This is a complete guide on how to add startup items to your Mac, quick and easy!
You’re also going to learn:
- How to add startup items to your Mac using the drag and drop method?
- How to add startup items to your Mac from the dock?
- How to remove startup items on your Mac?
- And lots more…
Let’s get started!
Startup Items for Mac
You must have noticed that whenever you turn on your MacBook, some apps and services open automatically in the background. The tool that ensures that applications launch and scripts are executed when the MacBook is turned on is startup items.
Startup items are applications, programs, document, folders or server connections that are scheduled to launch automatically whenever you log in to your MacBook.
Keep Reading: 5 ways to improve your Macbook battery…
Startup items are important as they get your most-used apps running as soon as your MacBook comes on but you should note that they consume extra memory and additional processing which can decrease your computer’s performance especially if the applications are heavy or too many in number.
How to Add Startup Items to Your Mac
Do you work with specific apps on a daily basis and you want them to be launched automatically when you log in to your MacBook?
There are some ways you can do this on your Mac. You have the option to use System Preference or from the Dock. Here is how to add startup items to your mac:
Step #1: Log in to your MacBook with your account credentials.
Step #2: On the MacBook, click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences. You can also click the System Preferences icon in the Dock to open the System Preferences window.
Step #3: Click on the User & Groups icon. For the older version of OS X, click on Accounts.
Step #4: Select your user account from the list of accounts.
Step #5: Click on the Login Items tab located at the top of the window.
Step #6: Click on the plus button which is located below the Login Items window to open the finder browser screen.
Step #7: Select the application, document, folder, sever or any other items and click the Add button.
The application or item that you select is added to the Login Items list. When next you start your MacBook or log in to your user account, the items in your Login Items list will launch automatically.
How to Add Startup Items to Your Mac using the Drag-and-Drop Method
The Login Items List like most Mac applications supports drag and drop. Any item you want to add, just click and hold an item and then drag it to the list. This method is useful when adding items that may not be easily be found in the Finder window.
How to Add Startup Items to Your Mac from the Dock
A faster way to add startup items is to use the Dock menu without opening the System Preferences.
Step #1: Right-click on the app’s Dock icon.
Step #2: From the pop-up menu select Options.
Step #3: Select the Open at Login from the submenu…
How to Remove Startup Items on Your Mac
If you notice that your Mac starts booting slowly, this indicates that should remove some startup items. It’s advisable to only have applications that you use on a daily basis on the Login Items list.
Here is how to prevent an application from launching automatically whenever you login to your Mac.
Step #1: Log in to your MacBook with your account credentials.
Step #2: On the MacBook, click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences. You can also click the System Preferences icon in the Dock to open the System Preferences window.
Step #3: Click on the User & Groups icon. For the older version of OS X, click on Accounts.
Step #4: Select your user account from the list of accounts.
Step #5: Click on the Login Items tab located at the top of the window.
Step #6: Click on the plus button which is located below the Login Items window to open the finder browser screen.
Step #7: Select the application, document, folder, sever or any other items you want to stop launching automatically and then click the Remove button below the list.
