how do i stop msn from opening automatically?

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Having MSN open automatically on your computer can be confusing and distracting. Many users wonder why this happens, especially when they haven’t triggered it manually. The most common reasons include settings related to startup programs and background processes that launch MSN without your direct permission. Understanding these causes can help you take control and prevent MSN from opening unexpectedly. Let’s go over some of the main reasons and how to fix them.

How to Stop MSN from Opening Automatically

If MSN keeps opening when you start your computer and you want to prevent this, follow these simple troubleshooting steps:

Check MSN settings. Open MSN Messenger or the app, go to its options menu, and look for a setting like “Start MSN automatically” or “Launch at startup.” If you find it enabled, turn it off.
Disable startup programs in Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Navigate to the Startup tab. Find MSN or related entries, right-click, and choose Disable.
Remove MSN from startup using System Settings. Open the Windows Settings menu, go to Apps > Startup (or Task Manager > Startup tab). Turn off MSN if it appears there.
Check for malware. Run a trusted antivirus or anti-malware scan to rule out any malicious software causing MSN to open on its own.
Update or reinstall MSN. Sometimes, outdated or corrupted files cause weird behavior. Updating or reinstalling MSN can fix these issues.

Checking Your Startup Programs and Settings

If MSN or other unwanted programs open automatically when you start your Windows computer, it can slow down your system or be a nuisance. To fix this, you need to review and modify your startup programs and settings. This process helps you control which apps launch at startup, ensuring your computer runs smoothly and only opens what you want.

Open Task Manager: Right-click on your taskbar at the bottom of your screen and choose Task Manager. If the simple view appears, click on More details at the bottom to see the full options.
Navigate to the Startup tab: In Task Manager, click on the Startup tab. This section lists all programs configured to run when Windows boots up.
Identify MSN or unwanted programs: Look through the list for MSN, or any other apps you do not want to launch at startup. The list shows the program name, startup impact, and publisher.
Disable unnecessary programs: Select the program and click Disable. This prevents it from launching automatically but keeps it installed on your system.

Disabling MSN won’t delete it; it only stops it from opening on startup. To enable it again, follow the same steps and click Enable.

Additionally, you can check your startup items through the Settings app for a more detailed view:

Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon).
Go to Apps & Features: Inside Settings, click on Apps, then select Startup from the sidebar. You will see a list of apps with toggle switches for enabling or disabling them at startup.
Adjust startup app toggles: Find MSN or other programs and switch them off if you don’t want them to start automatically.

Remember, some startup programs are useful and necessary, like security software or system utilities. Be cautious when disabling apps—if you’re unsure about a program, it’s best to research or ask before turning it off.

If MSN still launches despite these steps, it might be set to start via its own settings or scheduled tasks. In that case, check MSN settings or use the Task Scheduler to disable scheduled launch tasks.

Managing Browser Extensions and Default Apps

If MSN keeps opening unexpectedly when browsing the internet, one common cause is how your browser extensions or default app settings are configured. Sometimes, certain extensions can trigger MSN to launch or redirect your searches there. Additionally, your system’s default apps might be set to open MSN links automatically. Here’s how to identify and control these settings to prevent MSN from opening without your permission:

Check Your Browser Extensions

Review installed extensions in your browser, as some may be connected to MSN or similar services. Open your browser’s menu (three dots or lines) and select Extensions or Add-ons. Look for suspicious or unfamiliar extensions, especially ones related to MSN. Disable or remove these extensions to test if the problem stops.
Modify Default Search Engine and Homepage Settings

Your browser’s default search engine or homepage might be set to MSN, triggering it to open. Check and change these settings:
- In Chrome: Click the three-dot menu, go to Settings.
- Select Search engine and choose your preferred engine (like Google or Bing).
- Navigate to On startup and set it to a preferred page or New Tab, avoiding MSN links.
If MSN persists as default, it may be due to malicious software, so consider running a trusted antivirus or anti-malware scan.
Adjust Default Apps on Your System

Windows or macOS may have default app settings that open certain links with MSN. To verify:
- On Windows: Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Review which apps are set to open web links or file types associated with MSN.
- On macOS: Go to System Preferences > General. Check default web browser and application settings.
Change these to your preferred apps to prevent MSN from auto-launching links.
Run a Malware Scan

If issues persist, run a malware scan. Use trusted tools like Windows Defender or Malwarebytes to thoroughly scan your system. Malicious software can hijack default settings and cause MSN to open automatically.

