Steam, the popular digital distribution platform for video games, is undoubtedly a must-have for many gamers. However, not everyone wants Steam to automatically start when they boot up their computer. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to stop steam from opening on startup for both Windows and macOS.

For Windows:

Method 1: Using Steam’s Settings

Open Steam: Launch the Steam application on your Windows computer.

Login: If you’re not already logged in, log into your Steam account.

Access Settings: Click on “Steam” in the top left corner of the Steam window, then select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.

In-Game Tab: In the Settings window, click on the “In-Game” tab on the left sidebar.

Uncheck “Run Steam when my computer starts”: You will see an option that says “Run Steam when my computer starts.” Make sure this option is unchecked.

Save Changes: Click the “OK” button at the bottom of the Settings window to save your changes.

Exit Steam: Close the Steam application. It should no longer start automatically when you boot up your computer.

Method 2: Using Windows Task Manager

Right-Click the Taskbar: Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.

Task Manager: Select “Task Manager” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.

Startup Tab: In the Task Manager window, go to the “Startup” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of programs that start when your computer boots up.

Locate Steam: Scroll down the list until you find “Steam Client Bootstrapper.”

Disable Steam: Select “Steam Client Bootstrapper” by clicking on it, then click the “Disable” button at the bottom right of the Task Manager window.

Exit Task Manager: Close the Task Manager window.

Now, Steam should no longer open automatically when you start your Windows computer.

For macOS:

Method 1: Using Steam’s Settings

Open Steam: Launch the Steam application on your Mac.

Login: Log into your Steam account if you’re not already logged in.

Access Preferences: Click on “Steam” in the top menu bar (next to the Apple logo) and select “Preferences.”

Interface Tab: In the Preferences window, click on the “Interface” tab on the left sidebar.

Uncheck “Run Steam when my Mac starts”: You will see an option that says “Run Steam when my Mac starts.” Ensure that this option is unchecked.

Save Changes: Click the “OK” button to save your changes.

Exit Steam: Close the Steam application. It should no longer start automatically when you boot up your Mac.

Method 2: Using macOS System Preferences

Apple Menu: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.

System Preferences: Select “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu.

Users & Groups: In the System Preferences window, click on “Users & Groups.”

Login Items: Choose your user account from the left sidebar, then go to the “Login Items” tab.

Remove Steam: You should see a list of applications that open when you log in. Find “Steam” in the list and select it.

Remove (-) Button: Click the minus (-) button below the list to remove Steam from the login items.

Exit System Preferences: Close the System Preferences window.

With these methods, you can easily prevent Steam from automatically starting when you boot up your computer, whether you’re using Windows or macOS. This can help speed up your computer’s startup process and give you more control over when you launch the Steam application.