How to stop apps opening at login on a Mac
Where to turn off login items and background items on a Mac, what Allow in the Background controls, and the folders apps use to start themselves.
How do I stop apps opening at login on a Mac?
System Settings, General, Login Items & Extensions. Select an app under Open at Login and click the minus button.
What is Allow in the Background?
Helpers that run without a window, such as updaters and sync agents. Turning one off stops it starting; the app still works when you open it, minus that background feature.
Where else do apps start from?
Launch agents and daemons in ~/Library/LaunchAgents, /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons. Launch agents explained covers removing leftovers from apps you deleted.
Common questions
How do I remove startup programs on a Mac?
System Settings, General, Login Items & Extensions, remove under Open at Login.
Is it safe to turn off background items on Mac?
Yes for apps you know; the app works without it, minus automatic updates or sync.