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[GH-ISSUE #162] Don't automatically start on startup / have an option to disable this #46573

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opened 2026-04-27 23:03:04 -05:00 by GiteaMirror · 61 comments
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:04 -05:00
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Originally created by @gregsadetsky on GitHub (Jul 21, 2023).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/ollama/ollama/issues/162

EDIT: there's a PR for it now!

Thanks for making this!

I noticed that on macOS (I suppose it's the same on Windows), the app sets itself to open at login. This is done here:

91cd54016c/app/src/index.ts (L175),L180

  1. I'm not sure whether that should be the case by default (up for discussion)
  2. I don't remember seeing a warning about this when installing the app (this might be debatable as well)
  3. it would be great to have an option within the app to disable this

Cheers

Originally created by @gregsadetsky on GitHub (Jul 21, 2023). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/ollama/ollama/issues/162 EDIT: [there's a PR for it now](https://github.com/ollama/ollama/pull/7097)! --- Thanks for making this! I noticed that on macOS (I suppose it's the same on Windows), the app sets itself to open at login. This is done here: https://github.com/jmorganca/ollama/blob/91cd54016c47b71223e8263c44250766874e05cf/app/src/index.ts#L175,L180 1) I'm not sure whether that should be the case by default (up for discussion) 2) I don't remember seeing a warning about this when installing the app (this might be debatable as well) 3) it would be great to have an option within the app to disable this Cheers
GiteaMirror added the feature request label 2026-04-27 23:03:04 -05:00
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:08 -05:00
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@mchiang0610 commented on GitHub (Jul 21, 2023):

Sorry about that. We will definitely have a setting for disabling automatic start at login.

The quickest workaround right now, before we get to a fix, is to disable via macOS system preferences:

We do respect its settings.

Image 2023-07-21 at 9 23 19 AM
<!-- gh-comment-id:1645935475 --> @mchiang0610 commented on GitHub (Jul 21, 2023): Sorry about that. We will definitely have a setting for disabling automatic start at login. The quickest workaround right now, before we get to a fix, is to disable via macOS system preferences: We do respect its settings. <img width="709" alt="Image 2023-07-21 at 9 23 19 AM" src="https://github.com/jmorganca/ollama/assets/3325447/6dfe458a-b3a3-4b24-81ef-b05742d7fb15">
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:12 -05:00
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@csterritt commented on GitHub (Aug 26, 2023):

Note that this should integrate with bug 283 wherein it prompts to install the command line tools, even if they're installed.

The problem is that if you quit out of ollama without doing that install, the next time it starts up it sets itself to open at startup again.

<!-- gh-comment-id:1694399554 --> @csterritt commented on GitHub (Aug 26, 2023): Note that this should integrate with [bug 283](https://github.com/jmorganca/ollama/issues/283) wherein it prompts to install the command line tools, even if they're installed. The problem is that if you quit out of ollama without doing that install, the next time it starts up it sets itself to open at startup again.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:16 -05:00
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@panckreous commented on GitHub (Sep 23, 2023):

While the os-level setting is definitely respected once we undo it at the os level, I'm hoping to see this changed to an opt-in setting addressed through the application.

In my opinion, it's ok to ask me if I'd like the application to launch on system startup during the install process (checkbox should be off by default), then otherwise I expect to be able to find the setting in the application's preferences.

I find this to be common practice amongst the higher-quality macos applications I use, especially those with menubar-only presences like ollama.

In terms of examples, I find that most of the prodigious Sindre Sorhus' newer menubar apps to be good examples (Velja and Folder Peek, for example, which I assume use his LaunchAtLogin / LaunchAtLogin-Modern libraries to implement) and find almost every single aspect of CleanShot X to be the gold standard

Most importantly: thank all of you for ollama and all the work you continue to put into it

<!-- gh-comment-id:1732366283 --> @panckreous commented on GitHub (Sep 23, 2023): While the os-level setting is definitely respected once we undo it at the os level, I'm hoping to see this changed to an opt-in setting addressed through the application. In my opinion, it's ok to ask me if I'd like the application to launch on system startup during the install process (checkbox should be off by default), then otherwise I expect to be able to find the setting in the application's preferences. I find this to be common practice amongst the higher-quality macos applications I use, especially those with menubar-only presences like ollama. In terms of examples, I find that most of the prodigious Sindre Sorhus' newer menubar apps to be good examples ([Velja](https://sindresorhus.com/velja) and [Folder Peek](https://sindresorhus.com/folder-peek), for example, which I assume use his [LaunchAtLogin](https://github.com/sindresorhus/LaunchAtLogin) / [LaunchAtLogin-Modern](https://github.com/sindresorhus/LaunchAtLogin-Modern) libraries to implement) and find almost every single aspect of [CleanShot X](https://cleanshot.com/) to be the gold standard Most importantly: thank all of you for ollama and all the work you continue to put into it
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:18 -05:00
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@StackFox commented on GitHub (Apr 2, 2024):

Sorry about that. We will definitely have a setting for disabling automatic start at login.

