The Cluttered Login
If you regularly restart your Mac to install system updates or simply to clear out the system memory, you might be frustrated by Google Chrome launching itself immediately upon login. Not only does this slow down your Mac’s boot time as the operating system struggles to load the heavy browser, but it also instantly clutters your clean desktop with whatever tabs you had open previously. This automatic launching behavior is usually triggered by a specific macOS setting designed to help you pick up where you left off, rather than a setting within Chrome itself.
How to Disable “Reopen Windows” During Restart
The most common culprit is the prompt that macOS gives you right before it shuts down.
1. Click the Apple logo () in the top-left corner of the menu bar.
2. Select Restart… or Shut Down…
3. A confirmation dialog box will appear in the center of your screen.
4. Look for the checkbox labelled Reopen windows when logging back in.
5. Untick this checkbox.
6. Click Restart.
macOS remembers this preference. As long as you leave it unticked, Chrome (and all your other open applications) will remain closed the next time you turn your computer on.
How to Remove Chrome from Login Items
If Chrome still launches automatically even when you untick the box mentioned above, it has likely been added to your Mac’s permanent “Login Items” list.
1. Click the Apple logo () in the top-left corner.
2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences).
3. In the left-hand sidebar, click on General.
4. Click on Login Items.
5. Look at the list under the “Open at Login” section at the top.
6. If you see Google Chrome in this list, click on it to highlight it.
7. Click the small minus (-) button below the list to remove it.
Chrome is now completely banned from launching itself when you log into your Mac.