How to stop macOS from re-opening all windows after reboots due to macOS updates?

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

If you hold down Shift when you log in, it shouldn't re-open any apps.

If it logs in automatically, you'd have to catch it at the start of the login process.

On the Apple menu () : select each of {Restart, Shutdown, Logout} menu items and on each of the respective dialogs — deselect Reopen windows when logging back in — if not already deselected. Then click Cancel.

In System Settings : Desktop & Dock under the Windows & Apps category, select Close windows when quitting an application (=⦿).

These are the settings I use in Ventura 13.5.1. I also never shutdown, restart, or update/upgrade the operating system without first closing all application windows and formally quitting the applications. Thus, I never have application windows open on my Desktop as you have shown.

No idea what it would reopen one app much less 30…

Install EtreCheck and post the report. Allow Full Disk Access.

https://etrecheck.com/

Use the Additional Text icon to paste in the report.

Restart and when the dialog box appears, disable “Reopen apps” checkbox. It should save the setting, but I don’t know if it will follow it when updating.

dialabrain wrote:

No idea what it would reopen one app much less 30

Oops, "why", not "what".