The quickest workaround right now, before we get to a fix, is to disable via macOS system preferences:

We do respect its settings.
Image 2023-07-21 at 9 23 19 AM

Well, what about windows?

<!-- gh-comment-id:2031997866 --> @StackFox commented on GitHub (Apr 2, 2024): > Sorry about that. We will definitely have a setting for disabling automatic start at login. > > The quickest workaround right now, before we get to a fix, is to disable via macOS system preferences: > > We do respect its settings. > <img alt="Image 2023-07-21 at 9 23 19 AM" width="709" src="https://private-user-images.githubusercontent.com/3325447/255229359-6dfe458a-b3a3-4b24-81ef-b05742d7fb15.png?jwt=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.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.DtyOJHeqB8H0tgu_SS8wwolYwBXGDHPj99BiLDppoi4"> Well, what about windows?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:20 -05:00
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@Gbr22 commented on GitHub (Apr 10, 2024):

+1 for windows. Is there a windows service where we can change the startup options?

<!-- gh-comment-id:2047408433 --> @Gbr22 commented on GitHub (Apr 10, 2024): +1 for windows. Is there a windows service where we can change the startup options?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:22 -05:00
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@TehPers commented on GitHub (Apr 23, 2024):

Pretty sure you can change your startup programs in Windows by opening up Task manager. Make sure to open up the advanced view, and there should be a tab for startup apps. (This should be true of old and new Task Manager)

I'll admit I run this through Docker though and don't have any issues with it opening on startup on Windows as a result, so I haven't been able to verify it's there.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2071621746 --> @TehPers commented on GitHub (Apr 23, 2024): Pretty sure you can change your startup programs in Windows by opening up Task manager. Make sure to open up the advanced view, and there should be a tab for startup apps. (This should be true of old and new Task Manager) I'll admit I run this through Docker though and don't have any issues with it opening on startup on Windows as a result, so I haven't been able to verify it's there.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:23 -05:00
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@StackFox commented on GitHub (Apr 24, 2024):

It doesn't show on my PC, So is there any other way?

<!-- gh-comment-id:2074656454 --> @StackFox commented on GitHub (Apr 24, 2024): It doesn't show on my PC, So is there any other way?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:26 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jul 2, 2024):

@mchiang0610 any plans to implement this soon?

<!-- gh-comment-id:2204635113 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jul 2, 2024): @mchiang0610 any plans to implement this soon?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:27 -05:00
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@data-miner00 commented on GitHub (Aug 4, 2024):

I'm on Linux and ollama is also set to start on boot..

<!-- gh-comment-id:2267898584 --> @data-miner00 commented on GitHub (Aug 4, 2024): I'm on Linux and ollama is also set to start on boot..
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:30 -05:00
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@johannesrave commented on GitHub (Aug 30, 2024):

i'm on ubuntu and i'd also like to turn automatic start off

<!-- gh-comment-id:2322278594 --> @johannesrave commented on GitHub (Aug 30, 2024): i'm on ubuntu and i'd also like to turn automatic start off
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:32 -05:00
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@jmorganca commented on GitHub (Sep 2, 2024):

For Linux you can try sudo systemctl disable ollama. Let me know if this doesn't work.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2325290631 --> @jmorganca commented on GitHub (Sep 2, 2024): For Linux you can try `sudo systemctl disable ollama`. Let me know if this doesn't work.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:33 -05:00
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@bvwidt commented on GitHub (Sep 26, 2024):

@RockyHandsome8 and other Windows users: Ollama doesn't show up in the Task Manager's Startup apps.

To let Ollama not start at Windows startup...

  1. go into the startup folder (press Windows + R -> type shell:startup -> click OK / press enter).
  2. delete the shortcut to Ollama.
  3. Be happy.
<!-- gh-comment-id:2376097174 --> @bvwidt commented on GitHub (Sep 26, 2024): @RockyHandsome8 and other Windows users: Ollama doesn't show up in the Task Manager's Startup apps. To let Ollama not start at Windows startup... 1. go into the startup folder (press `Windows` + `R` -> type `shell:startup` -> click `OK` / press `enter`). 2. delete the shortcut to Ollama. 3. Be happy.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:33 -05:00
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@nobleinteractive commented on GitHub (Oct 3, 2024):

It's ridiculous that I have to manually delete the shortcut in the startup directory after every Ollama update. Is there no way for Ollama to respect this preference on Windows?

