Steam, the popular gaming platform, offers a seamless way to access your favourite games and connect with the gaming community. However, having Steam open automatically every time you start your computer might not be convenient for everyone. If you'd like to regain control over your startup applications, this blog will guide you on how to stop steam from opening on startup through the steps to stop Steam from opening on startup. By making a few adjustments, you can ensure that your computer starts up more quickly and efficiently.
Step 1: Launch Steam
To begin, open the Steam application on your computer. You can do this by double-clicking the Steam icon on your desktop or searching for "Steam" in your computer's search bar and selecting the application from the results.
Step 2: Access Steam Settings
Once Steam is open, look at the top left corner of the application window. You'll find the "Steam" menu. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu, and then select "Preferences" or "Settings," depending on your version of Steam.
Step 3: Navigate to the Interface Section
In the Steam settings, you'll see a list of sections on the left-hand side. Click on the "Interface" section to access options related to Steam's user interface and behavior.
Step 4: Adjust the Startup Behavior
Within the "Interface" section, you'll find a checkbox labelled "Run Steam when my computer starts." By default, this option is usually checked, which causes Steam to launch every time your computer boots up.
To prevent Steam from opening on startup:
Uncheck the Box: Click on the checkbox to uncheck it. This action tells Steam not to start automatically when your computer boots up.
Save Changes: After unchecking the box, make sure to save your changes. Depending on the version of Steam you're using, there might be a "Save" or "OK" button at the bottom of the settings window. Click on this button to confirm your new preferences.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Once you've unchecked the box and saved your changes, the next time you restart your computer, Steam should no longer open automatically. Give your computer a fresh start to ensure that the changes have taken effect.
Additional Tips:
Task Manager: If you've unchecked the startup option in Steam's settings but still find that Steam is opening on startup, you can use the Windows Task Manager to manage startup programs. Press "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" to open the Task Manager, navigate to the "Startup" tab, and disable Steam from there.
Mac Users: If you're using a Mac, you can manage startup applications through the "Users & Groups" settings. Go to "System Preferences," then "Users & Groups," select your user account, and navigate to the "Login Items" tab. From there, you can manage which applications open on startup.
Conclusion
Taking control of your computer's startup applications is an effective way to streamline your computer's performance and startup time. By following these simple steps, you can stop Steam from opening automatically when your computer boots up. This gives you the freedom to choose when to launch Steam, ensuring a smoother and more personalised computing experience. Whether you're looking to reduce clutter in your startup routine or simply want more control over your applications, adjusting Steam's startup behaviour is a small but impactful way to customise your digital environment.