Hi there! I'm Alex, and I've been working with computers and software for over a decade. Troubleshooting issues like unwanted app startups is my bread and butter. It's a common problem that can slow down your device and drain its battery.

Let's dive into how you can take control and stop those apps from starting automatically. I'll provide a comprehensive breakdown based on the operating system you're using.

## Windows

Windows offers several methods to manage startup programs, catering to different levels of technical comfort:

1. Task Manager:

- This is usually the easiest and most direct approach.
- Right-click your taskbar and select "Task Manager."
- Navigate to the "Startup" tab.
- You'll see a list of apps configured to launch at startup.
- Select the apps you want to disable and click "Disable."

2. Settings App (Windows 10/11):

- This method offers a more user-friendly interface.
- Press Windows Key + I to open "Settings."
- Go to "Apps" and then "Startup."
- Toggle the switch next to each app to enable or disable its startup behavior.

3. System Configuration (msconfig):

- This method is more advanced and gives you granular control over startup items.
- Press Windows Key + R, type "msconfig," and press Enter.
- In the "System Configuration" window, go to the "Services" tab.
- Check the box next to "Hide all Microsoft services" to avoid accidentally disabling essential system processes.
- Carefully uncheck the boxes next to the services you want to prevent from starting automatically.
- Note: This method deals with background services, which may not always have a visible app window.

4. App-Specific Settings:

- Many apps have their own built-in settings to control startup behavior.
- Open the app you want to adjust.
- Look for "Settings," "Preferences," or "Options" within the app's menu.
- Find and disable any options related to starting the app automatically on system startup.

## macOS

macOS handles startup programs differently than Windows:

1. System Preferences:

- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select "System Preferences."
- Go to "Users & Groups."
- Select your user account and click the "Login Items" tab.
- You'll see a list of apps that launch when you log in.
- To remove an app, select it and click the minus sign (-) button below the list.

2. App-Specific Settings:

- Similar to Windows, many macOS apps allow you to control their startup behavior directly.
- Open the app and look for settings related to starting at login or launching automatically in the background.

## Android

Managing startup apps on Android can be trickier as it depends on the device manufacturer and Android version. However, these general steps might help:

1. Recent Apps Menu:

- Some Android versions allow you to disable startup apps directly from the recent apps menu.
- Open the recent apps menu (usually by tapping the square or three-line icon at the bottom).
- Long-press the app you want to prevent from starting automatically.
- Look for an option like "App info," "Details," or a gear icon.
- In the app's settings, look for an option to disable auto-start or background activity.

2. Developer Options (Advanced Users):

- Enable Developer Options by going to **"Settings" > "About phone"** and tapping the "Build number" seven times.
- Go back to "Settings" and you'll find "Developer options."
- Look for options like "Running services" or "Background process limit."
- Use these options with caution as they can impact system performance and app stability if used incorrectly.

3. Third-Party Apps:

- Several apps on the Google Play Store specialize in managing startup apps.
- These apps often provide more control and features than built-in methods.

## iOS (iPhone/iPad)

iOS is more restrictive about background app activity to preserve battery life. Generally, you won't find a list of apps to disable from starting automatically. However, you can manage background app refresh:

1. Background App Refresh:

- Go to **"Settings" > "General" > "Background App Refresh."**
- You can either disable it entirely or choose specific apps you want to allow to refresh in the background.
- Disabling or limiting background app refresh can save battery life but might make apps load content slower when you open them.

Remember, disabling essential system processes or services can lead to unexpected behavior or instability. If you're unsure about an app, it's best to leave it enabled or research its function before making any changes.

By following these methods, you can take control of your device's startup processes, improve its performance, and...read more >>

Select Developer options>Running services and you'll be presented with a breakdown of the apps that are currently active, how long they've been running, and the impact they have on your system. Choose one and you'll be given the option to Stop or Report the app. Tap Stop and this should close the software down.read more >>