<!-- gh-comment-id:2392215749 --> @nobleinteractive commented on GitHub (Oct 3, 2024): It's ridiculous that I have to manually delete the shortcut in the startup directory after every Ollama update. Is there no way for Ollama to respect this preference on Windows?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:34 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Oct 4, 2024):

my PR above should fix the issue on macos but i don't understand why the electron app isn't also being used on windows and linux. the entire point of electron is to have one app that targets all platforms.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2392600540 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Oct 4, 2024): my PR above should fix the issue on macos but i don't understand why the electron app isn't also being used on windows and linux. the entire point of electron is to have one app that targets all platforms.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:35 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Oct 19, 2024):

I'd appreciate if y'all would upvote and comment on this PR that adds a way toggle auto start behavior to speed up the merge process https://github.com/ollama/ollama/pull/7097

<!-- gh-comment-id:2424275475 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Oct 19, 2024): I'd appreciate if y'all would upvote and comment on this PR that adds a way toggle auto start behavior to speed up the merge process https://github.com/ollama/ollama/pull/7097
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:35 -05:00
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@hopperelec commented on GitHub (Nov 6, 2024):

+1 for an option to make it not add itself to start-up on Windows after every update. Everywhere I look just suggests disabling it on start-up using task manager or deleting the shortcut, but these are just temporary solutions. I understand it adding itself to start-up when it's first installed, but surely there should be a special case for updates to an existing installation to prevent it from trying to add itself again?

<!-- gh-comment-id:2460667086 --> @hopperelec commented on GitHub (Nov 6, 2024): +1 for an option to make it not add itself to start-up on Windows after every update. Everywhere I look just suggests disabling it on start-up using task manager or deleting the shortcut, but these are just temporary solutions. I understand it adding itself to start-up when it's first installed, but surely there should be a special case for updates to an existing installation to prevent it from trying to add itself again?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:36 -05:00
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@darkBuddha commented on GitHub (Nov 12, 2024):

Still automatically starting on macOS. Please fix this. I know how to disable it, but I shouldn't be forced to use time on this.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2470677094 --> @darkBuddha commented on GitHub (Nov 12, 2024): Still automatically starting on macOS. Please fix this. I know how to disable it, but I shouldn't be forced to use time on this.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:38 -05:00
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@superalbumi commented on GitHub (Nov 24, 2024):

remove ollama from automatic startup!

<!-- gh-comment-id:2495949788 --> @superalbumi commented on GitHub (Nov 24, 2024): remove ollama from automatic startup!
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:40 -05:00
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@UdoD5 commented on GitHub (Nov 24, 2024):

+1 Please add an option in preferences to disable or enable autostart (in any OS).

<!-- gh-comment-id:2496128884 --> @UdoD5 commented on GitHub (Nov 24, 2024): +1 Please add an option in preferences to disable or enable autostart (in any OS).
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:40 -05:00
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@sanathu-simpplr commented on GitHub (Dec 12, 2024):

+1 Please add an option in preferences to disable or enable autostart (in any OS).

<!-- gh-comment-id:2537610841 --> @sanathu-simpplr commented on GitHub (Dec 12, 2024): +1 Please add an option in preferences to disable or enable autostart (in any OS).
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:41 -05:00
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@Alrecenk commented on GitHub (Jan 3, 2025):

+1 Very annoyed that this opened on startup without asking or any indication that it would do so.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2568635478 --> @Alrecenk commented on GitHub (Jan 3, 2025): +1 Very annoyed that this opened on startup without asking or any indication that it would do so.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:42 -05:00
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@Hullow commented on GitHub (Jan 8, 2025):

On OS X, the app still re-adds itself as a log-in item each time we open it (same issue with running it from a terminal). This is the most problematic bug/feature of the app for me, discouraging its use. Thank you for the project, hope this can be fixed

<!-- gh-comment-id:2578786955 --> @Hullow commented on GitHub (Jan 8, 2025): On OS X, the app still re-adds itself as a log-in item each time we open it (same issue with running it from a terminal). This is the most problematic bug/feature of the app for me, discouraging its use. Thank you for the project, hope this can be fixed
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:42 -05:00
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@siviae commented on GitHub (Jan 19, 2025):

This is very annoying!

