When you quit then re-open an application that has multiple windows open on Mac OS X Lion, the windows will remain in the same spot you closed them in. This is a nice feature but perhaps you’d like them to appeared stacked neatly instead. In the steps and video below, we show you how to disable the Resume feature built into Lion.
- Open ‘System Preferences’
- Locate and open the ‘General’ menu
- Near the bottom uncheck the box that says “Restore windows when quitting and re-opening apps”
That’s it! If you want to see it in action check out the video below.
More tips here.
Purchase Mac OS X Lion from the Mac App Store here.
When Apple released Mac OS X Lion (10.7), one of its most talked-about features was Resume — a system-wide capability that automatically reopens applications exactly the way users left them. Whether a user had 10 Safari tabs open, three TextEdit windows scattered across the screen, or a Finder window positioned a certain way, Lion remembered it all.
For many Mac users, this was incredibly convenient. It eliminated the need to manually restore work environments and made multitasking more seamless. But for others, Resume felt more like an interruption than a convenience. Certain users preferred starting apps with a clean slate, neatly stacked windows, or an uncluttered workspace.
If you belong to the latter group, you’ll be happy to know that disabling Resume is both quick and reversible. This article expands on the original guide with updated context, historical insight, and practical 2024/2025 Mac comparisons for users who still operate older Macs or use modern equivalents such as macOS Sonoma and macOS Sequoia.
Understanding the Resume Feature in Lion
Apple introduced Resume as part of a broader effort to make macOS behave more like iOS:
- Apps should “remember” their state
- Restarting shouldn’t break workflow
- System reboots should feel frictionless
Resume applied to nearly every built-in application, including:
- Safari
- Preview
- TextEdit
- Finder
- iWork apps
It was intended to enhance productivity. But if a user regularly worked with many windows, switching between projects could feel cluttered when reopening apps later.
Why Some Users Prefer to Disable Resume
Even in 2025, discussions continue around app state restoration in macOS. While the feature has evolved in newer macOS versions — now more customizable — Lion’s Resume was “all or nothing.”
Users often disable it because:
1. It Restores Clutter
If you left multiple windows open accidentally, reopening the app brings them all back.
2. Privacy Concerns
Sensitive documents, browser tabs, or conversations may reappear automatically.
3. Performance Issues
Older Macs running Lion sometimes reload windows slowly, making startup feel sluggish.
4. You Prefer a Clean Workspace
Some users simply like apps to start fresh each time.
No matter the reason, disabling Resume gives you more control over how apps behave.
How to Disable Resume on Mac OS X Lion
Apple made the process surprisingly simple. Here’s the step-by-step guide exactly as it appeared originally — still accurate for Lion users today.
Step 1: Open System Preferences
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Preferences.
This is the control center for all macOS personalization and system settings.
Step 2: Locate and Open the ‘General’ Menu
In System Preferences, look for the General icon.
This section controls user interface behavior, scrollbars, highlight colors, and window restoration.
Step 3: Uncheck “Restore windows when quitting and re-opening apps”
At the bottom of the General preferences window, you’ll see the key option:
Restore windows when quitting and re-opening apps
Simply uncheck this box.
This immediately disables Resume for all applications. No reboot required.
Step 4: Test It Out
Quit an application that previously restored its windows.
Reopen it — you’ll notice it launches cleanly, without restoring the last session.
That’s it! Quick, easy, and fully reversible.
Extra Tips: Advanced Control Over Resume (For 2024/2025 Mac Users)
Even though Lion is older, many users still run classic Macs or refurbished systems. If you’re using a more modern macOS version, here are updated equivalents.
A. Disable Resume Per App (Modern macOS)
In macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia:
- Go to System Settings
- Choose Desktop & Dock
- Scroll to Windows & Apps
- Toggle off “Close windows when quitting an application”
This replaces the older global switch with a smarter system.
B. Temporarily Disable Resume (Any macOS Including Lion)
Hold the Shift key when launching an app.
This opens it without restoring previous windows — a useful shortcut.
C. Disable Resume When Restarting or Shutting Down
In Lion, when you choose Shut Down or Restart, uncheck:
“Reopen windows when logging back in”
This prevents system-wide window restoration.
Why This Feature Still Matters in 2025
Even though Lion was released in 2011, many educational institutions, older office setups, and retro Mac enthusiasts still maintain machines running Lion, Mountain Lion, or Mavericks. Window management continues to be a daily productivity concern — especially for users who prefer minimalism or cleanliness in their workspace.
Additionally, modern macOS systems have evolved heavily from Lion’s foundation. Features like Stage Manager, Auto Restore, Universal Control, and Spaces still rely on the principles introduced with Resume. So understanding how Lion worked offers historical insight into macOS’s design evolution.
Conclusion
Disabling Resume on Mac OS X Lion is straightforward and restores the classic behavior of launching apps with clean, organized windows. Whether you prefer a tidy workspace, want to avoid performance slowdowns, or simply like controlling your workflow manually, turning off Resume can make your Mac experience feel more intentional.
Even today, in 2024/2025, Lion remains a beloved system on many older Macs — and the ability to manage how apps reopen continues to be a relevant, user-friendly option.
If you are still exploring more Lion features, tips, or legacy macOS optimizations, don’t hesitate to dig deeper. Apple’s older systems remain powerful and functional, especially when fine-tuned.
