How to Stop Steam from Launching at Startup on Windows and Mac

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Steam, one of the most popular digital distribution platforms for video games, automatically launches when you start your computer. While this feature might be convenient for avid gamers, many users find it clogs system resources and slows down boot times. Whether you’re on Windows or macOS, this guide presents several methods to prevent Steam from launching at startup, allowing you to streamline your system’s performance.

Importance of Managing Startup Programs​

Managing startup applications is critical for enhancing system speed and performance. Many applications, including Steam, consume resources in the background that can affect boot time and overall responsiveness of your computer. By adjusting these settings, you can significantly improve your computer’s startup efficiency and free up system resources.

How to Stop Steam Launching on Startup via Steam Settings​

Step 1: Open Steam​

Launch the Steam application by either clicking its icon in your system tray or searching for it in the Start menu.

Step 2: Access Settings​

• Click on the "Steam" option located in the top-left corner.
• From the dropdown menu, choose "Settings."

  Step 3: Disable Steam on Startup​

• Within the settings window, navigate to the "Interface" tab.
• Locate the option "Run Steam when my computer starts."
• Uncheck the checkbox next to it.
• Click "OK" to save your changes. This method allows you to directly manage Steam's startup features without needing to navigate through your operating system's settings.

  How to Stop Steam from Opening on Startup on Windows​

  For users operating on Windows, you can also take advantage of the built-in settings to manage startup applications:

  Step 1: Open Windows Settings​

• Click on the Start menu.
• Select "Settings," or press Win + I to access the settings directly.

  Step 2: Navigate to Startup Apps​

• In the settings menu, go to "Apps" and then click on "Startup" from the left-hand sidebar.
• This section shows all applications that are set to run upon startup.

  Step 3: Disable Steam Startup Toggle​

• Scroll to find "Steam Client Bootstrapper."
• Toggle the switch to "Off." This method provides a comprehensive way to manage not only Steam but also other applications that may be running in the background on startup.

  How to Stop Steam from Opening on Startup on a Mac​

  If you are a Mac user, the process is slightly different but equally straightforward:

  Step 1: Open System Preferences​

• Click on the Apple icon located in the top-left corner of your screen.
• Select "System Preferences."

  Step 2: Access Users & Groups​

• Within the System Preferences window, select "Users & Groups."

  Step 3: Remove Steam from Login Items​

• Choose your user account from the left panel.
• Click on the "Login Items" tab.
• Find "Steam" in the list and click the "–" button below the list to remove it. This process allows you to manage startup applications through macOS settings effectively.

  FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Startup Management​

  Can I disable Steam from opening on startup without opening the Steam client?​

  Yes, on Windows, press Win + I to navigate to the System Settings, then go to Apps > Startup, where you can find and toggle off Steam Client Bootstrapper. For macOS, follow the steps above.

  Is there a way to delay Steam’s launch rather than completely stopping it from starting up?​

  While the Steam client itself doesn't provide options for delaying its launch, you can use third-party tools like Task Scheduler on Windows or Automator on macOS to create tasks that start the application after a defined delay.

  Can I choose specific conditions under which Steam will automatically start?​

  Directly specifying conditions for Steam's launch isn't supported within the app, but using Task Scheduler or Automator, you can set triggers for launching Steam based on system idle times or other event criteria.

  What are the steps to manually add Steam back to my startup list on Windows?​

  To re-add Steam to the startup list on Windows: open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), navigate to the Startup tab, locate Steam, and click Enable.

  What other applications might I consider stopping from auto-launching to speed up my system?​

  For optimizing startup speed, consider disabling non-essential software like chat applications, office tools, or multimedia players through the Task Manager or macOS Users & Groups settings.

  Is it possible to remotely manage startup programs on another computer in my home network?​

  Remote management typically requires advanced setups like a networked remote management software solution or a remote desktop application.

  Can I stop other gaming platforms from launching at startup in a similar way to Steam?​

  Yes, platforms like Origin, Battle.net, and Epic Games Launcher have similar settings that allow you to manage startup preferences.

  Can disabling Steam on startup help with initial disk usage concerns on older PCs?​

  Indeed, preventing Steam and other resource-intensive applications from launching at startup can significantly enhance responsiveness, particularly for older PCs with slower disks.

  How does stopping Steam from launching at startup improve my computer’s performance?​

  By preventing Steam from starting automatically, you reduce CPU and memory consumption during boot, allowing your system to start faster and operate more efficiently.

  How can I verify that Steam is no longer set to auto-start?​

  After changing Steam’s settings, restart your computer. If it does not open automatically upon login, verify by checking the Task Manager’s Startup tab on Windows or Login Items on macOS.

  How do I reverse this setting if I decide I want Steam to start automatically again?​

  Simply revisit the startup control (System Settings on Windows or System Preferences on macOS) and toggle Steam back to enabled or add it to the list again.

  What should I do if Steam continues to auto-start after I’ve updated the settings?​

  Ensure that no other settings (like scheduled tasks) have set Steam to auto-start. Reinstalling Steam may also help reset settings to default.

  How do I disable Steam’s background updates when it is open?​

  To manage background data usage, open the Steam client, navigate to Settings > Downloads, where you can restrict or schedule updates according to your preferences.

  Conclusion​

  In summary, stopping Steam from launching at startup enhances your system’s performance and boot time, making for a smoother user experience. By utilizing the methods outlined in this guide, Windows and Mac users alike can gain better control over their system resources. Monitoring and managing startup applications plays an essential role in keeping your computer efficient, which is especially vital for gaming systems where performance is critical. By following these steps, you ensure that Steam only runs when you want it to, freeing up valuable memory and processing power while optimizing network usage. Enjoy gaming without the unnecessary overhead during your system’s startup! Source: WinBuzzer How to Stop Steam from Opening on Startup