Steam is a popular gaming platform that can often be set to open automatically when you start your Mac. If you prefer to have Steam not open at startup, here’s a quick guide on how to stop it.
How to Stop Steam from Opening at Startup in Mac OS Tutorial
Before we jump into the steps, let’s understand what we’re about to do. By following this tutorial, you will prevent Steam from launching automatically every time you turn on your Mac. This can help speed up your startup process and keep your desktop less cluttered.
Step 1: Open System Preferences
Open System Preferences on your Mac.
In System Preferences, you have access to a lot of settings that control how your Mac behaves. For this task, we will be focusing on the “Users & Groups” section.
Step 2: Select Your User Account
Click on your user account in the “Users & Groups” section.
Each user on your Mac can have different settings for what opens at startup. Make sure you’re adjusting the settings for the correct user account.
Step 3: Click on Login Items
Click on the “Login Items” tab.
The Login Items tab shows a list of all applications that are set to open automatically when you log in to your Mac.
Step 4: Find Steam in the List
Locate Steam in the list of applications.
You might have a lot of applications set to open at startup. Scroll through the list until you find Steam.
Step 5: Remove Steam from the List
Click the “-” button below the list to remove Steam from startup items.
Selecting Steam and then clicking the “-” button will remove it from the list, which means it won’t open automatically the next time you start your Mac.
After completing the steps above, Steam will no longer open automatically when you log into your Mac. You can still open Steam manually by clicking on its icon in the Applications folder or Dock.
Tips for Managing Startup Applications in Mac OS
- Regularly check your startup items in System Preferences to keep your Mac running smoothly.
- If you have applications that you rarely use, consider removing them from the startup list to speed up your boot time.
- You can add applications to startup items if there are certain programs you always use when you turn on your Mac.
- Remember that having too many applications open at startup can slow down your Mac, so try to keep the list minimal.
- If you change your mind, you can always add Steam back to the startup items by clicking the “+” button and selecting it from your applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open System Preferences on my Mac?
Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
Can I stop other applications from opening at startup?
Yes, you can follow the same steps to stop any application from opening at startup.
Will removing Steam from startup items uninstall it from my Mac?
No, it will not uninstall Steam; it will only prevent it from opening automatically.
What if Steam is not listed in my Login Items?
If Steam is not listed, it means it’s not set to open at startup. No further action is needed.
Can I still use Steam if it’s not in my startup items?
Yes, you can open Steam manually any time you want to use it.
Summary
- Open System Preferences.
- Select your user account.
- Click on Login Items.
- Find Steam in the list.
- Remove Steam from the list.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to stop Steam from opening at startup on your Mac OS, you can enjoy a cleaner desktop and potentially a quicker startup time. Remember that while it’s convenient to have certain applications open automatically, it’s important to keep your startup list uncluttered to ensure your Mac runs smoothly. Take control of your Mac’s behavior and make it work for you, not the other way around. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or simply prefer to have a tidy digital workspace, managing your startup applications is a small but significant step towards a more personalized and efficient computing experience. Happy gaming, and enjoy the extra seconds you’ve saved during your Mac’s startup!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.