Introduction
By default, after you install Steam it’s configured to load when you start your Windows computer. This can be a pain for a few different reasons. The first is that loading Steam as part of your Windows computer’s startup process can dramatically slow down your computer’s boot-up time. And second, this also kicks off Steam checking for Steam application and game updates in the background, and starting to install them if there are any detected. Thankfully, if you’d prefer to control when Steam was running and to initiative Steam application and game updates when you want to rather than every time you boot up your computer, it’s easy to stop Steam from starting automatically. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.
Steps to Stop Steam From Opening On Startup
- Launch the Steam app on your computer. You’ll land on your Steam home screen.
- Click “Steam” in the menu that runs along the top of the screen. A drop-down menu is displayed.
- Click “Settings” in the drop-down menu. The Settings window opens.
- Choose “Interface” in the menu on the left side of the Settings window. Interface options will be shown on the right side of the window.
- Click to remove the check mark from “Run Steam when my computer starts.” Going forward Steam will no longer open automatically when you start your computer. As a result of this, you’ll no longer have to worry about Steam slowing down your computer’s boot process, and you also won’t have to worry about Steam updates starting automatically when you start your Windows computer.
Five Reasons to Stop Steam from Opening on Startup
1. Improve Performance
When you turn on your computer, you want it to start up quickly, but sometimes, the Steam app running on startup can slow down your boot time. It’s because the app uses system resources and takes time to load up. This can cause your overall system performance to suffer, making your computer feel sluggish. Preventing Steam app from opening on startup can speed up your computer’s boot time and improve your system’s performance. You’ll be able to use your computer more efficiently and get to work more quickly.
2. Privacy Concerns
Steam app collects data from your computer and sends it to its servers. If you’re concerned about your privacy, you may want to prevent it from opening on startup. By doing so, you can limit the amount of data that the app collects and sends to Steam’s servers. Preventing the app from opening on startup can help you feel more secure and protect your privacy.
3. Minimize Distractions
Do you find Steam app opening on startup distracting? Preventing it from automatically launching every time you start your computer can help you minimize distractions. This is particularly helpful if you’re working on a project or trying to focus on something important. By preventing Steam app from opening on startup, you’ll be able to start your work without any unnecessary distractions.
4. Customize Startup Items
Some users may want to customize their startup items and prevent Steam app from running automatically. By doing so, they can free up resources for other applications and improve their computer’s performance. You can customize your startup items by opening the Task Manager and selecting the startup tab. From there, you can enable or disable the applications that you want to run on startup.
5. Manage Network Bandwidth
When Steam app starts up, it may use up network bandwidth to download updates or sync your games. Preventing it from opening on startup can help you manage your network usage. By doing so, you can limit the amount of bandwidth that Steam app uses and prevent it from interfering with other applications that require network connectivity. This can be particularly helpful if you have limited bandwidth or are trying to conserve your network usage.
