How to prevent Discord from starting automatically when you boot your PC

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Have you ever turned on your computer and had Discord open automatically? This situation, more common than you might think, especially among Windows users, can be quite annoying. Discord starting automatically consumes unnecessary resources and can slow down your PC's boot time , as well as interrupt you with notifications when you might just want to work or study. Luckily, preventing Discord from opening automatically isn't complicated, and there are several simple and safe methods to do so.

In this article, we'll explain in detail how to prevent Discord from launching automatically when you turn on your computer. We've compiled all the available tips and tricks from top tech and support sites , so if you follow our instructions, you'll have complete control over Discord's startup in just a few minutes.

Why does Discord open automatically when I start Windows?

Discord is set to launch automatically when you log into Windows by default . This feature might seem useful if you use the application daily and want it readily available as soon as you turn on your computer, but for many people, it's a nuisance. Automatic startup not only impacts PC performance (by adding extra load to the CPU and RAM), but it also drains battery on laptops and can overwhelm you with notifications if you don't want to be logged in immediately.

Furthermore, if you have other programs with similar behavior, the sum of all of them can cause Windows to start up much slower than usual, and you start the day manually closing applications that you neither need nor asked to open.

Method 1: Disable Discord from the application's own settings

The first method is the most direct and straightforward. Discord has an option in its settings menu that allows you to control whether the application starts automatically with Windows. If you have access to your account and can log in to Discord, this method is the most recommended because it's specific to the application and doesn't affect other system programs.

Steps to prevent Discord from starting automatically from its settings :

1. Open Discord and sign in to your account.
2. Tap the gear icon located in the bottom left corner, next to your username. This will open the user settings menu.
3. In the side menu, look for the "Windows Settings" section.
4. Locate the "Open Discord" option and disable it. This option controls whether the program should start automatically with Windows.

Once you've done this, Discord will no longer open automatically the next time you restart your computer. To launch it, you'll have to do so manually when you actually need it.

Method 2: Disable Discord as a startup program from Task Manager

If you prefer to control startup programs more comprehensively, or if you're having trouble with the previous method, Windows Task Manager offers a dedicated option for managing startup applications . It's a built-in, easy-to-use tool that lets you enable or disable any application that runs when your computer starts.

Steps to remove Discord from the startup programs list using Task Manager :

1. Press the key combination Control + Alt + Delete and click on "Task Manager". Alternatively, you can right-click on the taskbar and choose "Task Manager".
2. Click on "More details" if the window appears simplified, to see all the tabs.
3. Access the "Home" tab (or "Start" in some versions of Windows).
4. Look for the program "Discord" in the list. You'll see that it's usually in "Enabled" status.
5. Right-click on "Discord" and select "Disable".

From that point on, Discord will no longer launch automatically every time you turn on your computer . If you ever want to revert this change, simply return to this menu and select "Enable" for Discord.

This method has the advantage that you can use the same panel to manage the startup of other programs that you may not want to start automatically , such as cloud services or auxiliary tools.

Method 3: Advanced settings from the startup applications menu

Another way to manage applications that run when Windows starts is through the Startup apps settings menu within the Windows apps section. While Discord may not appear in this list in recent versions, the option is still useful for controlling other programs and ensuring that Discord isn't listed.

Instructions for checking startup applications in Windows:

1. Open the Windows Start menu and go to "Settings" (the gear icon).
2. Go to "Applications" and then to the "Startup" section (on some systems it may appear as "Startup applications").
3. A list of applications that can run at system startup will be displayed. Look for "Discord" and, if it appears, disable it.

In some cases, Discord doesn't appear on this list because it manages its own automatic startup from the application or the Windows registry, but it's useful to familiarize yourself with this section to have additional control over your PC's startup and disable other unnecessary programs.

What happens if Discord keeps starting up even after you've disabled it?

Some users have reported that Discord continues to appear at startup even after disabling the option in settings and Task Manager . This can be due to various reasons, such as recent program updates, corrupted installations, or conflicts with other applications.

To solve this, we recommend:

• Check if you have more than one user account in Windows, as each one may have independent settings.
• Completely uninstall Discord and reinstall the latest version from the official website to ensure that the startup options are working correctly.
• Check if external applications manage startup and, if so, disable Discord from there.
• Update Windows and Discord to the latest version to fix any potential errors.

By taking these additional steps, you can fully control Discord's automatic startup and avoid this problem.

Advantages of preventing Discord from starting automatically

Beyond avoiding annoyances, disabling Discord's automatic startup offers several important advantages for those who want to improve their computer's efficiency:

• Faster Boot: By reducing the number of programs that start with Windows, your operating system will be faster at startup.
• Less resource consumption: Discord can keep background processes consuming RAM and CPU, which is avoided if you only open it when you really need it.
• Greater privacy: If you don't want to be online or visible in communities all the time, this option helps keep your offline status until you decide to go online.
• Total control: Managing which programs run in the background allows for a cleaner and more organized environment on your computer.

Taking control of the startup of Discord and other programs helps optimize your computer's performance and user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Discord Automatic Startup

Many common questions revolve around how to manage Discord's behavior when Windows starts. Here we answer the most frequently asked questions so you can make informed decisions.

Does disabling Discord's automatic startup affect notifications? No, you'll only see notifications if you open the application manually. Disabling it only prevents it from starting automatically.

Can this be managed on macOS? Yes, on macOS you can also manage which programs launch in "System Preferences – Users & Groups – Login Items".

Can I disable automatic startup on the web version? The web version doesn't start automatically with your system, so you don't need to worry about that behavior if you only use Discord in your browser.

Is it advisable to manage other startup programs besides Discord? Absolutely. It's a good idea to periodically review which programs start automatically and keep only the essential ones for a more efficient startup.

Can I revert the changes and re-enable automatic startup? Of course, you just need to re-enable the option in Discord settings or from Task Manager if you disabled it there.

Discord alternatives that don't start automatically

For those who prefer to avoid programs that run at startup by default, there are alternatives such as Telegram or Slack , or simply using the web version of Discord in the browser, which does not start automatically.

However, Discord's integration and functionality, especially within gaming communities, are hard to match. Therefore, unless you have a strong aversion to background applications, it's still advisable to adjust your startup settings correctly.

As you've seen, there are several simple and effective ways to prevent Discord from starting automatically when you turn on your PC . From the settings within the application itself, to the Task Manager, or the Windows settings menu, taking control of the programs that run at startup helps keep your computer faster, more organized, and more efficient.