I have a couple of apps on my Mac that I would like to have automatically start up when I log in to the computer. Is that possible in MacOS 12? I know you can do that in Windows…
Whether you’re running macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, or Linux, being able to have specific programs launch when you log in to your account is a standard part of a modern operating system. At this point, Mac and PC systems are approximately on par with features and capabilities too, so if you’re coming from Windows to MacOS, you’ll find everything’s still in the OS (though it might be in a different place).
The only thing to think about before you set up your MacBook, iMac, or other MacOS system to fire up a bunch of programs on login is that it does slow down the login process, which can be frustrating. If there’s a problem with one of the programs that can also gum up the works inadvertently. What I would recommend is that you gradually add apps one by one to see how they affect your user experience, and doubly so if they’re full screen games or similar.
Okay, with that caveat out of the way, let’s jump into it!
HOW TO SEE WHAT PROGRAMS AUTO-START ON MACOS LOGIN
Most all system settings and configuration in MacOS is through the “System Preferences” utility, which you can access from the menu. Open that up and look for “Users & Groups“:
The first thing you’ll notice is that it shows all accounts on your Mac, not just your own:
The padlock icon is a bit confusing in this area too. Basically, if you want to make basic changes to your own account, you don’t need to click and unlock it – which you do with your admin password – but if you want to change someone else’s account or your login options, that’ll require an unlock. To add or remote login items, you can safely ignore the padlock!
With that in mind, click on the “Login Items” tab near the top…
Now you can see that I have Dropbox, Clipy, and iDriveMonitor launch when I log in, but that’s it.
ADD A LOGIN ITEM TO YOUR MAC SYSTEM
Want to add a new program or application to the list? Easily done. Click on the “+” near the bottom. It will prompt you to choose an app, program, game, or utility:
I’ll add the Books app for this demo. Simply click to select the app, then click on “Add“.
It then shows up on the Login Items list:
If you’ve used MacOS for any amount of time, you’ve probably already bumped into the very useful Hide App feature to keep your display simple and uncluttered. Off the actual app menu, simply choose “Hide <appname>” and its windows vanish. I use it all the time, actually!
Turns out you can have your login apps automatically launch in this same hidden mode by checking the “Hide” box adjacent. The program will launch and be running when you want it, all without being front and center.
REMOVE AN AUTO-START APP FROM YOUR LOGIN ITEMS
Changed your mind and want to remove one or more of the apps on your Login Items list? Super easy: Simply choose the app from the list, then click on the “-” button. Note that some programs and utilities will automatically re-add a utility if it’s required for the program to run properly, and that some programs – like Microsoft Office and CleanMyMac – have utilities running in background through an entirely different mechanism and won’t show up on the Login Items list. Best to leave those alone, generally speaking!
CHANGE YOUR MACOS LOGIN OPTIONS
While we’re here, what about that “Login Options” link on the lower left? Click on it and you’ll just see everything grayed out:
How do you change it so that you can actually make changes? Finally, it’s time to click on that padlock icon on the lower left. Click it, enter your administrative password at the prompt, then you’ll see all the options and settings:
Now, finally, you can see the various login options and opt to change as needed. I encourage you to disable automatic login for security (as I have done, that’s why it shows “Off”), but otherwise, I think they’re all self-explanatory.
Have fun customizing your login items and login options and setting up exactly which programs you want to automatically launch on account login!
Pro Tip: I’ve been writing about Mac systems since the very first model! Please check out my extensive MacOS Help Library for hundreds of additional tutorials to help you be a happy Mac user! Thanks.