferences (Less Likely)
Though less common, Discord might have a startup setting within its own preferences:
- Open Discord: Launch the application.
- Check Preferences: Look through Discord's preferences. Similar to Windows, look for settings related to "startup," "launch on login," or "open at login."
Troubleshooting Tips
If you've tried these steps and Discord still opens on startup, consider these troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your computer: A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches.
- Check for updates: Ensure both your operating system and Discord are up-to-date.
- Run a malware scan: Rarely, malware can interfere with startup programs.
- Reinstall Discord: As a last resort, try uninstalling and reinstalling Discord. This can sometimes fix corrupted installation files.
By following these simple steps, you can successfully prevent Discord from launching automatically every time you start your computer. Enjoy a cleaner, more efficient boot process!
