See and stop apps that run in the background on your Mac

Why it happens

Many apps install small helpers that keep working after you close the app, to check for updates, sync files or show a menu bar icon. macOS lists every one of them so you can see what is allowed. Turning one off stops it starting in the background, but the app itself still works when you open it.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu and click System Settings.

2. Click General, then Login Items & Extensions. Look down the background list and switch off any app you don't want running.

   macOS 26 Tahoe General›Login Items & Extensions›App Background Activity

   macOS 27 Golden Gate General›Login Items & Extensions›Background App Activity

3. Type your password if asked. Restart later to be sure the helper has stopped.

On macOS 26 the list is headed App Background Activity. On macOS 27 the same list is called Background App Activity.

Still not fixed?

1. If the app opens a window every time you log in, it's also in Open at Login at the top of the same page. Select it and click the minus button.

   General›Login Items & Extensions›Open at Login

2. Some apps switch themselves back on. Open the app's own settings with Command-Comma and turn off its launch at login option.

3. If you don't recognise an app at all, find it in the Applications folder and move it to the Trash.

4. If a background item keeps coming back and you can't tell where it's from, contact Apple Support to have it checked.