Discord is the preferred platform for gamers and communities to connect, with various features like voice and text chat. However, for some users, the Discord app automatically launching on startup can be an inconvenience. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to disable Discord from opening automatically when your computer boots up, ensuring you have control over when the application runs.
To begin, navigate to the Discord desktop app and click on the gear icon in the bottom-left corner. This will open the User Settings window, where you’ll find the “Windows Settings” tab. Here, under the “App Behavior” section, you’ll see an option labeled “Open Discord”. By default, this option is enabled, allowing Discord to run automatically whenever your computer starts. To disable this behavior, simply click on the toggle switch, ensuring it’s turned off.
In summary, disabling Discord from opening automatically on startup is a straightforward process that requires only a few clicks. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can regain control over when Discord runs, preventing any unnecessary interruptions or distractions during your system boot-up.
Disabling Discord’s Startup Feature
Discord’s automatic startup feature can be convenient, ensuring that the voice and text chat application is always accessible upon logging into your computer. However, if you find this feature unnecessary or distracting, you can easily disable it.
To disable Discord’s startup feature:
-
Launch Discord.
Open the Discord application on your computer.
-
Navigate to User Settings.
Click on the gear icon located in the bottom-left corner of the Discord window to access User Settings.
-
Uncheck the “Open Discord” Option.
Within the User Settings menu, locate the “Windows Settings” section. Under the “Startup Behavior” heading, uncheck the box next to “Open Discord”.
-
Confirm Changes.
Click on the “Close” button to save your changes.
Removing Discord from Autostart Programs in Windows
To prevent Discord from launching automatically at system startup on Windows, follow these steps:
1. Press **Windows key + R** to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type `msconfig` and click **OK**. This will open the System Configuration window.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the **Services** tab.
4. Scroll down and uncheck the box next to **Discord**. Leave the “Hide all Microsoft services” checkbox unchecked.
5. Click **Apply** and then **OK**. Discord will no longer open automatically on startup.
Additional Notes:
- If you cannot find Discord in the list of services, it may be using a delayed startup method.
- To remove Discord from delayed startup, go to the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- In the Task Manager, go to the Startup tab and right-click on Discord.
- Select Disable. This will prevent Discord from launching automatically on startup.
- You can also use a third-party program, such as Autoruns, to manage startup programs.
Unchecking the “Open Discord” Option in macOS
For macOS users, disabling Discord’s automatic startup is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to prevent Discord from launching when your computer starts up:
1. Open the Discord application on your Mac.
2. Click on the “Discord” menu in the menu bar and select “Preferences”.
3. In the Preferences window, click on the “General” tab.
4. Uncheck the “Open Discord when I log in” checkbox.
5. Click on the “Close” button to save your changes and exit the Preferences window.
Once you have completed these steps, Discord will no longer automatically open when you start up your Mac. You can still manually launch Discord by clicking on its icon in the Applications folder or on the Dock.
Additional Information
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots to help you uncheck the “Open Discord” checkbox in macOS:
| Step | Screenshot |
|---|---|
| Open the Discord application on your Mac. | [Screenshot of the Discord application on a Mac] |
| Click on the “Discord” menu in the menu bar and select “Preferences”. | [Screenshot of the “Discord” menu with the “Preferences” option highlighted] |
| In the Preferences window, click on the “General” tab. | [Screenshot of the Preferences window with the “General” tab selected] |
| Uncheck the “Open Discord when I log in” checkbox. | [Screenshot of the “Open Discord when I log in” checkbox being unchecked] |
| Click on the “Close” button to save your changes and exit the Preferences window. | [Screenshot of the “Close” button being clicked] |
Editing Startup Settings in Linux
To disable Discord from launching at startup on Linux, you need to edit the startup applications configuration. Here’s a detailed guide:
Step 1: Open Startup Applications Manager
Press the “Super” key (usually the Windows key) and search for “Startup Applications.” Click on the application to open the manager.
Step 2: Find Discord in the List
Scroll through the list of startup applications and locate Discord. It may be listed as “Discord” or “Discord Canary” depending on your installation.
Step 3: Disable Discord Startup
Uncheck the box next to the Discord entry to disable it from launching automatically. Click “Close” to save your changes.
Step 4: Alternative Method Using Terminal
Alternatively, you can disable Discord startup using the terminal. Open a terminal window and run the following command:
“`
sudo systemctl disable discord.service
“`
Enter your password when prompted. This command will create a symbolic link in the systemd unit directory, preventing Discord from starting automatically.
Note: If you installed Discord using Snap, use the following command instead:
“`
sudo systemctl disable snapd.discord.service
“`
Restart Required: After making these changes, restart your computer to apply the new startup settings.
Using Third-Party Startup Managers
Utilizing third-party startup managers offers a comprehensive solution for managing startup programs, including Discord. These software tools provide a user-friendly interface and advanced features that make it effortless to disable or delay specific apps from launching at startup.
1. Selecting a Startup Manager
There are numerous startup manager software options available, such as Autoruns, CCleaner, and System Explorer. Choosing the right software depends on your specific needs and preferences.
2. Installing and Running the Startup Manager
Follow the installation instructions for the chosen startup manager. Once installed, launch the program and navigate to the “Startup Items” or “Startup Programs” section.
3. Locating Discord in the Startup List
Scroll through the list of startup programs and locate Discord. It may be listed by its executable name “Discord.exe” or the display name “Discord.”
4. Disabling Discord at Startup
Select Discord from the startup list. Depending on the startup manager you’re using, you will find options to disable, delay, or remove the program from the startup sequence. Click the appropriate option to prevent Discord from opening automatically on startup.
