Google Chrome Adds itself to my Log-In Items

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mactony2010 Author

Level 1

8 points

Google Chrome Adds itself to my Log-In Items

If I start up with zero log-in items, and then launch Chrome, it adds itself to my log-in items. I've watched it happen: my log-in items list is empty, I launch Chrome, Chrome appears in my log-in items list. I don't want this. How do I stop it?

I don't have "Relaunch open windows at restart" checked

I don't have "Open at Log-in" checked on the Chrome icon in my dock.

It seems Chrome is doing this on its own. If I remove Chrome from the log-in items list, and relaunch Chrome, it won't come back to the list, but if I restart my mac, then launch Chrome, it will add itself back to the list. Very annoying.

Any one else having this issue, and have you been able to stop it? Thank you.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.6

Posted on Aug 4, 2022 6:40 AM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

155,222 points

Aug 4, 2022 8:06 AM in response to mactony2010

mactony2010 wrote:

As a solution, switching browsers is always on the table, ...

I'm not sure I adequately described the solution because Google is not just a browser. You cannot install Google Chrome without installing Google. That is the reason for your stated concern, and the solution is as I explained.

Brave is one of at least a couple of browsers that do not affect a Mac in the invasive manner Google insists upon. If you really want to install Google I recommend you buy a Chromebook.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

155,222 points

Aug 4, 2022 7:09 AM in response to mactony2010

Google is a pervasive system modification that exists for the sole purpose of harvesting your personal information and selling it. The solution is to uninstall it.

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Answer 3

HWTech

Level 9

68,570 points

Aug 4, 2022 8:13 AM in response to mactony2010

You can file a bug report with the Google Chrome developers.

BTW, I use Vivaldi which is another Chromium based browser with lots of extra customizations. Plus for those that don't like Google, many of the Google bits are removed although a few are still enabled by default since it would affect some online services (I believe Google services), but this can be easily toggled off in the browser settings if you wish. Vivaldi is brought to you by one of the original co-founders of the old classic Opera web browser (it isn't my beloved Opera v12.x -- R.I.P., but it is the best replacement for now).

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Answer 4

mactony2010 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 4, 2022 7:38 AM in response to Owl-53

As a solution, switching browsers is always on the table, but tbh, it's unlikely I'll go that route. Nevertheless, duly noted. Thank you.

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Answer 5

Owl-53

Level 10

102,373 points

Aug 4, 2022 7:54 AM in response to mactony2010

You are welcome

There has been sufficient advise offered, from more than one Contributor, for the User to make an informed and educated choice what the next course of action is required.

The suggestions have been put forth on a volunteer basis, in good faith and in the best interests of the computer.

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Answer 6

mactony2010 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 4, 2022 8:16 AM in response to dialabrain

I appreciate your intrepidness. I notice it happens after I restart my mac, and then launch Chrome. For a long time, it was not in my start up items, and then this week, it was. So maybe give it time to work its way in lol. Thanks again.

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Answer 7

mactony2010 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 4, 2022 8:19 AM in response to HWTech

I did file a bug report, thank you for the suggestion. As I mentioned above, switching to a new browser is always an option, but I have a workflow that is reliant on Chrome at the moment so best case, someone has had this same issue and resolved it; worse case, I will live it. Thank you again.

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Answer 8

mactony2010 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 4, 2022 7:18 AM in response to John Galt

As a solution, the uninstall is always on the table, but tbh, it's unlikely I'll go that route. Nevertheless, duly noted. Thank you.

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Answer 9

Owl-53

Level 10

102,373 points

Aug 4, 2022 7:26 AM in response to mactony2010

Use a Browser like Google Chrome but without the " Over Head Google" Inflicts on both the computer and your privacy

www.brave.com

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Answer 10

Owl-53

Level 10

102,373 points

Aug 4, 2022 8:08 AM in response to John Galt

👍

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Answer 11

dialabrain

Level 10

135,659 points

Aug 4, 2022 8:11 AM in response to mactony2010

In the interest of science I installed Chrome. It does not add itself to Login Items on my Mac so I don't know why it is for you.

V. 104.0.5112.79

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Answer 12

dialabrain

Level 10

135,659 points

Aug 4, 2022 8:19 AM in response to mactony2010

I doubt I'll keep it installed log enough. Not something I would use, hence my need to install it. 😎

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Answer 13

dialabrain

Level 10

135,659 points

Aug 4, 2022 9:01 AM in response to mactony2010

Well, I restarted a couple times and launched Chrome a few times. No sign of a Chrome Login Item. I am on Monterey so perhaps it's some weird interaction with Big Sur. We may never know.

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Google Chrome Adds itself to my Log-In Items

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