Top 5 Ways to Stop Spotify From Opening on Startup in Mac and Windows

You may have noticed that some applications open and run automatically every time you start your Windows PC or Mac. The behavior makes sense for apps from cloud storage services like OneDrive and Google Drive – you may want to keep all files in sync with other platforms. However, other applications like Chrome, Spotify, Edge browser, etc., by default activate the “ Log in / launch at startup ” option and generally end up consuming resources at startup. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent Spotify from opening at startup on macOS and Windows.

If you like music, you probably won’t mind. However, it is strange that Spotify wants to be launched immediately after the operating system boots – it is not a critical system application after all. The practice of forcing people to let an application launch at startup does not make sense. In addition, this behavior is active by default each time you install the Spotify app.

In this article, we will walk you through several ways to disable Spotify autostart on Windows and Mac. Let’s first talk about the common method that works on both Windows and macOS.

1. Use the Windows Startup and Behavior Option (Windows and Mac)

Spotify offers the possibility of modifying the “launch on startup” function from the application settings. The application is almost identical on Windows and Mac. You can follow the steps below to access and modify the option.

Step 1: Open the Spotify app on Mac or Windows.

2nd step: You can select the drop-down menu next to the profile icon and go to Settings. Alternatively, you can also use Command +, keyboard shortcut on Mac to open Spotify settings.

Step 3: Scroll down and select Show advanced settings.

Step 4: The option will open several other Spotify options.

Step 5: Go to the “Startup and window behavior” section. You will find the option “Automatically open Spotify after connecting to the computer”. Click the drop-down menu and change the behavior to No.

After that, Spotify does not load automatically when you start your computer. Spotify’s Windows app also offers an option to minimize or close the app when you press the close button. You can also change this if you wish.

If Spotify still opens at startup on Mac, check the following solution.

2. Disable Open on Connection from the Mac Application Dock

Apple allows you to access several options such as Exit, Force quit, Show all windows, stay in the dock, etc., from the application icon on the dock. You can click on the application icon using a two finger click or right click on the application icon (if you are using a mouse).

In the small floating menu, go to Options and deactivate / uncheck Open on connection.

3. Disable Spotify from users and groups (Mac)

Apple allows you to hide applications from opening automatically at startup. Here are the steps to hide them using the Settings menu.

Step 1: Tap the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the menu bar and go to System Preferences. Alternatively, you can use the Command + Space keys and search there for System Preferences.

2nd step: In System Preferences, navigate to Users and Groups. Click the Connection Items tab in the right pane.

Step 3: There you will see the list of applications that open automatically when you log in. To make changes, you will need to click the lock icon in the lower left corner and enter your administrator password to continue.

Step 4: If you find Spotify in the list, check the box under the Hide menu to hide it. To delete it, select the “-” button at the bottom.

4. Disable Spotify at startup on Windows

When you log into your Windows account after the operating system starts, the system loads some background services. You can turn them off from the Windows start menu. Follow the steps below to remove Spotify from startup on Windows.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and find the Run menu. You can also use Windows + R keyboard shortcuts and access the Run menu.

2nd step: Type shell: startup and it will open the window that shows the services that run when Windows starts.

Step 3: If Spotify is listed there, right-click it and select Delete from the context menu.

5. Disable starting Spotify from Task Manager on Windows

Step 1: Select the Windows button and search for Task Manager. Alternatively, you can right-click the Windows button and select Task Manager from the menu that opens.

2nd step: The Task Manager window displays several tabs – Process, performance, application history, startup, users, details and services.

Step 3: Click the Startup tab and look for Spotify in the list of apps.

Step 4: Right click on it and select disable from the floating menu.

This should prevent Spotify from launching automatically each time Windows starts.

Remove Spotify from startup

When apps open randomly at startup, it can slow down the loading process. This might make sense for some apps, but not for music streaming apps like Spotify. Follow the steps above to disable automatic startup of Spotify every time you start your Mac and Windows PC.