Steam opens when you turn on your PC: Guide to prevent it from starting automatically

If Steam pops up unbidden every time you turn on your computer, you're not alone: ​​it's more common than it seems, and luckily, there's a solution. Controlling autostart helps you boot your computer faster and keep distractions at bay.

In this guide, you'll find all the ways to prevent the Valve client from starting on its own, both from within the platform's own settings and from Windows, macOS, and Linux. Let's cover the official methods and also alternatives, with tips for cases where Steam reactivates on its own. Let's learn everything about Steam opens when you turn on your PC: Guide to prevent it from starting automatically

Why does Steam appear when I start my computer?

The first thing to understand is why: Steam includes an option to run automatically with the system and may also be listed in your operating system's startup programs. These two levers These are the ones that usually activate the boot without user intervention.

In the client itself, you'll find a typical setting called something like "Launch Steam when I start my computer." If this is checked, Steam will open every time you log in. Even if you close it to the tray, it will remain active in the background if you have configured it to do so.

It may also be added as a startup item in Windows, macOS, or the Linux desktop environment. The system will call you even if you have disabled it within the application.

Finally, keep in mind that some client updates and profile changes (such as beta testing) may reset preferences. If you notice that it reappears without warning, this may be due to a setting that has been re-enabled after an update.

Disable launch from Steam

Before you touch anything in the system, use the fastest route: the client itself. Remove that permission in the preferences is usually sufficient for most users.

Open Steam and go to its settings: on Windows you can access it from the Steam > Settings menu, and on macOS from Steam > Preferences. Within the general options or interface you will see a box equivalent to “Run Steam when I start my computer”. Uncheck it.

Take the opportunity to review these related options: “Start Steam minimized” and “Close to system tray.” Uncheck autostart but leaving the closure in the tray will prevent it from starting on its own, although when you close it it will continue in the background if it was already open.

Confirm the changes and restart the session to check the result. If it keeps appearing, continue with the operating system methods because it may be set to system-level login.

Prevent Steam from starting on Windows

Windows offers several paths to removing applications from startup, from the simplest to the most advanced. Standard tools like Task Manager solve most cases.

Task Manager (Startup tab): Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to “Startup,” locate Steam, and select “Disable.” Prevents its launch when you log in.

Windows Settings: Go to Settings > Apps > Startup and find Steam in the list. turn off the switch so that it does not run automatically.

User Startup Folder: Press Win + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter. If you see a Steam shortcut, delete it. Remove access prevents the app from being called in your profile when you log in.

Registry (Advanced): Open Registry Editor (Win + R > regedit) and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. Steam Run Value, if it appears, delete it carefully. Repeat the verification on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE for all users if applicable.

Task Scheduler: Open the Task Scheduler and review the task library. Scheduled Task that Steam invokes upon login should be disabled or removed.

Group Policies (corporate environments): If you manage computers on a network, you can force this not to run using policies. Block execution at startup helps maintain clean boot on multiple computers.

A practical note: if you still see the icon in the tray, check Steam to make sure the option to keep it in the background is not selected. Do not start alone and another thing is that, if it was already open, it is minimized when closing.

Prevent Steam from starting on macOS

In macOS, the control is in the Startup Items and also in the Dock icon options. Take it out of there is usually definitive.

Startup Items (Ventura and later): System Settings > General > Startup Items. Locate Steam and disable or remove it from the list. Prevents its start when logging in.

Startup Items (older versions): System Preferences > Users & Groups > your user > Startup Items. Select Steam and press the minus button to remove it. Take it back so that it doesn't open again on its own.

Dock: If you have Steam docked, right-click on its icon > Options and uncheck “Open at login” if it’s enabled. Dock Adjustment You can also force automatic opening even if the client has it disabled.

LaunchAgents (advanced): Check ~/Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchAgents for an agent that calls Steam. .plist to launch it It should be moved out or disabled carefully, always after making a backup.

Prevent Steam from starting on Linux

On Linux it depends a lot on the desktop environment, but the idea is the same: remove the autostart entry. Autostart folder of the user is the usual route.

GNOME (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.): Open “Startup Applications” or “Startup Applications”. If Steam appears, uncheck or delete it. Manages .desktop that run when you log in.

KDE Plasma: Go to System Preferences > Startup & Shutdown > Autostart. Remove Steam if it's listed. Centralize tasks start in Plasma.