<!-- gh-comment-id:2600839030 --> @siviae commented on GitHub (Jan 19, 2025): This is very annoying!
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:43 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jan 23, 2025):

@gregsadetsky can you link my PR directly in the post for better visibility?

<!-- gh-comment-id:2610137941 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jan 23, 2025): @gregsadetsky can you link my PR directly in the post for better visibility?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:44 -05:00
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@gregsadetsky commented on GitHub (Jan 23, 2025):

@hichemfantar did you open the pr here? I don't see it

Feel free to link it here, or link from the pr to this issue and github will auto link it

<!-- gh-comment-id:2610450074 --> @gregsadetsky commented on GitHub (Jan 23, 2025): @hichemfantar did you open the pr here? I don't see it Feel free to link it here, or link from the pr to this issue and github will auto link it
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:44 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jan 23, 2025):

@gregsadetsky i already did but i feel it would get more attention if you include it in the post itself.
https://github.com/ollama/ollama/pull/7097

<!-- gh-comment-id:2610455195 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jan 23, 2025): @gregsadetsky i already did but i feel it would get more attention if you include it in the post itself. https://github.com/ollama/ollama/pull/7097
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:45 -05:00
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@softwaresinc commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2025):

You have lost my trust before starting. The current setup acts like a trojan. Moved to trash.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2629262724 --> @softwaresinc commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2025): You have lost my trust before starting. The current setup acts like a trojan. Moved to trash.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:45 -05:00
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@evemilano commented on GitHub (Feb 10, 2025):

You have lost my trust before starting. The current setup acts like a trojan. Moved to trash.

I agree 100%, the overall quality of the installation process is close to zero.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2647471962 --> @evemilano commented on GitHub (Feb 10, 2025): > You have lost my trust before starting. The current setup acts like a trojan. Moved to trash. I agree 100%, the overall quality of the installation process is close to zero.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:46 -05:00
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@LingkKang commented on GitHub (Feb 27, 2025):

Temporary workaround for Win (manually):

Go to C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup, and delete the Ollama shortcut.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2686707214 --> @LingkKang commented on GitHub (Feb 27, 2025): Temporary workaround for Win (manually): Go to `C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup`, and delete the Ollama shortcut.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:50 -05:00
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@iwinux commented on GitHub (Mar 11, 2025):

For macOS users, brew install --formula ollama is a way better install method than official app. The Electron app is wasting precious RAM which should be used for loading models instead.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2712486569 --> @iwinux commented on GitHub (Mar 11, 2025): For macOS users, `brew install --formula ollama` is a way better install method than official app. The Electron app is wasting precious RAM which should be used for loading models instead.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:51 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Mar 18, 2025):

The year is 2067. All world governments have fallen. Ollama-branded killer drones patrol the skies, searching for members of the run-on-startup resistance. At last, the final safehouse is located.

As the rebels are dragged into the prison transport by shock troops, one cries out "It wasn't supposed to be like this! You promised we'd be able to disable automatic run-on-startup!"

The eyes on the commander's helmet light up as he replies:

"Sorry about that. We will definitely have a setting for disabling automatic start at login.
The quickest workaround right now, before we get to a fix, is to disable via macOS system preferences:
We do respect its settings."

Then he slams the door.

Join the resistance at https://github.com/ollama/ollama/pull/7097

<!-- gh-comment-id:2732648937 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Mar 18, 2025): The year is 2067. All world governments have fallen. Ollama-branded killer drones patrol the skies, searching for members of the run-on-startup resistance. At last, the final safehouse is located. As the rebels are dragged into the prison transport by shock troops, one cries out "It wasn't supposed to be like this! You promised we'd be able to disable automatic run-on-startup!" The eyes on the commander's helmet light up as he replies: > "Sorry about that. We will definitely have a setting for disabling automatic start at login. The quickest workaround right now, before we get to a fix, is to disable via macOS system preferences: We do respect its settings." Then he slams the door. Join the resistance at https://github.com/ollama/ollama/pull/7097
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:52 -05:00
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@ReddotCleaner commented on GitHub (Mar 22, 2025):

is it so hard to add this feat?

<!-- gh-comment-id:2744887870 --> @ReddotCleaner commented on GitHub (Mar 22, 2025): is it so hard to add this feat?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:52 -05:00
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@iwinux commented on GitHub (Mar 22, 2025):

To be fair, maintaining open source projects takes effort and time. A lot of them!

