How To Stop Microsoft Teams From Opening On Startup

Introduction

Microsoft Teams is a feature-rich collaboration platform used by businesses of all sizes. With its sleek desktop app, real-time chat messages, video calls, audio calls, and Teams channels, it has become an integral part of Microsoft 365 and Office 365. However, for many users, especially on work PCs and campus computers, the Teams app launching automatically at startup can strain system resources, elongate boot times, and degrade overall system performance.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to stop Microsoft Teams from auto-starting during boot time on Windows 11 and earlier versions. Whether you’re using a traditional spindle hard disk drive or an SSD, minimizing background apps like Teams can improve boot times, reduce CPU cycles, and enhance user experience. These steps are ideal for IT administrators managing device coverage, as well as business owners and general users.

Why Does Microsoft Teams Start Automatically?

Microsoft Teams is designed to auto-launch using the Teams Machine-Wide Installer to ensure you’re always connected to meetings, incoming calls, and chat messages. This auto-start behavior helps streamline productivity but can be excessive for users who don’t use Teams daily or rely more on apps like Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Workspace, or the Chrome Extension suite.

The setting typically lives within the Teams app under the General tab as “Auto-start application.” It may also appear in the Windows system settings under Startup apps. If not managed, it remains in your startup list, causing a slower boot time and heavier background usage. Group Policies, Microsoft Support defaults, and even updates from the Teams Insider Community may re-enable this feature.

Method 1: Disable Auto-Start from Teams Settings (Recommended)

This is the most effective and user-friendly method for stopping the automatic launch.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Launch the Teams app via the Start menu or the purple icon in your taskbar.
2. Click on your profile icon or the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. In the General tab, uncheck Auto-start application and Open application in background.

Why it works: This method directly communicates with the Microsoft Teams client, disabling auto start without needing admin credentials. It’s especially effective for users on non-managed devices.

Common Issues:

• Option not visible or greyed out? Group Policies or the Teams Machine-Wide Installer may override it.
• Still launching? A restart of Windows or system preferences might be needed.

Method 2: Disable Using Windows Task Manager

If Teams continues to auto-start, try disabling it via Windows Task Manager. This method is part of basic Task Management for all background apps.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Windows Task Manager.
2. Navigate to the Startup tab.
3. Find Microsoft Teams or Teams Machine-Wide Installer in the list.
4. Right-click it and choose Disable.

Note: Some Office ribbon updates or login items can cause Teams to re-enable itself. Monitor startup tasks after Office updates.

Method 3: Disable via Windows Settings

Great for general users who prefer using the system UI.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Press Windows + I to open System Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps > Startup.
3. Toggle off Microsoft Teams and related Microsoft apps.

Benefits:

• Easy visual interface.
• Syncs with your other apps like Planner app, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Support settings.

Method 4: Uninstall Microsoft Teams (Optional)

If you’re using other collaboration tools such as Google Docs or Apple TV Plus for media meetings and don’t use Teams at all, you may choose to uninstall it.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps or use Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Locate Microsoft Teams and Teams Machine-Wide Installer.
3. Click Uninstall.

Warnings:

• Avoid uninstalling on shared campus computers or corporate networks without approval.
• Uninstalling does not remove your files from OneDrive, SharePoint, or Planner.

Method 5: Advanced — PowerShell or Microsoft Intune (For IT Admins)

If you’re managing a large number of work PCs, this method gives you centralized control over disabling auto start.

• PowerShell: Use scripts to remove Teams from Startup apps across devices.
• Microsoft Intune: Push policies to disable auto start on Teams via cloud management.
• Startup Delayer: For hybrid setups, delay Teams launch without disabling it completely.

These methods are ideal for improving boot time and ensuring consistent Task Management across networks.

Troubleshooting & Special Cases

• Teams reappears on startup: Often caused by updates to Office 365 or Microsoft 365.
• Switching between classic and new Teams: Adjust settings in both clients.
• Shared device reboots (e.g., Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7): Device-specific sync settings can re-enable auto start.
• Clipboard history or diagnostic logs: These features may also get reloaded, affecting performance.

Summary Table

Method	Skill Level	Effectiveness	Best For
Teams App Settings	Beginner	High	All users
Windows Task Manager	Beginner	Moderate	Personal/Work PCs
Windows System Settings	Beginner	Moderate	General staff
Uninstall Teams	Beginner	Permanent	Teams-free workplaces
PowerShell / Intune / Startup Delayer	Advanced	High	IT Administrators

FAQs

1. Will Teams still function after disabling auto start?
Yes, you can still manually open the Teams desktop app and access all features including chat messages, Teams channels, and incoming calls.

2. Can I re-enable Teams on startup later?
Yes, simply return to the General tab in the app or modify the login items in Task Manager or System Settings.

3. Will this stop Teams updates?
No, this only affects the startup behavior. Teams will continue to receive updates and support from Microsoft.

4. Why does Teams reinstall after I’ve removed it?
This could be due to Office 365 updates, Microsoft apps policies, or settings in the Microsoft Teams Free Feedback Portal.

5. Can Microsoft MVPs help?
Yes, reach out to Community Support Services, Microsoft MVPs, or submit requests via the Support Teams and Feedback system.

Conclusion

Managing Microsoft Teams startup behavior can dramatically improve performance on Windows 11 machines, particularly when using legacy hard drives or systems with limited CPU cycles. By managing startup apps and using tools like Task Manager, Group Policies, PowerShell, or Intune, your team can stay efficient and focused.

Need expert help setting up Microsoft 365, disabling auto start, or optimizing your device coverage?

Contact Enabla Technology today — your trusted Australian partner for all things Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365, and workplace productivity solutions.