Standard folder: Check ~/.config/autostart/ for steam.desktop or another .desktop that invokes “steam %U”. Delete or rename it to prevent its automatic execution.

User systemd (advanced): Some distributions allow user services. Run systemctl –user list-unit-files | grep steam and disable it if it appears. Check user services It is advisable if the start persists.

Steam keeps turning itself back on? Causes and solutions

There are situations where, after updating the client, certain settings may be reset. After an update, go into Settings to confirm that autostart is still unchecked.

It also happens if you switch between channels (stable and beta), or if you reinstall. Default options They are activated on fresh installations and may include booting with the system.

Check out third-party add-ons and utilities, such as game launchers or library managers. Third-party launchers Sometimes they invoke Steam to validate licenses or sync upon login.

Make sure it's not opening "minimized" and is simply displayed in the tray or menu bar. Only the icon appears It may be due to the minimize on close option.

In stubborn cases, completely remove startup entries, clear the client cache, and recreate the configuration. Clean and reconfigure It often ends up with strange behavior after multiple updates.

I want it not to open, but I need updates

Many people prefer not to have it start with the system, but rather have the games update when they open Steam. Updates They don't occur if Steam isn't running, so the balance is to open it manually when it suits you.

An alternative is to allow it to run, but minimized and in the background, if your priority is to have it “ready to play” with up-to-date downloads. Minimized start and closure to the tray reduce discomfort without sacrificing comfort.

Another option is to schedule update windows: open Steam periodically (for example, at the end of the day) to allow it to sync. 10-15 minutes opening are usually enough to bring everything up to date if your library is not huge.

If you don't want to limit your bandwidth at critical times, use the client's own download and schedule limits. Limit downloads and setting bands prevents use during peak hours.

Troubleshooting: Quick Steps

If none of the above works for you the first time, follow this ordered sequence to tackle the problem without wasting time. From simple to advanced reduce errors and avoid excessive fiddling.

• Steam Home Box: uncheck it in Settings/Preferences.
• Disable in the system: Windows (Startup), macOS (Startup Items), Linux (Autostart).
• Shortcuts: Removes shortcuts from the startup folder (shell:startup on Windows, autostart on Linux).
• Minimization and tray: Avoid confusing background icon with autostart.
• Update or reinstall- If there is configuration corruption, reinstalling may fix it.

Remember to log out and back in (or log back in) after each change to verify. Test after each adjustment will tell you where the origin was.

Frequently asked questions and little tricks

Can I prevent automatic startup only for certain PC users? Yes, control the startup entry in each account's profile. Boot list per user In most configurations it allows customization by profile.

Does Big Picture mode affect startup? Not necessarily, but if you enable it to launch when a controller is detected, it could open in that mode and affect options like stream on Steam. Remote start disabled prevents surprises when connecting peripherals.

What happens if I use multiple libraries on external drives? Nothing special regarding startup, but if Steam opens searching for drives, disable the startup check. Automatic assemblies It is best to avoid them if they are not always available.

Can an antivirus or firewall force a startup? No, although they could interfere with shutting down or opening the tray. Allow the process Steam's firewall helps with stable behavior.

What if I want it to start, but later? In Windows, you can delay the startup using Task Scheduler. Delayed task allows Steam to start, for example, five minutes after startup.

Useful notes and legal details

Regarding legal and privacy issues, Valve indicates that all rights to its platform are reserved and that the trademarks cited belong to their respective owners in the United States and other countries. Prices include taxes are usually displayed where appropriate, and you have links to their privacy policy and subscriber agreement.

Before modifying system or client files, make sure you have backup copies of anything you plan to touch. Act with prudence avoids scares and allows you to revert any changes if something doesn't go as expected.

If you share a computer with others, create separate profiles and define startup items for each one. Each user decides how to start your session without affecting others.

For computers with limited resources, it's worth checking out other startup programs besides Steam. Less loading at startup, the faster your system will be ready for work or play.

With these guidelines, you'll have the client under control: it will launch only when you want it to, without blocking login time and without taking up unnecessary resources. Disable your boot in the app and confirming that the operating system doesn't call it from its startup lists is the key. Now you know everything about Steam opens when you turn on your PC: Guide to prevent it from starting automatically.