What are macOS startup items and why check them
Startup items on macOS are apps, background processes, and agents that launch automatically when you log in or start your Mac. Items can come from multiple locations, and some can affect performance, delay login, or run unwanted network activity. The most reliable way to audit and control them is to check two core directories: Login Items in System Settings (or Users & Groups) and the local LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons folders. This guide explains how, why, and what to do about each location.
Login Items in System Settings or Users & Groups
How Login Items work
Login Items are the user-facing mechanism that controls apps and background tools that open when you log in. They appear in System Settings in macOS Ventura and later, or in Users & Groups in earlier releases. Each entry shows the app or helper tool, its location, and whether it is enabled at login. Items can be added by apps during installation, by user action, or by configuration tools. Managing Login Items is usually enough for most users to prevent common unwanted startups.
How to review and remove Login Items
- Open System Settings, go to your user name in the sidebar, then choose Login Items.
- Or open Users & Groups in System Settings, select your user, then click Login Items.
- Review the list, toggle off items you do not want to launch automatically, or remove items with the minus button.
- To investigate an unknown item, select it, note the path, then locate the item in Finder to confirm its origin.
Local LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons folders
Why these directories matter
In addition to Login Items, macOS can start software through launchd jobs stored in LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons directories. LaunchAgents run per-user and load when you log in; LaunchDaemons run per-system and load during system startup or on demand. Items here are not visible in System Settings, so they can remain hidden if you only check Login Items. Checking these directories helps you find persistent, system-level startup mechanisms that may affect all users or run without a GUI login.
Where to find the relevant folders
Use Finder or Terminal to inspect these locations. Some items require administrator permissions; not all files are harmful, so confirm names and sources before making changes.
| Directory | Scope | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ~/Library/LaunchAgents | Per-user | Launched when the user logs in |
| /Library/LaunchDaemons | System-wide | Launched at boot or on demand by launchd |
| /System/Library/LaunchDaemons | System (Apple-managed) | Core macOS services; avoid manual edits |
| /Library/LaunchDaemons | System-wide third-party | Third-party services installed by installers |
| /Library/Preferences | System-wide preference data | Contains .plist files that can define launch jobs |
How to check and review contents
Review these directories by opening them in Finder via Go > Go to Folder in the menu bar, or by using Terminal. Look for recently modified plist files, unfamiliar bundle identifiers, or items from unknown publishers. You can inspect a file’s contents with a text editor to see the program or script it launches. To disable a job temporarily, move the plist to another folder instead of deleting it, so you can restore it if needed. For system-managed locations, create backups before making any changes.
Other common places where startup behavior lives
Beyond Login Items and launchd directories, several macOS features can cause programs to start automatically. These can interact or override each other, so it is helpful to check them together when doing a thorough audit.
Where else startup behavior can be configured
- System Settings > General > Login at sign in: Set whether apps and windows restore after a restart.
- Users & Groups > Login Items: Per-user apps that launch at login.
- Apps-specific preferences: Many apps add background helpers and update tools on first run.
- Installer packages and LaunchDaemons: Installers can add LaunchDaemons that start at boot.
- Third-party tools: Some utilities and helper apps install agents to provide features or monitoring.
Auditing process: recommended step-by-step approach
A practical, repeatable workflow helps you identify what should stay and what should be removed.
- Check Login Items in System Settings and disable anything nonessential.
- Inspect ~/Library/LaunchAgents for user-level background jobs added by apps.
- Review /Library/LaunchDaemons and /Library/Preferences for system-wide items, noting third-party entries.
- Inspect /System/Library/LaunchDaemons only to confirm expected Apple services are present.
- For each unknown item, locate its parent app or installer and confirm whether it is still needed.
- Create a backup of any plist you move or rename, in case you need to restore it.
When to be cautious and how to get help
If you are unsure about an item, do not delete or disable it immediately. Instead, look up its name, check whether it belongs to an app you use, and confirm its publisher. Some system and security tools rely on LaunchDaemons and LaunchAgents to function correctly. If needed, consult official documentation for the app that owns the item or contact the vendor before making changes. Making changes to system-managed locations should generally be done only if you understand the risks or have verified guidance.
Summary and key takeaways
To ensure a Mac starts with no unnecessary items, check two primary directories: Login Items in System Settings (or Users & Groups) and the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder for per-user jobs. Complement this by reviewing /Library/LaunchDaemons for system-wide background services. Combine these checks with app-specific preferences and installer remnants for a fuller audit. By following a careful, step-by-step process and backing up plist files before modifying them, you can reduce unnecessary startups, improve login speed, and keep your Mac running as intended.