Every Mac includes a password manager service built into macOS by the name of Keychain Access, an app that stores your password and account information, and helps you to reduce the number of passwords that you have to remember when using Apple's default web browser, Safari. Since it is part of the operating system, the only thing Mac. Dec 12, 2020 Type in your log-in password, press and hold the Shift key before hitting enter. Release the shift key once you see the Dock. The startup apps will not load this time, though they will behave normally otherwise. Delay Startup Apps on Mac Startup. Your Mac and OS X have a variety of startup keys and key combinations you can use to affect how the device starts up. Shift key, for instance, starts your Mac in Safe mode, and C (or c) starts up. Disable the Password With Firmware Password Utility Restart your Mac while holding down the Command + R keys to enter Recovery Mode. When the Utilities screen appears, go the Utilities menu bar, and select 'Firmware Password Utility'. Choose to turn the Firmware Password off.
System cleanup in one clickThere are probably quite a few apps on your Mac that operate int he background, and spin up when you start your computer up. Those are startup (or login) items, and while they're meant for convenience, some can be unruly.
It's easy to see how there are apps that would benefit from running at startup. Calendars should be syncing in the background, and if you have a third-party app for managing the health of your computer, it should also be proactively starting up when you boot your computer.
Here, we'll tell you how to manage startup programs Mac computers don't need and tell you about a few ways to manage your system better.
What are Mac startup programs?
A startup program is an app that spins up when you start your computer. Instead of finding the app and clicking on an icon to activate it, your Mac tells the app when it's turned on, and the app activates in the background.
Again, this is typically convenient, but some apps activate at startup when they don't need to.
Types of startup programs
Most startup programs need to activate when you boot your Mac up. Here are some typical types of startup programs you likely won't need to worry about:
User login items. Some apps need to activate when you login to your Mac. This may be for background sync, or for apps that need access to other apps while they run.
Launch agents. These are .txt files of apps that sit quietly in the background and help the app run once you start it up.
Application login items. These help applications start when your Mac boots up. You can't delete these, but you can manage them.
Daemons. Like launch agents, daemons are little automated bits of an app that run in the background. The difference is while launch agents interact with apps, daemons are doing things on a system level.
Monitoring apps. Some apps spin up at login to keep an eye on your Mac's performance and health.
How do I stop programs from opening on startup on my Mac
When you need to know how to stop programs from running at startup Mac hardware can be a bit tricky, but we've got yout covered. The absolute best way to make sure your Mac is running in tip-top shape is CleanMyMac X. It does a ton of work, and managing startup or login items for your Mac is one of many services it offers. While a routine, scheduled cleaning of your system is the best choice, CleanMyMac X also allows you granular control over startup or login items.
Here's how to change startup programs Mac doesn't need with CleanMyMac X:
Open CleanMyMac X on your Mac
On the left side of the window, select 'Optimization'
Note: you can choose to clean up all login items and launch agents, or choose the individual processes you want to control. Because killing all startup programs can lead to unintended issues, we will tell you how to select individual startup programs to manage.
In the main window, select one of two categories: Login Items, or Launch Agents
On the right side of the window, select the items you would like to disable
Select 'Perform' at the bottom of the window
That's all it takes to remove startup programs Mac can live without.
Remove programs manually
You can change startup programs Mac computers won't always need manually, though it takes a bit of work. Here's how to turn off startup programs Mac won't use in System Preferences:
- On your Mac menu bar, select the Apple logo on the left side
- Select 'System Preferences'
- Select 'Users & Groups'
- Choose your ID from the list
Note: if you're the only user on your Mac, you may only have one profile, and won't need to choose a user from a list.
- Select 'Login Items'
- Under the 'Hide' column, un-select any items you no longer want to run at login
It takes a bit of doing, and the list may not have all items you're looking for. This is part of the reason we prefer CleanMyMac X for this; it's easier to use, and can manage all login items.
Manage startup programs on Mac from the Dock
Okay, we've told you how to disable login items – but what about apps that aren't starting up at login? Can you get them to start when your Mac does?
Absolutely! This is a great option for apps that may be important to you, but aren't spinning up at login. Chances are the apps you use most are already in your Mac's dock, and that's the best place to manage them as startup items. Here's how:
- In your dock, right-click the app you want to open up at login
- Hover over 'Options'
- Select 'Open at Login'
Now, the app will spin up when you login to or start up your Mac. Keep in mind these apps won't run in the background; instead, the app's window will open at login. This is a great option for those with multiple profiles (one for personal and another for business, as an example) who need different apps for unique workflows.
If you find your Mac's dock a bit intrusive or cumbersome, you may like uBar. A dock replacement for your Mac, uBar keeps things tucked out of the way, and shows you in a much better interface which apps are active and running on your Mac. It even has multiple-monitor support and status bars for apps running processes or downloading content.
Delay Mac startup apps
If you don't want to disable startup items, you may instead want to know how to edit startup programs Mac doesn't need immediately. An app named Delay Start can – well, delay the start – of apps at startup. Instead of an app activating immediately, you can set some to spin up on a delay. This is great if your Mac is booting up slowly, but you still need apps to run in the background throughout your day.
It's a great app to keep in mind if you have a dedicated workflow. If you were a photo editor, you may want to delay the start of your photo editing software. If the first thing you do is import images from an external drive or camera, apps spinning up may interfere with the process. Rather than risk unintended consequences like lost images or damaged files, delaying an app's start may be the better workaround.
Remove daemons and agents from startup process
You can check which daemons and agents are running on your Mac via the Finder app, but a word of caution: daemons and agents are hidden, which indicates you shouldn't alter them unless you have a very clear understanding of the repercussions it may have. So, tread lightly. Transfer files from mac to fire tablet.
