Login Items Not Loading
Apple macOS
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Apps you added to your Mac's startup list are not launching at login. This usually happens after a macOS update or when an app is moved or updated. The fix is to remove and re-add the apps to your Login Items list.
Affected Models
- macOS Sequoia
- macOS Sonoma
- macOS Ventura
- macOS Monterey
Common Causes
- A macOS update reset or cleared the Login Items list
- An app was updated or moved to a new location and the old shortcut is broken
- System Integrity Protection or security settings are blocking the app from auto-launching
- The app requires additional permissions it hasn't been granted yet
- A corrupted preference file is preventing the login item from running
How to Fix It
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Open System Settings and click General, then Login Items and Extensions.
You will see a list of apps set to open when you log in.
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Check if the apps you expect are in the list. If they are missing, click the + button to add them.
Navigate to your Applications folder and select the app to add it back.
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If the apps are listed but still not opening, remove them and re-add them.
Select the app, click the minus button to remove it, then add it again with the plus button.
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Check that the app has permission to run in the background. Some apps show a toggle — make sure it is turned on.
In macOS Ventura and later, background permissions are shown right in the Login Items screen.
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If nothing works, delete the app's preferences file: open Finder, press Command + Shift + G, go to ~/Library/Preferences/, and delete the .plist file for that app.
The app will recreate this file on next launch. You may need to re-enter your settings for that app.
When to Call a Professional
This is a straightforward settings issue — no professional help needed. If your Mac is extremely slow to boot, there may be a deeper startup problem worth investigating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my login items disappear after a macOS update?
Major macOS updates sometimes reset Login Items as part of the upgrade process. You simply need to add your apps back through System Settings, General, Login Items. This is a known inconvenience with major macOS version upgrades.
Can too many login items slow down my Mac's startup?
Yes — every app in your Login Items list adds to boot time. Consider removing apps you don't actually need at startup. You can always open them manually when you need them.
Where did Login Items move in newer macOS versions?
In macOS Ventura and later, Login Items moved to System Settings, General, Login Items. In older macOS versions (Monterey and earlier), it was in System Preferences, Users and Groups. The location changed — but the feature works the same way.