<!-- gh-comment-id:2745222047 --> @iwinux commented on GitHub (Mar 22, 2025): To be fair, maintaining open source projects takes effort and time. A lot of them!
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:53 -05:00
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@JELSTUDIO commented on GitHub (Jul 2, 2025):

Temporary workaround for Win (manually):

Go to C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup, and delete the Ollama shortcut.

Sadly Ollama puts in a new short-cut in this folder every time it updates itself.

Isn't there an actual setting that permanently will keep Ollama from auto-starting?

<!-- gh-comment-id:3027640733 --> @JELSTUDIO commented on GitHub (Jul 2, 2025): > Temporary workaround for Win (manually): > > Go to `C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup`, and delete the Ollama shortcut. Sadly Ollama puts in a new short-cut in this folder every time it updates itself. Isn't there an actual setting that permanently will keep Ollama from auto-starting?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:54 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jul 2, 2025):

you should find it in the task manager Startup tab

<!-- gh-comment-id:3027646000 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jul 2, 2025): you should find it in the task manager Startup tab
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:54 -05:00
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@gregsadetsky commented on GitHub (Jul 8, 2025):

Hey @dhiltgen - I don't see how the updated documentation solves this issue.

Ollama still installs itself at login, still doesn't let the user know it does this, and still doesn't have an option to disable this.

A few months ago @mchiang0610 was saying:

We are fixing this in a future mac app update.

Will refer to this issue: #162

(referring to this current issue that was closed)

Screenshots below from the latest version:

Image Image Image
<!-- gh-comment-id:3050519649 --> @gregsadetsky commented on GitHub (Jul 8, 2025): Hey @dhiltgen - I don't see how the updated documentation solves this issue. Ollama still installs itself at login, still doesn't let the user know it does this, and still doesn't have an option to disable this. A few months ago @mchiang0610 was [saying](https://github.com/ollama/ollama/issues/9078#issuecomment-2658455452): > We are fixing this in a future mac app update. > > Will refer to this issue: [#162](https://github.com/ollama/ollama/issues/162) (referring to this current issue that was closed) --- Screenshots below from the latest version: <img width="300" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/2b233a08-6b0c-45f3-819d-317f13f93a19" /> <img width="300" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/a0722695-0bd8-4da3-8967-ecc6792dc8a0" /> <img width="400" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/8d812f42-c03d-404d-9c12-ccf3818c9b64" />
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:54 -05:00
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@hopperelec commented on GitHub (Jul 9, 2025):

For what it's worth, the issue does appear to be resolved for Windows. I've just updated to the latest version, and it did not add itself back to start-up! I'm not sure when this got resolved, because I can't seem to find any recently merged PRs mentioning it, but it can't have been long ago because I was only one minor version behind. I can't speak for MacOS unfortunately. And ideally it should be a UI option rather than having to delete the start menu shortcut.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3051416604 --> @hopperelec commented on GitHub (Jul 9, 2025): For what it's worth, the issue does appear to be resolved for Windows. I've just updated to the latest version, and it did not add itself back to start-up! I'm not sure when this got resolved, because I can't seem to find any recently merged PRs mentioning it, but it can't have been long ago because I was only one minor version behind. I can't speak for MacOS unfortunately. And ideally it should be a UI option rather than having to delete the start menu shortcut.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:55 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jul 10, 2025):

so does the new version still auto run on startup or was this behavior removed completely?

<!-- gh-comment-id:3059331733 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jul 10, 2025): so does the new version still auto run on startup or was this behavior removed completely?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:56 -05:00
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@gregsadetsky commented on GitHub (Jul 10, 2025):

@clicktodev it still auto runs on startup on macos

you can see it in the very latest code here - https://github.com/ollama/ollama/blob/main/macapp/src/index.ts#L267

<!-- gh-comment-id:3059347843 --> @gregsadetsky commented on GitHub (Jul 10, 2025): @clicktodev it still auto runs on startup on macos you can see it in the very latest code here - https://github.com/ollama/ollama/blob/main/macapp/src/index.ts#L267
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:56 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jul 10, 2025):

that's the code for the old electron app, the new app is swift based

<!-- gh-comment-id:3059355039 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jul 10, 2025): that's the code for the old electron app, the new app is swift based
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:56 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jul 10, 2025):

Is the new app closed source? because I can't find the new native app's folder

<!-- gh-comment-id:3059360409 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Jul 10, 2025): Is the new app closed source? because I can't find the new native app's folder
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:57 -05:00
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@swyxio commented on GitHub (Jul 23, 2025):

its been 2 years and this option has not been added lmao

https://github.com/ollama/ollama/pull/11334/files

fix is here, for others looking.