5. Alternative Options for Third-Party Startup Managers
Various third-party startup managers offer additional features that enhance the Discord startup control experience. Some notable options include:
| Feature | Startup Manager |
|---|---|
| Delay Startup Time | Startup Delayer |
| Conditional Startup | Sysinternals Autoruns |
| Batch Editing | WinUtilities Startup Cleaner |
Preventing Discord from Running in the Background
Discord offers a convenient option to run in the background, ensuring real-time notifications. However, if you find it distracting or unnecessary, you can disable this feature and prevent Discord from starting up automatically.
Task Manager
Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). Under the “Startup” tab, locate the “Discord” process and right-click on it. Select “Disable” to prevent Discord from launching automatically.
Settings
Launch Discord. Navigate to “Settings” (gear icon at the bottom left). In the left-hand menu, select “Windows Settings.” Under “Startup Behavior,” choose “Never.” This will prevent Discord from running in the background and starting up on its own.
Start Menu
Access the Start Menu and type “Discord” in the search bar. Right-click on the “Discord” app icon and select “More.” Choose “Open file location.” In the folder that opens, right-click on the “Discord” executable file and select “Properties.” Uncheck the box labeled “Run this program as an administrator” and click “Apply.” This will prevent Discord from launching automatically as an administrator, which can sometimes cause startup issues.
System Configuration
Press Windows Key + R to open Run. Type “msconfig” and hit Enter. In the “System Configuration” window, navigate to the “Services” tab. Uncheck the box next to “Discord” and click “Apply.” This will disable Discord’s service, preventing it from running in the background.
Registry Editor
Warning:** Editing the registry can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Proceed with caution.
Press Windows Key + R to open Run. Type “regedit” and hit Enter. Navigate to the following registry key: “Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.” Right-click on the “Discord” entry and choose “Delete.” This will remove the registry entry that causes Discord to launch on startup.
Troubleshooting Additional Causes
If your Discord still opens on startup despite following the steps above, there may be an underlying issue.
System Registry
Check the Windows Registry Editor (regedit) for any remaining Discord entries. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. If you see a Discord entry, delete it and restart your computer.
Third-Party Applications
Some apps can modify system settings, including startup programs. Run a malware or virus scan to check for any infections. Additionally, disable or uninstall any applications that you suspect may be interfering with Discord.
Startup Folder
Check your Startup folder (usually located at C:\Users\
Task Scheduler
Open Task Scheduler (taskschd.msc) and search for any tasks related to Discord. If you find any, disable or delete them.
System Configuration Utility (msconfig)
Press Win + R and run msconfig. Select the Services tab and uncheck the Discord service. Click OK and restart your computer.
Other Possible Causes
Other potential causes include:
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Corrupted Discord installation | Reinstall Discord |
| Out-of-date drivers | Update your graphics and sound drivers |
| BIOS/UEFI settings | Check your BIOS/UEFI settings for any Discord-related options |
Resetting Discord’s Startup Preferences
If the previous steps haven’t resolved the issue, you can try resetting Discord’s startup preferences entirely. This will remove any custom settings you’ve made and restore the default options.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows Key + R.
- Type %appdata%\Discord into the Run box and hit Enter.
- Locate the file named settings.json and delete it.
- Restart Discord and its startup preferences will be reset.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
In some cases, resetting Discord’s startup preferences might not be enough to resolve the issue. Here are some additional troubleshooting tips you can try:
- Check for malware: Malware can sometimes cause programs to launch automatically on startup. Run a malware scan to check your system for any potential threats.
- Restart your computer in safe mode: Safe mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and applications. Booting into safe mode can help isolate the issue and determine if it’s being caused by a third-party program.
- Update your graphics drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can sometimes lead to issues with Discord. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
Disabling Discord’s In-Application Startup Setting
Method 1: Using Discord’s Settings
1. Open the Discord application and click on the “Settings” icon in the bottom-left corner.
2. In the “Application Settings” section, scroll down to the “Windows Settings” tab.
3. Under the “Startup Behavior” heading, uncheck the box next to “Open Discord when my computer starts.”
4. Click the “Save Changes” button at the bottom of the window.
Method 2: Using Task Manager
1. Right-click the taskbar and select “Task Manager.
2. In the Task Manager window, click on the “Startup” tab.
3. Locate the “Discord” entry in the list and right-click on it.
4. Select “Disable” from the context menu.
Method 3: Using Registry Editor
Warning: Editing the registry can be dangerous. Follow these steps carefully.
1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and click OK.
3. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
4. Locate the “Discord” entry in the right-hand pane and delete it.
5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Discord Settings | 3-4 |
| Task Manager | 4 |
| Registry Editor | 9 |
How to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup
Discord is a popular voice and text chat app for gamers and other communities. By default, Discord is set to open automatically when you start your computer. If you don’t want Discord to open on startup, you can disable this feature in the app’s settings.
To stop Discord from opening on startup:
- Open Discord.
- Click the gear icon in the bottom left corner to open Settings.
- Click the “Windows Settings” tab.
- Under “Startup behavior”, uncheck the box next to “Open Discord on system startup”.
- Click “Close” to save your changes.
People Also Ask About How to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup
Why does Discord keep opening on startup?
Discord is set to open on startup by default. This can be useful if you use Discord frequently, but it can also be annoying if you don’t want the app to start automatically.
How do I stop Discord from opening on startup on Mac?
To stop Discord from opening on startup on a Mac, open System Preferences and click on “Users & Groups”. Then, select your user account and click on the “Login Items” tab. Find Discord in the list of login items and click on the “-” button to remove it.
How do I disable Discord startup on Windows 10?
To disable Discord startup on Windows 10, follow the steps in the “How to stop Discord from opening on startup” section above.
