Disable Discord startup launch in three steps
Discord runs automatically when you turn on your computer unless you turn off that setting. The process differs slightly between Windows and Mac, but both take less than a minute. You do not need to uninstall Discord or change any other programs — just one toggle in Discord's own settings.
On Windows, open Discord, click your username in the bottom left corner, select User Settings, go to App Settings > Startup, and toggle off "Open Discord". On Mac, open Discord, click the Discord menu at the top, select Preferences, find App Settings > Startup, and uncheck "Open Discord". After you restart your computer, Discord will no longer launch on its own.
Key Takeaways
- Discord's startup setting lives in User Settings under App Settings, not in your computer's system startup folder.
- Disabling startup launch does not uninstall Discord or prevent you from opening it manually whenever you want.
- The setting takes effect the next time you restart your computer.
- If you use Discord on multiple devices, you must disable startup on each one separately — the setting does not sync across computers.
Why Discord launches automatically
When you install Discord, it automatically adds itself to your computer's startup programs. This means Discord registers with Windows or macOS to open whenever you log in. Discord does this by default because the company wants users to stay connected and see notifications right away.
This is not a malfunction or a security issue — it is a deliberate design choice. Many communication apps do the same thing. However, if you do not use Discord constantly or prefer to open it only when you need it, having it run in the background wastes memory and battery life, especially on laptops.
Windows: Step-by-step instructions
Open Discord and log in if you are not already. Look at the bottom left corner of the window where your username appears. Click on your username or the gear icon next to it to open User Settings.
In the left sidebar, scroll down to the App Settings section. Click on "Startup". You will see a toggle switch next to "Open Discord". Click the toggle to turn it off — it should change from blue (on) to gray (off). Close the settings window. The next time you restart your computer, Discord will not launch automatically.
Mac: Step-by-step instructions
Open Discord and make sure you are logged in. At the very top of your screen, click the Discord menu (not the Apple menu). Select "Preferences" from the dropdown.
In the left sidebar under App Settings, click "Startup". You will see a checkbox next to "Open Discord". Uncheck the box. Close the Preferences window. When you restart your Mac, Discord will remain closed until you open it manually.
What happens after you disable startup launch
Discord will not open when you start your computer. You can still open Discord at any time by clicking the Discord icon on your desktop, in your Applications folder (Mac), or by searching for it in the Start menu (Windows). Disabling startup does not change how Discord works once it is open — notifications, messages, and all other features remain the same.
If you change your mind later, you can turn startup launch back on by following the same steps and toggling the setting back on. There is no penalty or consequence for turning it off and on repeatedly.
Startup settings on different devices
If you use Discord on a desktop computer, a laptop, and a phone, you need to disable startup on each device separately. The startup setting is stored locally on each computer, not in your Discord account. Turning off startup on your Windows desktop does not affect your Mac, and neither affects your phone or tablet.
Mobile versions of Discord (on iOS and Android) do not have a startup setting because phones do not work the same way as computers. Apps on phones can send notifications even when they are not open, so Discord does not need to launch automatically.
If the toggle does not appear or does not work
Make sure you are looking in the right place: User Settings (the gear icon) > App Settings > Startup, not in your computer's system settings. Some older versions of Discord had the startup option in a different location. If you cannot find it, update Discord to the latest version by closing it completely and reopening it — Discord checks for updates automatically.
If you have already disabled startup but Discord still opens when you restart, check your computer's system startup settings as a backup. On Windows, press the Windows key and R together, type "msconfig", and look for Discord in the Startup tab. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Items and remove Discord from the list if it appears there. This is rare but can happen if Discord was installed before a major update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling startup affect my notifications?
No. Notifications work the same way whether Discord launches on startup or not. When Discord is closed, you will not see notifications until you open it again. If you want notifications while Discord is closed, you need to keep it running in the background, which means leaving startup enabled.
Can I set Discord to launch on startup only on certain days?
Discord does not have a scheduling feature for startup. The toggle is all-or-nothing: either Discord launches every time you restart, or it never does. If you want more control, you can leave startup off and create a shortcut to Discord on your desktop or taskbar for quick access.
Does disabling startup remove Discord from my computer?
No. Disabling startup only stops Discord from opening automatically. The program remains installed and fully functional. You can open Discord manually whenever you want, and all your settings, messages, and servers stay exactly as they are.
What if I disabled startup but forgot where the setting is?
Open Discord, click your username in the bottom left (Windows) or the Discord menu at the top (Mac), go to User Settings or Preferences, find App Settings > Startup, and look for the toggle. If you see it is already off, startup is disabled. If it is on, click it to turn it off.