How can I stop Ollama from starting when I login to my computer

Ollama for Windows and macOS register as a login item during installation. You can disable this if you prefer not to have Ollama automatically start. Ollama will respect this setting across upgrades, unless you uninstall the application.

Windows

  • Remove %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Ollama.lnk

MacOS Monterey (v12)

  • Open Settings -> Users & Groups -> Login Items and find the Ollama entry, then click the - (minus) to remove

MacOS Ventura (v13) and later

  • Open Settings and search for "Login Items", find the Ollama entry under "Allow in the Background`, then click the slider to disable.
<!-- gh-comment-id:3105631888 --> @swyxio commented on GitHub (Jul 23, 2025): its been 2 years and this option has not been added lmao https://github.com/ollama/ollama/pull/11334/files fix is here, for others looking. ## How can I stop Ollama from starting when I login to my computer Ollama for Windows and macOS register as a login item during installation. You can disable this if you prefer not to have Ollama automatically start. Ollama will respect this setting across upgrades, unless you uninstall the application. **Windows** - Remove `%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Ollama.lnk` **MacOS Monterey (v12)** - Open `Settings` -> `Users & Groups` -> `Login Items` and find the `Ollama` entry, then click the `-` (minus) to remove **MacOS Ventura (v13) and later** - Open `Settings` and search for "Login Items", find the `Ollama` entry under "Allow in the Background`, then click the slider to disable.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:57 -05:00
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@loky-lp commented on GitHub (Jul 23, 2025):

I report that ollama is not present in the login items, yet it started itself when i booted my mac
Image

<!-- gh-comment-id:3107796869 --> @loky-lp commented on GitHub (Jul 23, 2025): I report that ollama is not present in the login items, yet it started itself when i booted my mac <img width="393" height="357" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/68b69588-99e2-4291-8481-0ef9436ad4d2" />
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:57 -05:00
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@dhiltgen commented on GitHub (Jul 31, 2025):

@loky-lp you might be hitting a bug where putting the app in the Trash doesn't sever the start-at-login behavior. We're tracking that in #1925 and working on a fix. Until we get it fixed, emptying your Trash should resolve it.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3140404800 --> @dhiltgen commented on GitHub (Jul 31, 2025): @loky-lp you might be hitting a bug where putting the app in the Trash doesn't sever the start-at-login behavior. We're tracking that in #1925 and working on a fix. Until we get it fixed, emptying your Trash should resolve it.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:58 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Aug 1, 2025):

@dhiltgen any plans to open source the new desktop app?

<!-- gh-comment-id:3145002459 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Aug 1, 2025): @dhiltgen any plans to open source the new desktop app?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:03:59 -05:00
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@hutcho66 commented on GitHub (Aug 7, 2025):

@loky-lp you might be hitting a bug where putting the app in the Trash doesn't sever the start-at-login behavior. We're tracking that in #1925 and working on a fix. Until we get it fixed, emptying your Trash should resolve it.

No, Ollama is still in my Applications folder and yet also doesn't appear in login items.

Blocking it from all background activity works, but this still seems like a bug if it's attempting to start on login but isn't even in the login apps.

Image Image
<!-- gh-comment-id:3162017587 --> @hutcho66 commented on GitHub (Aug 7, 2025): > [@loky-lp](https://github.com/loky-lp) you might be hitting a bug where putting the app in the Trash doesn't sever the start-at-login behavior. We're tracking that in [#1925](https://github.com/ollama/ollama/issues/1925) and working on a fix. Until we get it fixed, emptying your Trash should resolve it. No, Ollama is still in my Applications folder and yet also doesn't appear in login items. Blocking it from all background activity works, but this still seems like a bug if it's attempting to start on login but isn't even in the login apps. <img width="636" height="97" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/42f06b8b-57f6-4dc7-bb13-ac30c26ff1e3" /> <img width="469" height="262" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/d9960030-7ef9-434b-9be4-2b10044bc7b6" />
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:00 -05:00
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@dhiltgen commented on GitHub (Aug 8, 2025):

@hutcho66 what MacOS version are you running?

<!-- gh-comment-id:3166384795 --> @dhiltgen commented on GitHub (Aug 8, 2025): @hutcho66 what MacOS version are you running?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:00 -05:00
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@hutcho66 commented on GitHub (Aug 8, 2025):

15.6 (24G84), also observed on 15.5 before I upgraded.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3166408098 --> @hutcho66 commented on GitHub (Aug 8, 2025): 15.6 (24G84), also observed on 15.5 before I upgraded.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:00 -05:00
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@dhiltgen commented on GitHub (Aug 8, 2025):

@hutcho66 if you scroll down to Allow in the Background is there an Ollama entry there?

