Do you ever feel like Chrome starts up on your Mac as soon as you turn it on, whether you want it to or not? This can be really frustrating if you’re trying to get work done and all of a sudden Chrome pops up and takes over your screen. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to stop Chrome from opening automatically on startup.
You can stop Chrome from opening on Startup on Mac through various methods. Open system preferences and click on the Users & Groups option. Now, Login items option and simply remove Google Chrome from the list. You can try and check if the change made is saved or not by simply restarting your system.
Google Chrome is one of the most famous browsers out there and also the most widely used. However, if you see it popping up on your screen on its own every time you log in to your Mac.
It is because the Chrome browser is included in the list of startup programs; some applications and services are set to launch automatically as soon as the system is turned on. For example, an antivirus program must run in the background, so it is set to launch automatically on startup, so you don’t need to run it repeatedly every time you log in.
Some of these services are necessary for the system’s proper functioning, but some applications cause unnecessary strain on your processor and memory.
How to Stop Chrome From Opening on Startup on Mac
1. Using System Preferences
The first method is simple; you just need to go to the system preferences and alter a few settings. Refer to the instructions provided below.
- Power on and log in to your Mac.
- Head to the System Preferences from the Menu bar or the shortcut on the dock.
- Click on the Users & Groups tab.
- Within the new window, click on the Login items option. This section allows you to change which applications can run during startup.
- A list of the applications allowed to run during startup should be displayed in the section in the middle.
- Look for google chrome and click on the “-” button from the bottom of the screen.
- This will remove Google Chrome from running automatically during startup.
2. Using the Dock
A much simpler and faster method to remove Google Chrome from the list of startup applications is to edit its settings from the dock. You need to run Chrome, or a shortcut should be on your dock for this method. Once that is done, refer to the instructions provided below.
- Head over to the dock and use the two-finger gesture on the trackpad over the Chrome shortcut to display the additional options.
- Hover the cursor over the Options tab and uncheck the Open at login option.
3. Using CleaMyMac X
The other option is to use a third-party application like CleanMyMac X to remove Chrome from the list of startup applications. Refer to the instructions provided below to see how it is done.
- Log in to your Mac and open a browser window.
- Head over to the CleanMyMac X website and download the package.
- Install the application and launch it.
- Once in the application, click on the Optimization option under the Speed menu.
- From the right-side window, select View all items.
- Select Login items, and a list of the applications allowed to run during startup will be displayed.
- Search for Google Chrome and uncheck the box beside it. This will prevent Chrome from running during startup.
- Now, click on the Launch agents option; this displays all the related services for applications and other software. Here, you can search and disable any Chrome-related services. This step is unnecessary but can be done if you want to remove any and all Google Chrome services from running automatically during startup.
4. Using Nektony App Cleaner
Nektony App Cleaner is another third-party software that can be used to remove Google Chrome from the list of startup applications. Refer to the instructions provided below to see how it is done.
- Power on your Mac and run your preferred browser.
- Head over to the Nektony website.
- Download the application and install it on your system.
- You can use the trial or paid versions if you prefer no ads.
- Run the application and click on Startup Programs from the left sidebar.
- Search for the Google Chrome browser from the list on the right side and toggle the switch next to the Off position.
- That’s all you need to do; now, Chrome will not run on its own every time your log on to your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a very common issue among a lot of users. Suppose you notice that random tabs open automatically whenever you open Google Chrome, Safari, or any other browser. In that case, it is due to some sort of adware and potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) that might have infected the system. You can use an antivirus program like Norton or Avast to find and remove these programs.
You can resolve this issue by ensuring the browser’s pop-up blocker is turned on. You can do this by opening Google Chrome, heading to Site Settings, and enabling the built-in pop-up blocker.
To change the startup screen in Google Chrome, click on the three dots to the right side of the screen and select Settings from the list. Head over to the Appearances tab from the left side. Under the Show home button option, you can change the webpage Chrome redirects to as soon as you open it.
You can check if your Mac is infected with malware by opening the Activity Monitors. To do this, open a Finder window and head to the Applications tab from the menu on the left side. Click on the Utilities folder and open Activity Monitor.
Click on the CPU tab and select the % CPU column to organize the processes from high to low. Check for applications or processes that use a large chunk of the CPU power. If you find anything suspicious, copy the name and paste it on Google to check whether it is some sort of malware.
Conclusion
That’s it for this article, folks; we have provided you with each and every method to remove Google Chrome from the list of startup applications on your Mac. However, the easiest method is changing the settings from the dock itself. It takes the least amount of time and is the most straightforward.
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Robert is a tech expert (with more than 10 years of experience in using mac os and iPhone) who loves to help others learn about the Mac operating system and iPhone. He provides helpful tutorials on how to use Mac OS, tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Mac operating system, iPhone tips and tricks, and more. He’s always up for a challenge and enjoys learning new things about his favorite OS. When he’s not helping people get the most out of their technology, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two cats. Check out more.