Startup Items

Manage applications and services that launch automatically when you log in.

Startup Items ready to discover login items and launch agents

Overview

Startup Items helps you control what runs when your Mac starts, improving boot time and reducing resource usage.

Complete list of startup items with enable/disable controls

Quick Stats

The dashboard shows four key metrics:

Types of Startup Items

Login Items

Apps configured to open at login via System Settings.

User LaunchAgents

Background services for the current user.

System LaunchAgents

Background services for all users.

System Items

Apple system services (read-only).

Interface Features

Search & Filter

• Search - Find items by name or identifier
• Type Filter - Show only specific item types
• Sort Order - Sort by name, status, or type
• Show System Items - Toggle visibility of Apple system items

Item Information

Each item displays:

Expanded Details

Click any item to see:

• Full file path
• Executable path
• Bundle identifier
• Additional metadata

Managing Items

Enable/Disable

1. Find the item in the list
2. Click the play/pause button
3. Confirm the action
4. Item state updated

Note: Changes take effect at next login.

Remove Item

1. Find the item in the list
2. Click the ellipsis menu (…)
3. Select “Remove”
4. Confirm deletion

Warning: Only remove items you recognize. Some are required for apps to function properly.

Reveal in Finder

1. Click the ellipsis menu (…)
2. Select “Show in Finder”
3. Opens the item’s location

Common Startup Items

Safe to Disable

• Cloud storage sync (Dropbox, Google Drive) - if not needed immediately
• Chat applications (Slack, Discord)
• Music services (Spotify)
• Development tools (Docker)

Usually Required

• Security software (antivirus, firewall)
• Backup services (Time Machine helpers)
• Display/audio drivers
• Printer services

Never Disable

• Apple system items (shown with “System” badge)
• Items you don’t recognize (research first)

Identifying Unknown Items

By Developer

Startup Items shows the vendor when detectable:

• Apple Inc. - System components
• Known vendors - Third-party software
• Unknown - Investigate before removing

By Bundle Identifier

Look at the label/identifier:

• com.apple.* - Apple system
• com.adobe.* - Adobe software
• com.spotify.* - Spotify
• com.docker.* - Docker

Research Unknown Items

1. Note the item name and bundle ID
2. Search online for information
3. Check if associated with installed app
4. Remove only if confirmed unnecessary

Troubleshooting

Item Won’t Disable

Some items may require:

• Admin password (system LaunchAgents)
• App to be closed first
• Restart to take effect

Item Keeps Coming Back

The parent application may recreate the item:

• Disable within the app’s preferences instead
• Or uninstall the application entirely

Too Many Items

If you have many startup items:

1. Disable items you don’t need immediately
2. Consider uninstalling unused apps
3. Review periodically after installing new software

Tips

1. Fewer is better - Disable unnecessary items for faster boot
2. Test changes - Restart after disabling to verify no issues
3. Keep security items - Antivirus and firewall should stay enabled
4. Check after installing apps - New apps often add startup items
5. Use the Running indicator - Green dot shows what’s actually active

Keyboard Shortcuts