Introduction
Discord is great for staying in touch with friends and groups. Installing the Windows app on your computer let’s you maintain communication with your various groups easily when you’re working on your computer. However, the default Discord settings don’t just launch Discord when you start your Windows computer, but it opens to your Discord home screen, which can be annoying. Thankfully, you can either disable Discord on startup completely, or still launch Discord but have it minimized to the system tray.
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Steps to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup in Windows
- Launch the Discord app on your Windows computer. You’ll land on your Discord home screen.
- Click the “Settings” icon next to your Discord username at the bottom of the screen. Your Discord My Account screen will be displayed.
- Navigate to the App Settings section, and then tap “Windows Settings” in that section.
- Click to toggle off “Open Discord” if you don’t want Discord to launch at all when you start your Windows computer. Alternatively, if you want to open Discord but you want it to be minimized to the system tray by default you can leave the Open Discord toggle on but you’ll also want to toggle on “Start Minimized.”
Reasons to Stop Discord from Opening on Startup in Windows
1. Performance Implications
Performance is a key reason to halt Discord from initiating on startup. Every program that boots up when your computer does impacts system efficiency. It’s analogous to you having to carry a heavy bag first thing in the morning—it slows you down. If Discord, among other programs, runs automatically, your machine must work harder and longer to get to a ready state. Preventing unnecessary startup programs can speed up your computer’s boot time, giving you a smoother, more enjoyable user experience.
2. Conservation of System Resources
Background apps like Discord consume system resources. Your computer has to allocate memory and CPU power to keep Discord running, even when idle. This situation can cause other programs to slow down, or the system itself may become sluggish. If you don’t use Discord frequently, stopping it from auto-starting could free up resources, enhancing the performance of other programs and your overall system.
3. Preserving Battery Life
For laptop users, battery life is a precious commodity. Unnecessary programs running in the background can put a dent in it. Discord, when active, consumes power, and this can lead to a faster drain of your laptop’s battery. Hence, it’s wise to disable Discord’s auto-start feature, particularly when you’re traveling or in situations where charging might be inconvenient.
4. Internet Data Usage
Discord utilizes internet data, even in the background. The app stays connected, keeping your status updated and synchronizing messages. This activity means constant data use. For people on limited data plans, this can pose a problem. Background data usage by apps like Discord could consume a significant portion of your data allowance.
5. Privacy Concerns
Privacy is another critical factor. Having Discord start automatically means you are online as soon as you boot your computer. You might not want your status to be visible all the time. Stopping Discord from auto-starting can give you better control over your online presence, letting you choose when to be visible or invisible to your contacts.
6. Limited Use of Discord
Lastly, your usage pattern of Discord might be infrequent. If you only use Discord sporadically, it doesn’t need to run all the time. It’s like keeping the lights on in a room that you rarely use—it’s an unnecessary waste. By preventing Discord from auto-starting, you can choose to open the app only when needed, promoting efficient use of your computer resources.
