Where Are Linux Autostart Entries Stored?
Linux XDG autostart folders per user and system-wide with .desktop entries.
Last updated
Desktop environments launch login apps from .desktop files in autostart folders, one per user plus system-wide defaults. A Hidden flag in the user copy disables a system entry without deleting it.
Malware persistence on Linux desktops hides here in plain sight. Audit both folders when logins feel slower than they should.
Where Linux stores this, by platform
~/.config/autostart
Per-user .desktop launchers run at graphical login. System defaults sit in /etc/xdg/autostart for all users. Disable entries with Hidden=true in a user copy rather than deleting system files. Flatpak apps add their own entries here.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop an app launching at login?
Remove its .desktop file from the folder above or set Hidden=true inside. System entries need the user override, not root edits.
Where do system autostart apps live?
In /etc/xdg/autostart next to the user folder above. They run for every desktop user unless overridden.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.