Discord launches automatically when you turn on your computer because it is set to start with Windows or macOS by default
When you first install Discord, the app is configured to open itself every time your system boots. This happens whether you want it to or not. The setting lives in Discord's own preferences, not in your operating system, so disabling it takes just a few clicks.
The steps differ slightly between Windows and Mac, but both take less than a minute. You do not need to uninstall Discord or change any system settings — you are just telling the app to stay closed until you open it manually.
Key Takeaways
- Discord's startup setting is found in User Settings under the App tab, not in Windows startup folders or Mac login items.
- On Windows, you uncheck "Open Discord" under the Startup section; on Mac, you toggle off "Open Discord" in the same location.
- Disabling startup does not affect Discord's performance or your account — it only changes when the app launches.
- If you change your mind later, you can turn the setting back on using the same steps.
How to disable startup on Windows
Open Discord and look for your profile picture or avatar in the bottom left corner of the window. Click it to open a menu, then select the gear icon labeled "User Settings."
In the left sidebar, scroll down and click "App" (not "Applications" — it is the shorter label). Look for the section called "Startup" near the top of the page. You will see a toggle next to "Open Discord" — it is currently turned on (the toggle is blue or highlighted). Click the toggle once to turn it off. The toggle will turn gray, and Discord will no longer launch when you restart your computer.
Close the settings window. You do not need to restart Discord or your computer for the change to take effect — it happens immediately.
How to disable startup on Mac
Click the Discord icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen (the small Discord logo in the upper right). A dropdown menu appears. Look for "User Settings" and click it.
In the left sidebar, find and click "App." Scroll to the "Startup" section. You will see a toggle next to "Open Discord" — click it to turn it off. The toggle will change from on to off, and Discord will stop launching automatically when you restart your Mac.
Close the settings window. The change takes effect right away.
What happens after you disable startup
Discord will remain closed when you restart your computer. You can still open it manually by clicking the Discord icon on your desktop, in your Applications folder (Mac), or by searching for it in the Start menu (Windows). Your account, messages, and settings stay exactly the same — disabling startup only changes when the app launches.
If you ever want Discord to launch automatically again, you can follow the same steps and toggle the setting back on.
Why Discord starts automatically by default
Discord enables startup by default because the company wants the app running in the background so you do not miss messages or voice calls. Many communication apps do this. However, having Discord launch every time you start your computer uses system resources and can slow down your boot time, especially on older computers or if you have many apps set to launch at startup.
Disabling it means you will not see notifications until you manually open Discord, but you will regain those startup seconds and free up memory for other tasks.
If the setting does not appear or does not work
On Windows, if you do not see the "App" section in User Settings, make sure you are running a recent version of Discord. Check for updates by clicking your profile picture, selecting "User Settings," and looking for a "Check for Updates" button. If you find one, click it and restart Discord after the update finishes.
On Mac, the same applies — update Discord first if the setting is missing. If Discord still launches at startup after you have disabled the setting and restarted your computer, check your Mac's System Settings under "General" > "Login Items" and remove Discord from that list as well. Some older versions of Discord may have added themselves to the system login list instead of using the in-app setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling startup affect my notifications or messages?
No. Your messages and notifications will still arrive on Discord's servers. You simply will not see them until you open the app manually. If someone sends you a message while Discord is closed, it will be waiting for you when you open it next.
Can I set Discord to launch at startup on Windows but not on Mac, or vice versa?
Yes. The startup setting is separate for each device. If you use Discord on both a Windows computer and a Mac, you can disable it on one and leave it on the other. Just follow the steps for each device independently.
Does disabling startup mean Discord is not running in the background?
Correct. When you disable startup, Discord will not run at all until you open it manually. It will not be in the background, will not use system resources, and will not send you notifications until you launch it.
What if I want Discord to start automatically but only at certain times?
Discord does not have a built-in scheduler for startup. Your options are to leave it on all the time or turn it off and open it manually. Some third-party task scheduling tools exist, but Discord's own settings do not include time-based startup.