How to stop Zoom from opening on startup?

How to Stop Zoom from Opening on Startup

Are you tired of having Zoom open every time you start your computer? Do you wish you could avoid this pesky app that’s always trying to launch at the bottom of your taskbar? If so, you’re not alone. Many users struggle with this issue, and there are several ways to stop Zoom from opening on startup. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods you can use to prevent Zoom from launching automatically at the beginning of your computer.

Why Do We Want Zoom to Open on Startup?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why Zoom might be trying to launch on startup. Here are a few possible reasons:

User request: Some users may have clicked on the "Allow Zoom to launch" button in the "Allow third-party apps to access camera and microphone" setting in the Windows Settings app.

Pre-installed on Windows: Windows 10 for Home and Pro editions come with pre-installed Zoom, and if you install Zoom in the cloud, it will also be pre-installed.

Shortcut file: You may have created a shortcut file in the Start menu to launch Zoom automatically.

Ways to Stop Zoom from Opening on Startup

Now that we’ve covered the reasons behind the issue, let’s explore the different ways to stop Zoom from opening on startup. Here are some methods you can try:

Table of Contents

Method 1: Uninstall Zoom

Removing the wrong software
Uninstalling the wrong software can be a simple solution to the problem. To uninstall Zoom, follow these steps:

Press the Windows key + X and select "Applications"

Open the "Apps & features" section

Find Zoom in the list and select it

Click the "Uninstall" button

Confirm that you want to uninstall Zoom

Be careful with software
Before uninstalling, make sure you’re going to the correct software and not a different version of Zoom.

Method 2: Disable Windows Autostart

Checking the Windows settings
Here’s how to check if Windows Autostart is enabled:

Press the Windows key + R

Type "msconfig" and press Enter

In the "Startup" tab, look for the "Startup" field

Check the box next to "Hide all apps when not in use"

Click "Apply" and then "OK"

Checking for third-party software
Make sure that no third-party software is installed with Autostart enabled.

Method 3: Disable Zoom in the Taskbar

Resizing the taskbar
Try this:

Right-click on the taskbar

Select "Properties"

Click on the "Lock" button

Right-click on the "Zoom" icon and select "Properties"

In the "Properties" window, uncheck the "Auto-run" box

Click "OK" to save changes

Method 4: Use the "Run Zoom" feature

Checking for software updates
You can check if there are any software updates available for Zoom:

Press the Windows key + X and select "Run command"

Type "shutdown /s" and press Enter

Wait for the shutdown process to complete

Press the Windows key + X and select "Run command"

Type "winver" and press Enter

Look for "Zoom" in the list of programs installed on your computer

Method 5: Disable Zoom in the Windows Settings app

Logging in to Windows
To disable Zoom in the Windows Settings app, follow these steps:

Press the Windows key + I

Click on "Update & Security"

Click on "Apps & features"

Find Zoom in the list and select it

Click the "Toggle" button next to it

Click "Apply" and then "OK"

Logging out and logging back in
To completely disable Zoom, you may need to log out and log back in. You can try this:

Click on the "User accounts" section

Select your account

Click on "User full name" at the top right of the window

Click on "Change username"

Type in your new username and click "OK"

Wait for the login process to complete

Method 6: Use a registry hack

Creating a registry hack
If you’re comfortable with editing the registry, you can try the following:

Press the Windows key + R

Type "regedit" and press Enter

Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun

Look for the "Zoom" value and create a new DWORD value with the name "Restart"

Type %kernel32.dll into the value and press Enter

Exit the registry editor

Important notes

Be careful when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can cause system instability.

If you’re using a 64-bit version of Windows, you may need to use a 32-bit version of the registry editor.

Conclusion

Stopping Zoom from opening on startup can be a simple solution to this problem. By trying out the different methods we’ve covered, you should be able to prevent Zoom from launching at the bottom of your taskbar. Remember to be careful when editing the registry and try to minimize the number of software versions you’re using.

FAQs

Q: Why does Zoom keep opening on startup?
A: This is usually due to a software issue or a pre-installed app on your Windows version.

Q: Can I prevent Zoom from opening on startup with a shortcut file?
A: Yes, you can create a shortcut file in the Start menu to launch Zoom automatically.

Q: How do I disable Zoom in the Windows Settings app?
A: To disable Zoom in the Windows Settings app, follow the steps in Method 5.

Troubleshooting Tips

If Zoom keeps opening on startup, try disabling it in the Windows Settings app or uninstalling it.

If Zoom is not launching, check the event logs for any errors or issues.

If you’re still having trouble, try restarting your computer or uninstalling the software and reinstalling it.

By following these steps, you should be able to stop Zoom from opening on startup and resolve the issue.