How to Change Startup Programs on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of certain programs launching automatically when your Mac boots up? Do you want more control over the applications that start running in the background? Changing startup programs on a Mac is a relatively simple process, but it requires some knowledge of where to look and what files to modify. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to stop unwanted programs from launching at startup.

First, let's talk about why launch daemons and agents are important. These files are hidden in various locations on your Mac and tell the computer to launch specific programs independently of regular startup items. While they can be useful for keeping certain applications running in the background, they can also be used for nefarious purposes, such as installing malware or adware.

To change startup programs on a Mac, you'll need to locate and modify these hidden files. Here's how:

### Step 1: Locate the LaunchAgents and LaunchDeamons Folders

The first step is to find the folders that contain the launch daemons and agents. You can access them by using the Finder and navigating to the following location:

* Library > System > LaunchAgents

* Library > System > LaunchDeamons

Alternatively, you can use the Spotlight search function to locate these folders. Press Command + Space, type 'LaunchAgents' or 'LaunchDeamons,' and hit Enter.

### Step 2: Open the Folders and Look for Relevant Files

Once you've located the folders, open them up and start looking for files with names that match the programs you want to stop launching at startup. You may find multiple files with similar names; make a note of these so you can modify or delete them later.

### Step 3: Delete or Modify Unwanted Launch Files

Once you've identified the unwanted launch files, you can either delete them or modify their contents to prevent them from launching at startup. To do this, right-click on each file and select 'Get Info.' Then, uncheck the box next to 'Launch Agent' or 'Launch Daemon' to disable the program.

Alternatively, you can use a text editor like TextEdit to open the file and remove any references to the program's launch settings.

### Step 4: Save Your Changes and Restart

After modifying or deleting the unwanted launch files, save your changes and restart your Mac. This will ensure that the new settings take effect immediately.

Tips and Variations:

* If you're not comfortable editing system files, you can use a third-party app like CleanMyMac to simplify the process.

* Some programs may have multiple launch daemons or agents; be sure to check for these when modifying or deleting files.

* Be cautious when deleting files, as this can cause problems with certain applications. Make sure to back up your system before making any changes.

Changing startup programs on a Mac is a simple process that requires some knowledge of where to look and what files to modify. By following these steps, you can stop unwanted programs from launching at startup and regain control over the applications that run in the background. Remember to be cautious when editing system files, and always back up your system before making any changes.

Additional Resources:

* How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

* How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac

* How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files

* How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill

* How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad

* How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages

How to change start up programs on mac