macOS Performance

Manage login items on macOS

Stop apps launching at login when you do not need them.

8 min read Beginner Updated 9 Jun 2026

Step-by-step guide

Work through each section in order. Stop when your issue is resolved — you do not need every step for every situation.

Warning

Create a Time Machine backup before major updates, disk operations, or security changes on macOS.

What you will achieve

Stop apps launching at login when you do not need them.

1) Remove unnecessary login items

Open System Settings → General → Login Items and remove apps you do not need at sign-in.

2) Disable background permissions

Under Allow in the Background, turn off non-essential helpers.

3) Reboot and measure startup

Confirm reduced post-login CPU load in Activity Monitor.

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