Managing browser extensions and default apps helps control when MSN opens. Keep an eye on suspicious extensions, set your preferred defaults, and ensure your system is clean from malware to reduce unwanted launches.

Adjusting Windows Settings to Block Auto-Launch

If MSN or other unwanted apps keep opening automatically on startup, you can modify Windows settings to prevent this. Following these steps helps improve system startup speed and reduces distractions:

Open Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab. Click the Startup tab at the top of Task Manager. If not visible, click More details.
Find MSN or related apps. Look for MSN, Mail, or similar Microsoft apps. Select MSN if found.
Disable auto-launch. Click the Disable button to stop MSN from starting at boot.
Adjust notification settings. To prevent MSN notifications, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Notifications and turn off MSN or related app notifications.
Check system tray options. Right-click MSN or Mail icons in the system tray and disable auto-start options if available.
Adjust Group Policy (advanced). For Windows Pro/Enterprise: press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content and enable policies to block auto-start.
Verify your changes. Restart your computer and confirm MSN no longer opens automatically. Recheck startup programs and notification settings.

Using Third-Party Tools to Prevent MSN Auto-Open

If MSN automatically opens on startup or during browsing, third-party tools can help control this behavior more easily. Popular options include:

Autoruns for Windows: Shows all startup entries, including MSN. You can disable specific entries easily.
CCleaner: Manages startup programs, allowing you to disable MSN-related items.
WinPatrol: Offers detailed control over startup processes and alerts you about new entries.
Task Manager: Built-in Windows tool that can help disable MSN from startup and background processes.

How to Use Autoruns to Block MSN

Download Autoruns from the official Microsoft website and install it.
Launch Autoruns. It will scan your system and list all startup entries.
Use the search box to locate entries related to MSN Messenger, MSN Explorer, or other MSN services.
Uncheck the checkbox next to these entries to disable them during startup. This does not delete them.
Check the “Services” tab within Autoruns and disable any related services if needed.
Restart your computer to apply the changes; MSN should no longer launch automatically.

Additional Tips and Precautions

Back up your system or create a restore point before making significant changes with third-party tools.
Research any entries you plan to disable to ensure they are safe to turn off.
Keep third-party tools updated regularly.
Use a combination of system settings and third-party tools for best results.

How to Remove MSN from Startup Processes Permanently

If MSN Messenger or the MSN app keeps launching on startup, you can remove it permanently by following these steps:

Open Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
Navigate to the Startup tab. In Task Manager, click on Startup. If not visible, click More details.
Locate MSN in the list. Scroll to find MSN or Microsoft Messenger; select it.
Disable MSN from startup. Click Disable.
Check system tray icons. Right-click MSN icon if visible in the system tray, and disable auto-start or notifications from options.
Remove scheduled tasks. Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter. Find any tasks related to MSN in Task Scheduler. Disable or delete them.
Uninstall MSN if needed. Go to Settings > Apps & Features, find MSN Messenger or MSN app, select, and uninstall.
Restart your PC. After these steps, MSN should not open at start anymore.

Troubleshooting Remaining Issues and Tips

If issues persist, consider these additional troubleshooting tips:

Confirm startup settings. Re-verify MSN isn’t enabled in Task Manager’s Startup tab.
Review browser settings. Ensure MSN-related pages or links are not set as startup pages or redirects.
Update applications and OS. Keep MSN, your OS, and browsers fully updated.
Manage security software. Check if antivirus/firewall settings block or allow MSN auto-launch.
Clear browser cache and cookies. Remove corrupted data that might influence MSN behavior.
Check for multiple accounts or profile issues. Log out of other MSN or Microsoft accounts and log in with the preferred one.
Examine scheduled tasks. Use Task Scheduler to find and disable any remaining related tasks.

If after all these steps MSN still auto-launches, consider reinstalling the Messenger or MSN app to fix potential corrupt files or settings. Regular system updates and cautious management of startup items will greatly help prevent recurring issues.