Where Are Linux Autostart Entries Stored?
Autostart desktop files live in ~/.config/autostart per user, with system wide ones in /etc/xdg/autostart.
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Desktop environments launch login apps from .desktop files in autostart directories. User entries override system ones by filename, which is how you disable a vendor autostart without deleting it.
Copying the system file into your own folder and adding Hidden=true silences that app for your user only. The change applies at next login with no admin rights needed.
Where Linux stores this, by platform
~/.config/autostart
Per user .desktop files run at graphical login. System defaults sit in /etc/xdg/autostart. Shadow a system file by name with Hidden=true to disable it for yourself.
Frequently asked questions
how do i stop an app launching at login on linux
Copy its .desktop file from /etc/xdg/autostart into ~/.config/autostart and add Hidden=true. Your override wins without touching system files.
how do i add my own autostart app
Drop a .desktop file with an Exec line into ~/.config/autostart. Most desktops also offer a Startup Applications GUI writing to the same folder.
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