---
id: mac-storage-basics.what-are-login-items-and-background-items
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-are-login-items-and-background-items
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Apps and macOS itself"
question: "What are login items and background items, and do they use storage?"
alt_questions:
  - "login items mac"
  - "background items added notification"
  - "remove login items macos"
  - "allow in the background mac"
  - "apps running at startup mac"
short_answer: "Apps that open at login and helpers that run without a window. Manage them in System Settings → General → Login Items; they use little storage but leftovers can keep running."
tags: ["login items", "background items", "apps"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-delete-built-in-apple-apps", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-delete-old-install-macos-apps"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What are login items and background items, and do they use storage?

**Login items** are apps that open when you log in; **background items** are helpers apps install to run without a window (for updates, syncing and similar). You manage both in **System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions** (named Login Items in some versions).

They use little storage themselves, but a helper left behind by an uninstalled app can keep running or keep writing caches. Turning off ones you don't recognise or need is harmless; the app may ask again next time you open it.