How do I remove startup items in MacOS

andrewp · Jan 21, 2009, 05:40 AM

Hey, my mac has gotten a little slow due to a lot of software installed...
Watching the activity monitor shows me that a lot unnecessary items are running. These are items that I don't want to uninstall but use like 2 times a month so there's no need to have them running all the time.

In Windows I'm used to go into Msconfig and edit the startup section. In Mac OSX i've heard that I should go to account-loginitems, but the only thing showing up is Ituneshelper...

Can anyone tell me where I can find the full list of the startup programs?

dalvin200 · Jan 21, 2009, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewp

Hey, my mac has gotten a little slow due to a lot of software installed...
Watching the activity monitor shows me that a lot unnecessary items are running. These are items that I don't want to uninstall but use like 2 times a month so there's no need to have them running all the time.

In Windows I'm used to go into Msconfig and edit the startup section. In Mac OSX i've heard that I should go to account-loginitems, but the only thing showing up is Ituneshelper...

Can anyone tell me where I can find the full list of the startup programs?

system prefs -> accounts -> choose your account -> login items

andrewp · Jan 21, 2009, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalvin200

system prefs -> accounts -> choose your account -> login items

Thanks, but as mentioned it only shows me Itunes helper and nothing else. Am I missing something?

rdowns · Jan 21, 2009, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewp

Watching the activity monitor shows me that a lot unnecessary items are running. These are items that I don't want to uninstall but use like 2 times a month so there's no need to have them running all the time.

What is running that you deem unnecessary?

andrewp · Jan 21, 2009, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdowns

What is running that you deem unnecessary?

An external audio interface driver, 3 processes for my HP wireless printer that I rarely use and some more...

Fact is that my mac used to run extremely fast as soon as it entered the OS, now it takes like 30sec to achieve the same speed. So by eliminating these processes I will be able to get some of the speed back...

xUKHCx · Jan 21, 2009, 07:33 AM

Check out the folders

/Library/StartupItems
/System/Library/StartupItems

Some items of software put things in there.

Of course if you know the names of the bits of software then you can do a spotlight search for them (including System files)

redwarrior · Jan 21, 2009, 08:00 AM

Is it safe to just take stuff out of there? Qmaster is one that I don't think I need.

I have to search for "tap" and "tun"

yashrg · Mar 31, 2013, 10:12 PM

How about Plex media manager? Is there a way I can remove it from startup items without having to uninstall it completely? I don't see it listed in "login items" I don't see it in /library/startupitems or /system/library/startupitems This is really baffling!

Weaselboy · Apr 1, 2013, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yashrg

How about Plex media manager? Is there a way I can remove it from startup items without having to uninstall it completely? I don't see it listed in "login items" I don't see it in /library/startupitems or /system/library/startupitems This is really baffling!

Here is a step by step to remove Plex.

Jan 21, 2009, 05:40 AM	#1
andrewp macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2008	How do I remove startup items in MacOS Hey, my mac has gotten a little slow due to a lot of software installed... Watching the activity monitor shows me that a lot unnecessary items are running. These are items that I don't want to uninstall but use like 2 times a month so there's no need to have them running all the time. In Windows I'm used to go into Msconfig and edit the startup section. In Mac OSX i've heard that I should go to account-loginitems, but the only thing showing up is Ituneshelper... Can anyone tell me where I can find the full list of the startup programs?
	0

Jan 21, 2009, 07:33 AM	#6
xUKHCx macrumors god Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Kop	Check out the folders /Library/StartupItems /System/Library/StartupItems Some items of software put things in there. Of course if you know the names of the bits of software then you can do a spotlight search for them (including System files) __________________ Turns out they DO drink it in the Congo
	0

Jan 21, 2009, 08:00 AM	#7
redwarrior macrumors 603 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: in the Dawg house	Is it safe to just take stuff out of there? Qmaster is one that I don't think I need. I have to search for "tap" and "tun" __________________ The DriVen Class the light at the end of the tunnel may be you -Aerosmith
	0

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
How do you select multiple items in OS X?	MVApple	Mac OS X	8	Nov 16, 2008 08:32 AM
How do I remove items from the dock	Sundance2007	Mac Basics and Help	8	Jan 1, 2008 07:28 PM
How do you copy/paste files in MacOS?	generik	Mac Pro	2	Apr 12, 2006 04:44 PM
removing startup items?	wr0x2	Mac Applications and Mac App Store	5	Oct 31, 2004 09:06 AM
removing startup items	chibianh	Mac Help/Tips	3	Jun 15, 2002 06:52 AM

Mar 31, 2013, 10:12 PM	#8
yashrg macrumors member Join Date: Feb 2008	How about Plex media manager? Is there a way I can remove it from startup items without having to uninstall it completely? I don't see it listed in "login items" I don't see it in /library/startupitems or /system/library/startupitems This is really baffling!
	0


MacRumors Forums > Apple Systems and Services > Mac Basics and Help