How to Prevent Your Browser from Opening When You Start Your Computer

Have you ever been annoyed by your browser opening automatically every time you start your computer? You're not alone. Many find it frustrating, but the good news is that it's usually an easy fix. Here’s how you can stop your browser from launching on startup for both Windows and macOS.

For Windows Users

Disable Browser from Startup Folder

Press Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Type shell:startup and hit Enter.
Look for any browser shortcuts and delete them.

Using Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab.
Find your browser in the list of programs.
Right-click on it and select Disable.

For macOS Users

System Preferences

Go to System Preferences.
Select Users & Groups.
Click on your user account.
Navigate to the Login Items tab.
Find your browser in the list, select it, and click the minus (-) button to remove it.

From Browser Settings

Some browsers have their own settings for controlling startup behaviour:

Chrome: Go to Settings > On startup and choose Open the New Tab page.
Firefox: Go to Options > General and make sure Restore previous session is unchecked.
Safari: Go to Preferences > General and set Safari opens with to A new window.

Final Thoughts

By following these simple steps, you can easily prevent your browser from opening automatically when you start your computer. This will not only save you from frustration but also speed up your computer's startup time. If you have any further issues, you may need to look into more specific settings or consult your browser or system’s support resources.