5 Ways to Stop Spotify from Opening on Startup

PDF download Download Article
An easy-to-follow guide to block Spotify from starting whenever you turn your computer on
PDF download Download Article

Do you not want to see Spotify every time you turn on your computer? Fortunately, you can disable this behavior so Spotify will only open when you want it to! Choose only one method to disable Spotify, as one method will overwrite the others! This wikiHow article teaches you how to stop Spotify from opening on startup on both Windows and Mac computers.

Things You Should Know

  • The easiest way to prevent Spotify from starting automatically is to turn off the option in your Spotify preferences.
  • Alternatively, you can use Task Manager on Windows, or make a quick change in your Windows Settings.
  • On a Mac, you can also disable startup apps in System Settings.
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Change Spotify Settings (Windows & Mac)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Open Spotify . This app looks like sound waves on a green background.
    • You can also click the icon from your menu (Mac) or in the ^ in the taskbar (on Windows).
  2. This keyboard shortcut will open Spotify Settings.
    • Alternatively, click the three-dot menu icon in the top left corner and select Edit > Preferences .
    Advertisement
  3. It's under the "Startup and window behavior" header.
    • If you don't see it, you may need to click Show Advanced Settings first.
    • Changes are saved immediately, so the next time you start your computer, Spotify will not open. This setting also changes the settings in Task Manager, Windows Settings, and System Settings on Mac.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Using Task Manager (Windows)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Open Task Manager . You can do this easily in Windows 11 or Windows 10 by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc .
    • Alternatively, you can right-click the Windows Start icon in Windows 11 to see it in the menu. If you're using Windows 10, right-click an empty space in your taskbar and the option to open Task Manager will appear in the menu.
  2. It's at the top of the window with Process and Services" on Windows 10, and in the left panel ("Startup Apps") on Windows 11.
  3. If you've already selected "No" in the previous method, you'll see here that the startup behavior for Spotify is already disabled.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Using Windows Settings (Windows)

PDF download Download Article
  1. This keyboard shortcut will open Settings.
    • Alternatively, click the gear icon in the Start menu.
  2. For Windows 11, Apps is in the menu on the right side of the window. For Windows 10, Apps is a tile next to an icon of a bulleted list in the center of the window.
  3. On Windows 11, you'll see Startup on the right side of the window. On Windows 10, Startup is in the menu on the left side of the window.
    • You'll see a list of every app installed on your computer that has the ability to start as soon as your computer starts.
  4. If you've already disabled Spotify's automatic startup using other methods, this toggle will already be off.
    • A clear switch that points to the left indicates that the feature is off and that Spotify will not open on startup.
    5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Using System Settings (macOS Ventura)

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can do this by clicking on the Apple logo and selecting System Settings .
  2. You'll see this in the menu on the left side of the window next to an icon of a gear.
  3. It's on the right side of the window.
  4. If you don't see "Spotify" here, then you already disabled the startup behavior using another method.
    • Enter your password if prompted, and close the window. The next time that you start your computer, Spotify will not open automatically. [1]
    5. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Using System Preferences (macOS Monterey and Older)

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can do this by clicking on the Apple logo and selecting System Preferences .
    • This method only works on Macs running macOS Monterey (12) or older.
  2. Find this in the first grouping of options next to an icon of two silhouettes.
    • If you have more than one user for your Mac, click your account or the account you want to change from the menu on the left side of the window.
  3. It's at the top of the page next to Password .
  4. The minus button is on the left side of the window. If you don't see "Spotify" here, then you already disabled the startup behavior.
    • Enter your password if prompted, and close the window. The next time that you start your computer, Spotify will not open automatically. [2]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Find Out How Many Hours You've Spent Listening to Spotify
      Share Liked Songs on Spotify: 2 Easy Ways on Desktop & Mobile
      How to
      Delete Spotify Listening History on Mobile & Desktop
      How to
      Download Songs, Albums, and Playlists from Spotify
      Spotify: All The Ways to View Your Spotify Wrapped Slideshow
      2 Simple Ways to Add Your Friends on Spotify
      The Best Ways to Delete Devices from Your Spotify Account
      7 Reasons Why Spotify Keeps Pausing (and How to Fix Them)
      How to
      Fix Local Files Not Showing in Spotify: Mobile & Computer
      Simples Ways to Make and Scan a Spotify Code
      Post Spotify Lyrics on Your Instagram Story: Step-by-Step
      How to
      Buy a Spotify Premium Subscription
      How to
      Change the Payment Method on Spotify: Quick Tips
      How to
      Add the Spotify Widget on iPhone, Android, & Windows
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/open-items-automatically-when-you-log-in-mh15189/13.0/mac/13.0
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/open-items-automatically-when-you-log-in-mh15189/12.0/mac/12.0

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 22,637 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement