This guide will help you find out how to stop Discord from opening on startup. You can do this by changing some settings inside the Discord app or directly from the Windows settings. So if you are looking for the answers on how to stop Discord from opening automatically on startup? Follow this guide properly.
But before we jump on to find out the answer, let’s first find out what Discord is, and its autostart problem.
What is Discord?
Discord is free audio, video, and text chat service used by tens of millions of individuals aged 13 and above to communicate and socialize with their friends and communities.
Discord was created for the gaming community, but it is now widely utilized as a platform for various sorts of groups. Servers are Discord communities where users talk about and interact on a single topic. Members, topics, regulations, and channels are unique to each server. Discord may appear to be comparable to the Slack chat program at first glance. But, especially for gamers, it has more to offer in terms of functionality.
The Problem with Auto-Startup
Although Discord offers several commendable features, it’s not without its downsides. One of the major issues many users encounter is the automatic startup functionality. By default, Discord is programmed to automatically launch when you start your computer. This auto-start feature can slow down your computer’s boot time, consuming system resources that could be better used elsewhere.
Why is Auto-Startup an Issue?
When you first install Discord, the application sets itself to launch automatically upon startup. While some may find this feature convenient, it can be a pain for users who prefer a faster boot time. The primary concerns here are:
- Increased Load Time: Having several applications like Discord launching at startup can bog down your system.
- System Resources: Programs that start up alongside your operating system consume valuable RAM and CPU cycles. In some cases, this can result in noticeably slower performance, especially on older or less powerful hardware.
- Unnecessary for Some: Not everyone needs immediate access to Discord as soon as their computer boots up. For many, the auto-start feature is just an unwelcome addition.
Why Should You Disable Startup Programs?
The primary reason to disable startup programs is to improve your system’s boot time. If you use a lot of applications that are all set to launch at startup, you’ll find that your machine will take a considerable amount of time to become fully operational. Disabling non-essential startup programs like Discord will free up system resources, resulting in a faster startup process and more available resources for other tasks.
To illustrate, let’s consider an example: Assume you have a machine with 8GB of RAM. On startup, between your operating system and various auto-start applications, you’re already using 5GB. This leaves you with just 3GB for all other tasks. By disabling unnecessary startup programs, you can free up more of that initial 5GB, leaving more room for tasks that you deem more important.
How to stop Discord from Opening Automatically on startup on Windows?
Discord is an awesome cross-platform app available on almost all major platforms like PC, Mac, iPhone, and Android. One of the frequent problems users face after installing Discord on their PCs is that it starts automatically on boot. This auto-start affects the boot time of the computer and slows it down.
You can disable Discord from auto-starting by tinkering with a few settings within the Discord App. Or by using the Windows Task Manager to prevent it from starting up during Windows startup.
To prevent Discord from automatically activating, you can follow one of the two methods mentioned below:
Method 1: Use Discord Internal Settings to Disable Discord on Startup
Here are the simple steps to disable Discord on startup using the internal settings inside the Discord App for Windows.
- On your Windows PC, launch the Discord application. If you can’t find the Discord app on your desktop, you can look for it in the App list inside the Start menu.
- Inside the Discord app, open “User Settings” by clicking on the gear icon next to your user avatar at the bottom.
- Head over to the “APP SETTINGS” section on the left panel of user settings, and choose “Windows Settings” from there.
- To stop Discord from launching during Windows startup, turn off the “Open Discord” option under the “System Startup Behaviour” section on the right panel.
And that’s how you disable the Discord app from starting up during Windows startup.
Method 2: Disable Discord on Startup from the Windows Settings app
Another way to disable Discord during Windows startup is from the Windows settings. With Windows 10 (and Windows 11), you can manage your App startup directly from the Settings app.
Here is how to disable Discord from autostarting up with Windows from Settings App:
- Open the Settings app on your Windows PC. You can also open the Settings app quickly using the shortcut “Win + I.”
- Now navigate to “App” settings and click on “Startup.”
- Inside “Startup,” you will find apps that will start automatically when you sign in to Windows. Look for the app that says “Discord” or has its logo and then toggle it off.
Now restart your PC to check if you have successfully disabled Discord on startup or not.
Method 3: Use the Windows Task Manager to Disable Discord on Startup
Disabling Discord from Windows Settings will most likely stop it from auto-starting with Windows. But in case, it is still getting started with Windows affecting the boot time. You can use Windows Task Manager to disable Discord permanently from starting up automatically. Here is how to do it.
- Open the Task Manager using the shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + Esc.” You can also search for Task Manager from simple Windows search.
- Inside Task Manager, open the “Startup” tab.
- Here you will see every app you can enable/disable for starting up Windows. Find the Discord app from the list, right-click on it and choose “Disable” from the menu.
And there, you have successfully disabled the Discord app from opening up on Windows startup.
Stop Discord from opening automatically on startup on Mac OS?
To stop Discord from auto-starting on the Mac OS, use the following method on your Mac computer.
1. Open System Preferences on Mac
The first step to disable Discord from opening on startup is to open system preferences on mac. You can do this by clicking on the Apple icon on the top left side of the mac OS.
2. Click on Users and Groups Inside System Preferences
Inside the System preferences option, select the “Users and Groups” option.
3. Select the User and Disable Discord By Hitting Minus
Choose the current user from the left-hand side. And now you will be able to see Discord under the heading “These items will automatically open when you log in.” Select Discord from the list and now hit the “Minus” button on the bottom side of the box.
Now you have removed Discord from opening up on startup inside Mac settings.
Why Does Discord Open Multiple Processes?
You may notice Discord launches multiple executable processes, even if you have just one instance open.
This is because the various Discord components run in separate processes:
- Main Process – Manages the UI, windows, tabs, native menus etc.
- Renderer Process – Responsible for displaying web content like chat and DMs.
- GPU Process – Leverages your GPU for improved video/streaming performance.
- Plugin host – Loads plugins like chat visualizers for messaging.
So while it may seem redundant, each Discord process has an important specialized function that contributes to the full experience.
Troubleshooting Discord Still Opening on Startup
If Discord continues opening on startup despite your efforts, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your computer after changing startup settings to ensure they take effect.
- Fully quit Discord using right-click > Quit rather than just closing the window.
- Check for any Discord background processes still running with Task Manager and end them.
- Temporarily turn off antivirus or firewalls that could be auto-launching Discord.
- Ensure you haven’t allowed Discord to stealthily re-enable itself at startup.
- On Windows, run msconfig and check for Discord under the Startup tab.
- As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall Discord selecting not to enable the startup option.
With some trial and error, you should be able to stop Discord from opening up automatically when you boot your PC.
Stop Discord From Opening on Startup: Conclusion
So this is the method to stop Discord from opening on startup. We have included all the ways you can successfully disable Discord from opening on startup. These methods can be used on windows and mac operating systems to disable Discord. I hope you liked our guide.
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