macOS programs don't start at boot - Tip for login items

An error that has occurred to me on Mac since macOS 10.13 High Sierra is the disappearance of login objects from the Apple computer's boot process. Every now and then it was simply forgotten to load apps like DropBox or TextExpander when starting the operating system. If you also miss programs that should actually be activated automatically when the system is started or restarted, then I have the solution for you below. All you have to do is remove a file from the hard drive.

The login items in macOS ensure that the corresponding apps start automatically every time the Mac is started and the system is started.
The login items in macOS ensure that the corresponding apps start automatically every time the Mac is started and the system is started.

"Autostart" on the Mac forgets apps - delete backgrounditems.btm

The autostart of so-called login objects helps to start the required apps for every session with macOS and - depending on the settings - to save them in the menu bar. So you don't have to DropBox, TextExpander, magnet (or others Window manager) and Co. individually and close their windows, but you can work through your to-do list directly. If this workflow is disrupted by login objects that seem to have been forgotten by macOS, then you should take action. 

The most helpful thing is to delete the backgrounditems.btm file that is in the user folder ~ / Library / Application Support / com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagementagent / is located. To find it, it may be necessary to show hidden files. This can be done, among other things, with the key combination cmd + Shift +. realize.

Here you will find the folder ~ / Library / Application Support / com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagementagent / - this is where the corrupt file is located.
Here you will find the folder ~ / Library / Application Support / com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagementagent / - this is where the corrupt file is located.
And here it is necessary to delete the backgrounditems.btm file in order to call up the macOS apps that are to be started when logging in again.
And here it is necessary to delete the backgrounditems.btm file in order to call up the macOS apps that are to be started when logging in again.

Once you've deleted the file, all you have to do is restart the Mac and everything should be back to normal. If in doubt, check your login objects and their exact settings again. Perhaps the checkmarks for "Hide" have to be set again so that the individual apps start, but their windows do not clutter your desk right from the start;)

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In the Sir Apfelot Blog you will find advice, instructions and reviews on Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, iMac, Mac Pro, Mac Mini and Mac Studio.