Here's how to remove agents and daemons via Finder:
Open Finder on your Mac
Select the main library on your Mac – it's typically the username, and always has the house icon next to it
Press Shift + Command + . (the period key on your Mac) to bring up hidden folders
Select 'Library'
Select 'Launch Agents' in the next column
This shows a full list of agents and daemons you can remove.
Conclusion
Managing launch services can really help make your Mac run faster, smoother, and eliminate unwanted services from spinning up. Some of the largest and most popular apps get a bad rap because they run at launch for no reason. Often, this is a means to make the app feel as though it is a critical part of your system; cloud storage services often run at startup to sync files, but the unintended consequence of them slowing your computer down may not be worth it.
Another great app to keep in mind is iStat Menus, an app that lives in your menu bar and keeps track of your CPU, memory, and GPU use. It's one of those ‘good' apps to run at startup because it monitors your entire system. If an app is running at startup and bogging your system down, iStat Menus will know about it.
uBar, CleanMyMac X, and iStat Menus are all available for free as part of a seven day trial of Setapp, an incredible suite of nearly 200 productivity apps for the Mac. When the trial ends, continuous and unlimited access to the entire Setapp catalog is only $9.99 per month. Families will enjoy the $19.99 per month plan, which allows full access to Setapp on up to four unique Macs. We think you'll love it – give Setapp a try today!
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
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Everyone who uses computers daily develops a set pattern. They switch on their PCs, start their respective programs, and wait while they open up. What if you don't have to start these apps manually, and they automatically launch when you login? Sounds great, right!! So let me tell you how to set applications to launch automatically on Mac startup.
How to Set Applications to Launch Automatically on Mac Startup
The best part about automatically launching your most used applications is the time and effort saved in the process. Moreover, it is super simple to enable or disable. Along with some methods to automize your apps, I have also included some tips on managing them properly.
So make sure that you scroll all the way down. And while you are there, don't forget to send us some love in the comment section below.
Quick Access:
How to Launch Applications on Mac Startup From the Dock
Step #1. Launch the app you want to launch automatically on Mac Startup. (Skip the step if the app is already in your Dock)
Step #2. Use secondary click (two-finger tap) or right-click to access the app's options.
Step #3. Select Options from the listing and click on Open at Login.
That's it!! From now onwards, the applications will launch automatically on Mac startup. While quite a simple process, it can be difficult to add multiple apps individually. Don't worry our next solution will resolve the issue in a jiffy.
How to Add Apps to Open at Mac Startup
Step #1. Click on Apple () icon and select System Preferences from the menu.
Step #2. Select Users & Groups.
Step #3. Here, switch to the Login Items tab from the top bar.
Step #4. Click Plus(+) from the bottom of the page.
Step #5. Select the app or press Command(⌘) key to select multiple apps from the window and click on Add.
You can also add a document, folder, server, or other items to the startup list. Just go to their location, select them, and click on Add.
Using Third-Party Apps to Open Applications at Mac Startup
Is there an app for this as well?? Of course, nowadays, there's an app for anything. My suggestion is to use CleanMyMac X, an easy to use, efficient, and useful app.
The benefit of downloading such all-inclusive Mac cleaner apps is the whole array of intriguing features they offer. Whether it is deleting duplicate files or safe uninstaller, these apps enable you to optimize your usage as much as possible.
How to Manage Apps at Startup on Mac
While it is fun to have all your apps opened for you, this may significantly delay your log-in process. In short, use this feature wisely and moderately, or this will be more of a hindrance. Here are a few features that will make managing apps at startup simpler.
Hide Login Items at System Startup on Mac
Mac Startup Manager Password Reset
If you want an item to launch at startup, but not to pop-up on the screen. The app/folder/document hides and runs in the background, ready for whenever you need it.
For instance, apps like Photoshop or CorelDRAW can be prepped in the background while you check your mails or do some errands.
Step #1. Click on Apple () icon → System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Items.
Step #2. Add the app in the listing and tick the Hide box next to it.
Note: This feature is not applicable for servers, they will always appear in the Finder after login.
Temporarily Disable Startup Apps on Mac
There might be days when you don't have time to enable your computer's normal boot process. Thankfully you can temporarily stop them from launching when you log in.
Start your laptop as per usual. Type in your log-in password, press and hold the Shift key before hitting enter. Release the shift key once you see the Dock. The startup apps will not load this time, though they will behave normally otherwise.
Delay Startup Apps on Mac Startup
A very simple and basic app dubbed as Delay Start lends you an exciting way to manage startup apps. Instead of temporarily stopping auto-launch apps, it starts to fasten the log-in process.
Just stop all apps from launching automatically and add just Delay Start in the list. Now open Delay Start and add the apps you want to launch automatically. Set the launch timing from the Time Setting section and close the app.
Next time when you log-in, the Delay Start app will run automatically. And after the set time limit, all the apps added to it will start simultaneously. Though, the developer calls it an over-engineered app, in my opinion it surely makes the login process faster.
I love automation. Do you?
For quite some time, I have been using this feature to ease off my morning rituals. I start my Mac and leave the room for my tea. By the time I am back at my seat, my Slack, Safari, and Mail apps are alive and waiting for my attention. This gives me some precious time to relax and center myself for the day ahead.
If you pride yourself as a multitasker such as I, here are my favorite tips and tricks:
Suraj is a digital marketing expert on the iGB's team. He contributes to the social media section along with tips and tricks for iPhone, Apple Watch. Apart from blogging, he likes to work out as much as he can in his gym and love to listening to retro music.
Mac Startup Manager Password Manager
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