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How to Stop Discord From Automatically Opening at Windows Startup

Key Takeaways

  • Discord is set to launch automatically on Windows startup by default, which can slow down your computer’s boot time.
  • You can disable Discord from opening on startup through the app’s settings, Windows Task Manager, or the Startup Apps menu.
  • Disabling unnecessary startup apps can significantly improve your computer’s performance and speed up the boot process.

As an experienced tech writer and software expert, I understand the frustration of having too many apps launch automatically on startup, slowing down your computer’s boot time. Discord, a popular communication platform for gamers and communities, is one such app that opens by default when you turn on your Windows PC. While this feature can be convenient for some users, it can also be a nuisance for others who prefer a faster boot process or don’t use Discord frequently.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through multiple methods to stop Discord from automatically opening at Windows startup. Whether you’re using Windows 10 or 11, these steps will help you regain control over your startup programs and optimize your computer’s performance.

Method 1: Disable Discord from Opening on Startup via App Settings

The easiest way to prevent Discord from launching on startup is by disabling the option within the app’s settings. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Discord app on your computer.
  2. Click on the gear icon (User Settings) next to your username in the bottom-left corner.
  3. In the left sidebar, select “Windows Settings” under the “App Settings” section.
  4. Toggle off the “Open Discord” option under the “System Startup Behaviour” section.

By turning off this setting, you’re instructing Discord not to launch automatically when you start your computer. This method is straightforward and ensures that Discord won’t consume system resources during the boot process unless you manually open the app.

Method 2: Disable Discord from Startup Using Task Manager

If you prefer not to access Discord’s settings or if the previous method doesn’t work for you, you can disable Discord from opening on startup through the Windows Task Manager. Here’s how:

  1. Press the “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” keyboard shortcut to open the Task Manager.
  2. Click on the “Startup” tab (or “Startup apps” in Windows 11).
  3. Locate “Discord” or “Update” (with the Discord logo) in the list of startup programs.
  4. Right-click on the Discord entry and select “Disable.”

This method effectively removes Discord from the list of apps that launch automatically when you start your computer. It’s a quick and easy solution if you prefer not to access Discord’s settings directly.

Method 3: Disable Discord from Startup Apps Menu (Windows 11)

If you’re using Windows 11, you can also disable Discord from opening on startup through the Startup Apps menu in the Settings app. Follow these steps:

  1. Press the “Windows + I” keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on “Apps” in the left sidebar, then select “Startup.”
  3. Locate “Discord” or “Update” (with the Discord logo) in the list of startup apps.
  4. Toggle off the switch next to the Discord entry to disable it from opening on startup.

This method provides a centralized location for managing all your startup apps in Windows 11, making it easier to keep track of which programs are set to launch automatically.

Additional Tips and Considerations

  • Check for Multiple Discord Entries: In some cases, you may find multiple entries related to Discord in the startup programs list. Make sure to disable or remove all of them to prevent Discord from launching on startup.
  • Disable Automatic Updates: Discord is known to automatically check for updates on startup, which can further slow down the boot process. To prevent this, you can disable automatic updates by following these steps:
  1. Locate the Discord installation folder (usually C:\Users$$Your Username]\AppData\Local\Discord).
  2. Right-click on the “Update” file and select “Properties.”
  3. Check the “Read-only” attribute under the “General” tab.
  4. Click “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes.
  • Manage Other Startup Programs: While you’re disabling Discord from opening on startup, take the opportunity to review and disable other unnecessary startup programs as well. This can significantly improve your computer’s overall performance and boot time.
  • Consider Using Discord’s Web Version: If you don’t need Discord’s desktop app features, you can opt to use the web version instead. This way, you won’t have to worry about the app launching on startup or consuming system resources in the background.

By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily stop Discord from automatically opening at Windows startup. This simple step can contribute to a faster boot process and better overall system performance, especially on older or less powerful computers.

Remember, managing your startup programs is an ongoing process, as new apps and updates may reset your preferences. Periodically review your startup programs and disable any unnecessary entries to keep your computer running smoothly.

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