<!-- gh-comment-id:3168670862 --> @dhiltgen commented on GitHub (Aug 8, 2025): @hutcho66 if you scroll down to `Allow in the Background` is there an Ollama entry there?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:01 -05:00
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@nico-arianto commented on GitHub (Aug 10, 2025):

[Info]

I'm in macOS version 15.6 (24G84), I cannot find the Ollama in Open at Login, but I can find the Ollama in Allow in the Background.

Q: Do we need to disabled Ollama in the Allow in the Background to disabled auto start at login?

<!-- gh-comment-id:3172707497 --> @nico-arianto commented on GitHub (Aug 10, 2025): [Info] I'm in macOS version `15.6 (24G84)`, I cannot find the `Ollama` in `Open at Login`, but I can find the `Ollama` in `Allow in the Background`. Q: Do we need to disabled `Ollama` in the `Allow in the Background` to disabled auto start at login?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:01 -05:00
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@hutcho66 commented on GitHub (Aug 12, 2025):

@hutcho66 if you scroll down to Allow in the Background is there an Ollama entry there?

Yes, I mentioned that in my original comment ("Blocking it from all background activity works").

This would seem to be non-obvious behaviour though, which is why I left the comment. Does blocking it from background activity not affect behaviour when I do actually manually open the app?

<!-- gh-comment-id:3177395988 --> @hutcho66 commented on GitHub (Aug 12, 2025): > [@hutcho66](https://github.com/hutcho66) if you scroll down to `Allow in the Background` is there an Ollama entry there? Yes, I mentioned that in my original comment ("Blocking it from all background activity works"). This would seem to be non-obvious behaviour though, which is why I left the comment. Does blocking it from background activity not affect behaviour when I do actually manually open the app?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:01 -05:00
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@loky-lp commented on GitHub (Aug 14, 2025):

@dhiltgen I confirm that emptying the trash doesn't change the situation, like @hutcho66 did.
If it helps I installed Ollama through Homebrew on an M2 Pro running macOS 15.5 (24F74).

<!-- gh-comment-id:3187602919 --> @loky-lp commented on GitHub (Aug 14, 2025): @dhiltgen I confirm that emptying the trash doesn't change the situation, like @hutcho66 did. If it helps I installed Ollama through Homebrew on an M2 Pro running macOS 15.5 (24F74).
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:02 -05:00
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@the-vampiire commented on GitHub (Aug 18, 2025):

Does blocking it from background activity not affect behaviour when I do actually manually open the app?

this is what id like to know. my intuition says turning that off means "this wont work unless its in the foreground" when started manually. but maybe its a hack to disable auto-launching that isnt respecting launch settings? fwiw i dont see ollama in launchagents or launchdaemons ({~,}/Library/{LaunchAgents,LaunchDaemons} (local or sys) so now I’m generally curious how this is happening

<!-- gh-comment-id:3195268925 --> @the-vampiire commented on GitHub (Aug 18, 2025): > Does blocking it from background activity not affect behaviour when I do actually manually open the app? this is what id like to know. my intuition says turning that off means "this wont work unless its in the foreground" when started manually. but maybe its a hack to disable auto-launching that isnt respecting launch settings? fwiw i dont see ollama in launchagents or launchdaemons (`{~,}/Library/{LaunchAgents,LaunchDaemons}` (local or sys) so now I’m generally curious how this is happening
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:02 -05:00
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@o6uoq commented on GitHub (Aug 18, 2025):

I had this same issue, this is what removed it from automatically starting on reboot/login as it did NOT appear in login items:

  • Removed the app from Allow in the background
  • Ran brew reinstall --cask ollama-app --force
  • Rebooted
<!-- gh-comment-id:3198551412 --> @o6uoq commented on GitHub (Aug 18, 2025): I had this same issue, this is what removed it from automatically starting on reboot/login as it did NOT appear in login items: - Removed the app from *Allow in the background* - Ran `brew reinstall --cask ollama-app --force` - Rebooted
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:03 -05:00
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@clicktodev commented on GitHub (Aug 18, 2025):

A simple toggle in the app ui would be nice.
If the team doesn't have the bandwidth then you can open source it and I'll be more than happy to open a pr.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3198629576 --> @clicktodev commented on GitHub (Aug 18, 2025): A simple toggle in the app ui would be nice. If the team doesn't have the bandwidth then you can open source it and I'll be more than happy to open a pr.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:03 -05:00
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@jamesford42 commented on GitHub (Sep 30, 2025):

Two years later ..

