How to Stop Spotify from Opening on Startup (Windows/Mac)

Written By Rosie

Last updated: 2026-07-08

2 min read

Does Spotify automatically launch every time you start your computer? If you're wondering how to stop Spotify from opening on startup, you're not alone. Spotify is configured to launch automatically after login on many devices, but the good news is that you can easily disable this behavior. In this guide, you'll learn how to disable Spotify startup on Windows, and Mac. We'll also share how to enjoy Spotify music offline without relying on the Spotify app.

Contents Guide Part 1. Why Does Spotify Open on Startup?Part 2. How to Disable Spotify Startup in Spotify Settings?Part 3. How to Disable Spotify Startup in Windows?Part 4. How to Disable Spotify Startup on Mac?Part 5. Enjoy Spotify Offline Without Keeping the App RunningPart 6. FAQsPart 7. Final Thoughts

Part 1. Why Does Spotify Open on Startup?

Before changing any settings, it's helpful to understand why Spotify starts automatically. Several factors may cause Spotify to launch when you sign in to your device:

  • Spotify's Open Spotify automatically after you log into the computer setting is enabled.
  • Spotify has been added to your system's startup applications.
  • Your operating system restores previously opened apps after login.
  • Spotify background services continue running after you close the app.
  • A recent update resets startup preferences.

Fortunately, all of these settings can be adjusted.

Part 2. How to Disable Spotify Startup in Spotify Settings?

The easiest way to stop Spotify from opening on startup is through Spotify's built-in settings.

Here's how to do that.

  1. Open the Spotify desktop app on your Windows or Mac.
  2. Click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Scroll down and click Show Advanced Settings (if available).
  5. Find Startup and Window Behavior.
  6. Locate Open Spotify automatically after you log into the computer.
  7. Change the setting to No.
  8. Restart your computer to confirm that Spotify no longer launches automatically.

Spotify Startup and Window Behavior

This official method works for most users and should be your first troubleshooting step.

Part 3. How to Disable Spotify Startup in Windows?

If Spotify still launches automatically, Windows may be starting the app independently. Here are three ways to stop Spotify from opening on startup on Windows.

Method 1: Disable Spotify in Startup Apps (Windows 11)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Startup.
  3. Locate Spotify.
  4. Turn the switch Off.

Method 2: Use Task Manager (Windows 10 & 11)

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Open the Startup Apps tab.
  3. Find Spotify.
  4. Right-click it.
  5. Select Disable.

Disable Spotify Startup

This prevents Spotify from launching whenever Windows starts.

Method 3: Check Startup Folder

If Spotify still appears after startup, check whether a shortcut exists in the Windows Startup folder and remove it if necessary.

Part 4. How to Disable Spotify Startup on Mac?

Mac users can also disable Spotify from launching during login.

Remove Spotify from Login Items

  1. Open System Settings.
  2. Select General.
  3. Click Login Items & Extensions.
  4. Locate Spotify.
  5. Remove it from the login items list.

Remove Spotify from Login Items

Part 5. Enjoy Spotify Offline Without Keeping the App Running

If your goal is to enjoy Spotify music without keeping the Spotify application open, DumpMedia Spotify Music Converter offers a practical solution for personal offline listening. With DumpMedia, you can convert Spotify songs, albums, and playlists to MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, and other popular formats. This allows music to be stored locally and played across various devices. Even if the Spotify app is not working on your device, you can play Spotify songs offline on another music player immediately.

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🏆Why Choose DumpMedia Spotify Music Converter

    • Built-in Spotify player - to directly log into your Spotify library and choose all songs you like.
    • Original sound quality retained - keep a better quality status to save Spotify's original music effects.
    • Keep ID3 Tags and metadata information - extract music files with original ID3 tags as well as metadata information.
    • Batch playlist downloading speed - ensure ultra-fast playlist downloading speed, which can accelerate faster and facilitate higher music download efficiency.
    • Customize output settings - to choose your favorite bitrate and sample rate based on your needs.

    If you're looking for greater flexibility beyond simply trying to stop Spotify from opening on startup, DumpMedia can make offline music management much more convenient.

    How to Use DumpMedia Spotify Music Converter

    Step 1. DumpMedia Spotify Music Converter supports Windows and Mac. Choose the right version and download it from the download button above on your computer.

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    Step 2. In the built-in Spotify web player, log in to your Spotify account and choose the songs you need to play offline. After that, drag and drop the song to the conversion button (a plus icon).

    Add Spotify Music To DumpMedia

    Step 3. Choose your preferred output format.

    Choose MP3 As The Output Format

    Step 4. After all the settings are done, start downloading the selected songs by pressing the Convert button. This converter uses advanced technology, you will have a fast and smooth conversion, but may also depend on your internet speed. Go to the destination folder to see your downloaded files.

    Convert Spotify To MP3

    Part 6. FAQs

    Can I stop Spotify from running in the background?

    Yes. Completely quit Spotify after closing it and adjust your device's background activity or battery settings if necessary.

    Does disabling startup affect Spotify?

    No. Spotify will continue to work normally, you'll simply need to open it manually whenever you want to listen to music.

    How do I stop Spotify from opening after login?

    Disable Spotify's startup option inside the app and remove it from your operating system's startup applications or Login Items.

    Can I listen to Spotify without opening the Spotify app?

    Official Spotify streaming requires the app. However, for personal offline listening, DumpMedia Spotify Music Converter lets you convert Spotify music into common audio formats that can be played on many compatible devices without relying on the Spotify desktop app.

    Part 7. Final Thoughts

    Learning how to stop Spotify from opening on startup is a simple way to speed up your computer, reduce background resource usage, and improve your overall user experience. Whether you're using Windows and Mac, disabling Spotify's automatic launch only takes a few minutes.

    If you also want more flexibility when listening offline, DumpMedia Spotify Music Converter provides an efficient way to convert Spotify songs and playlists into widely supported audio formats while preserving audio quality and metadata, making your personal music library easier to enjoy across compatible devices.

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