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FAQ

How to Stop Slack From Opening on Startup (Windows and Mac)

To stop Slack opening at startup on Windows, open Task Manager, go to Startup apps, right-click Slack and choose Disable. On a Mac, open System Settings, General, Login Items and remove Slack. Steps for Windows 10 and 11, macOS, and what changes for your Slack status.

Slack Green Team
September 23, 2026
September 23, 2026
5 min read
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To stop Slack from opening when your computer starts, turn it off in your operating system's startup list. On Windows 11, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, choose Startup apps, right-click Slack and select Disable; you can also use Settings, Apps, Startup. On a Mac, open System Settings, General, Login Items, select Slack under Open at Login, and click the minus button. Slack still works when you open it yourself; it just stops launching on its own.

While Slack is closed on a computer, that computer reports you as away. If your team reads the dot, Slack Green keeps it green during the working hours you set, from the cloud, whether Slack is open or not.

Stop Slack from opening on startup: Task Manager, Startup apps, Login Items, close to tray, presence

Turn off Slack at startup

Turn off Slack at startup on Windows 11, Windows 10 and macOS
SystemSteps
Windows 11Ctrl+Shift+Esc, Startup apps, right-click Slack, Disable
Windows 11 SettingsSettings, Apps, Startup, turn Slack off
Windows 10Task Manager, Startup tab, Slack, Disable
macOS Ventura and laterSystem Settings, General, Login Items, select Slack, minus button
macOS DockRight-click Slack in the Dock, Options, untick Open at Login

Some Slack versions also have a launch-at-login option in Slack's own preferences. If Slack keeps coming back after you disabled it in the system list, check there too. To undo any of this, reverse the same step.

Stop Slack running in the background

Closing the Slack window on Windows often leaves it running in the notification area, so notifications keep arriving. To quit fully, right-click the Slack icon in the notification area and choose Quit, or use File, Quit Slack. On a Mac, press Cmd+Q. Quitting also frees the memory Slack uses; see why Slack uses so much memory.

What changes for your status when Slack does not start

Nunca mais apareça como "ausente" no Slack

Na nuvem. Sem downloads. Funciona 24/7 mesmo com seu notebook desligado.

Slack not running at startup: what others see while it is closed and when you open it

  • While Slack is closed on a computer, that computer counts as away. You still get notifications on your phone if Slack is installed there.
  • When you open it, you show as active after your first input in Slack, and away again 10 minutes after your last one. The rules are in how long does Slack stay active.
  • Nothing is lost. Messages wait until you open Slack.

If you want Slack in a browser tab instead of an app, see Slack desktop app vs browser; if links keep opening the wrong one, see Slack keeps opening in the browser.

FAQ

How do I stop Slack from opening automatically?

Disable it in Task Manager's Startup apps on Windows, or remove it from Login Items on a Mac.

How do I stop Slack from opening on startup on Windows 11?

Ctrl+Shift+Esc, Startup apps, right-click Slack, Disable.

How do I stop Slack from launching at login on a Mac?

System Settings, General, Login Items, select Slack, click the minus button.

Does disabling startup uninstall Slack?

No. It only stops Slack opening on its own.

Will I still get Slack notifications?

Only on devices where Slack is running, such as your phone.

Always Active

Pare de Mexer o Mouse.

Centenas de trabalhadores remotos não se preocupam mais com o status do Slack. Configure uma vez, fique verde para sempre.

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    How to Stop Slack From Opening on Startup: Win and Mac