This also doesn't exist for windows btw and having some ai thing running constantly all the time on your computer (even if its literally no performance when not in use) is also the sort of thing no one is going to trust you on or want, that isn't using it every day.

Having to google this and find it as a startup application (windows) is fairly bizarre. I actually briefly forgot those even existed still.

Suggestion:

The absolute minimum effort thing you could easily do.
In the in-app settings list, add an item that literally just explains how to do it manually.

Even better, if you have more than 2 seconds to work on this ever:
Add a context menu item for the system tray icon like "change startup behavior" that literally just links to a github page with instructions.

Alternately you know ... Just stop actually doing this.
If someone wants the app to autostart, let them look up how to do it themselves.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3354126535 --> @jamesford42 commented on GitHub (Sep 30, 2025): Two years later .. This also doesn't exist for windows btw and having some ai thing running constantly all the time on your computer (even if its literally no performance when not in use) is also the sort of thing no one is going to trust you on or want, that isn't using it every day. Having to google this and find it as a startup application (windows) is fairly bizarre. I actually briefly forgot those even existed still. Suggestion: *The absolute minimum effort thing you could easily do.* In the in-app settings list, add an item that literally just explains how to do it manually. *Even better, if you have more than 2 seconds to work on this ever:* Add a context menu item for the system tray icon like "change startup behavior" that literally just links to a github page with instructions. *Alternately you know ... Just stop actually doing this*. If someone wants the app to autostart, let them look up how to do it themselves.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:04 -05:00
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@faybar commented on GitHub (Oct 1, 2025):

A lot of comments about respecting the macOS Login Item settings, but actually not respected.

Auto start should be opt-in and an Ollama setting to enable/disable easily. What's the motivation to autostart in a sneaky way? This is a dark pattern. Please fix. Thanks.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3355549304 --> @faybar commented on GitHub (Oct 1, 2025): A lot of comments about respecting the macOS Login Item settings, but actually not respected. Auto start should be opt-in and an Ollama setting to enable/disable easily. What's the motivation to autostart in a sneaky way? This is a dark pattern. Please fix. Thanks.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:04 -05:00
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@diegochine commented on GitHub (Oct 24, 2025):

This is pretty bad from Ollama's team, I agree with @faybar in that this is a dark pattern. The community has been asking (for years now) for a simple toggle in settings, not huge refactorings or new features, and someone even prepared a full PR for it that was never merged. Instead, two years later we end up with a closed source app. This is an unnecessarily sneaky, if not odd, behaviour.

I'm uninstalling Ollama and will discourage people from using it. For people looking for alternatives, there are several worth checking out, such as vLLM, TGI and Aphrodite.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3442142823 --> @diegochine commented on GitHub (Oct 24, 2025): This is pretty bad from Ollama's team, I agree with @faybar in that this is a dark pattern. The community has been asking (for years now) for a simple toggle in settings, not huge refactorings or new features, and someone even prepared a full PR for it that was never merged. Instead, two years later we end up with a closed source app. This is an unnecessarily sneaky, if not odd, behaviour. I'm uninstalling Ollama and will discourage people from using it. For people looking for alternatives, there are several worth checking out, such as vLLM, TGI and Aphrodite.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:05 -05:00
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@javifmz commented on GitHub (Dec 4, 2025):

In my case, it turned out that the Raycast app was triggering Ollama on launch. Disabling Raycast AI stopped it from auto-starting.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3611395605 --> @javifmz commented on GitHub (Dec 4, 2025): In my case, it turned out that the **Raycast** app was triggering Ollama on launch. Disabling Raycast AI stopped it from auto-starting.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:06 -05:00
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@twentworth commented on GitHub (Feb 8, 2026):

I would love to be able to disable this. I've disabled it from the system preferences many times, but Ollama keeps reactivating it.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3865967421 --> @twentworth commented on GitHub (Feb 8, 2026): I would love to be able to disable this. I've disabled it from the system preferences many times, but Ollama keeps reactivating it.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-27 23:04:07 -05:00
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@tonny1983 commented on GitHub (Feb 15, 2026):

Here described a solution which works on my envrionment.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3904545337 --> @tonny1983 commented on GitHub (Feb 15, 2026): [Here](https://www.reddit.com/r/ollama/comments/1lx45fg/ollama_auto_start_despite_removed_from_open_at/) described a solution which works on my envrionment.
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