How to Enable or Disable Messenger Auto-Start on Windows 11

This guide explains how to stop the Messenger Desktop app from opening every time you turn on your computer.

The Messenger Desktop app is a messaging tool from Facebook. It lets you chat, call, and share files without using a web browser.

Why stop it from starting automatically?

When you install the app, it is set to open the moment you log in to Windows. This can slow down your startup time or simply get in your way if you don’t need it right away. You can choose to turn this off to keep your desktop clean.

What happens when done?

Once you change this setting, Messenger will stay closed until you manually click the app icon to open it. If you change your mind later, you can easily turn the setting back on.

Note: You do not need admin privileges to change these settings within the app.

How to change the startup setting

1. Open the Messenger app. You can find it in your Start menu under your All Apps list.
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4. You can also launch the app from your Taskbar or Taskbar overflow.
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7. Once the app is open, click your profile picture in the bottom left corner.
8. Select Preferences from the menu.
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11. Click on the General tab on the left side of the window.
12. Find the option that says “Open the Messenger Desktop app when you start your computer.”
13. Click the toggle switch to turn it Off (or On if you want it to launch automatically).
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Summary

You have now learned how to control the startup behavior of the Messenger Desktop app. By adjusting the Preferences menu, you can decide whether the app launches automatically when you log in to Windows 11 or waits for you to open it manually.