How to Stop Chiaki from Auto-Launching Console on Steam PC

For gamers using Steam on PC to stream their PlayStation consoles via Chiaki, the convenience often comes with an unexpected side effect: Chiaki sometimes auto-launches, opening up the PlayStation console interface upon starting Steam, even when it’s not needed. While Chiaki is an excellent open-source Remote Play client, most users prefer to activate it manually. If you’ve found yourself frustrated by unwanted auto-launches, you’re not alone—and the good news is that it can be resolved with a few simple steps.

TL;DR

Chiaki auto-launching on Steam PC can be caused by it being added to Steam as a non-Steam game or through SteamOS auto-start options. To disable it, users should check their Steam library settings, SteamOS Autostart options (especially on Steam Deck), and system startup configurations. Disabling Chiaki’s auto-launch behavior enhances performance and reduces unwanted app launches during boot or Steam startup. This article walks you through multiple effective methods to stop Chiaki from opening automatically on your PC or Steam Deck.

Understanding Chiaki’s Auto-Launch Behavior

Chiaki may automatically launch on various configurations, particularly when integrated with Steam or running on a Steam Deck using SteamOS. There are several reasons this might occur:

• Enabled Autostart in SteamOS: On the Steam Deck or Linux-based systems, the Autostart feature might be configured to launch Chiaki during boot.
• Steam Library Integration: Chiaki added as a non-Steam game might be launching with Steam’s startup apps.
• Startup Folder or Services: On Windows PCs, Chiaki may have been added to your startup folder or launch via background services.

Identifying your specific scenario will help you find the most effective solution. Let’s explore targeted steps based on your platform.

Method 1: Disable Chiaki as a Startup App in Windows

If you’re using Steam on a Windows PC and Chiaki launches automatically upon startup, it’s worth checking the Windows startup app list.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click on the Startup tab.
3. Look for Chiaki in the list. If you find it, right-click it and select Disable.
4. Restart your PC to confirm the change.

This method ensures Chiaki won’t start automatically with Windows, keeping your system clean and responsive when booting up.

Method 2: Remove Chiaki from Steam’s Library Autostart

If you’ve added Chiaki to your Steam library and find it launching with Steam, it’s likely a misconfiguration within non-Steam game settings.

1. Open Steam on your PC.
2. Navigate to your Library, and find Chiaki in the list.
3. Right-click Chiaki and select Properties.
4. Under the General tab, look for any launch options or checkboxes that suggest automatic startup.
5. Remove any command-line arguments like --autostart or --connect which may be triggering it.
6. Optionally, remove Chiaki from your Steam library if you no longer want it integrated.

This is especially useful if Chiaki launches every time you open Steam big picture or desktop mode.

Method 3: Disable Autostart in SteamOS (Steam Deck)

On the Steam Deck or other Linux-based devices running SteamOS, Chiaki can be configured to auto-launch through KDE’s Autostart settings or scripts.

1. Switch to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck.
2. Click on the application launcher and search for Autostart.
3. In the Autostart window, look for a Chiaki entry.
4. Remove it or disable it by unchecking its associated checkbox.

If the application doesn’t appear there, try checking the Autostart directory manually:

~/.config/autostart/

Look for any chiaki.desktop or related file, and delete or move it to prevent automatic startup. As an alternative for advanced users, you can also use terminal commands to list cron jobs or system-level startup triggers.

Method 4: Check System Services or Background App Settings

Chiaki may also run at startup due to an underlying service or app launcher mechanism. This can happen if installed via a package manager or Flatpak.

• On Windows – Use msconfig or third-party tools like Autoruns to detect hidden startup services involving Chiaki.
• On Linux – Use systemctl --user to check if any Chiaki service is active and disable it using:

  systemctl --user disable chiaki.service

Also review recent installations or script-based launchers that might have embedded Chiaki’s startup commands.

Method 5: Modify or Delete Launch Scripts

Some users add Chiaki to custom launch scripts that boot on device startup, especially in retro gaming or emulation setups. If you fall into this category:

• Navigate to the script directory (e.g., ~/.bashrc, ~/.xinitrc, or ~/.profile).
• Look for lines invoking Chiaki or chiaki-gui.
• Comment them out by adding a # or delete them entirely.

Apply these changes carefully, especially if the launch sequence contains other software dependencies.

Best Practices to Prevent App Auto-Launch

Preventing unwanted auto-launches goes beyond Chiaki. These best practices will help keep your system optimized:

• Review Startup Apps Periodically: Especially after installing new software.
• Avoid Over-Integration: Resist the urge to integrate every utility or emulator with Steam unless absolutely necessary.
• Create Separate Desktop Entries: For apps like Chiaki, use launchers that run only when manually clicked.

A deliberate and minimalistic app startup strategy leads to improved boot times and smoother system operation, especially on lightweight gaming PCs and handhelds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Why does Chiaki launch when I start Steam?
  A: Chiaki might have been added as a non-Steam game with auto-launch parameters or included in the Autostart settings of your system or SteamOS environment.
• Q: Does removing Chiaki from Steam completely stop auto-launch?
  A: It can help, but you should also verify system-level autostart settings, particularly if you’re on Linux or Steam Deck.
• Q: Can I stop Chiaki from opening automatically without uninstalling it?
  A: Yes, by modifying startup apps, launch options, and removing it from SteamOS autostart, you can keep Chiaki installed but inactive until manually launched.
• Q: I don’t see Chiaki in Windows startup apps. What else can I check?
  A: Use tools like MSConfig or AutoRuns, or check if Chiaki is embedded within other launch scripts or emulation scripts.
• Q: How do I know if Chiaki is running in the background?
  A: On Windows, check the Task Manager. On Linux, use ps aux | grep chiaki or system monitor tools like htop.

With a few adjustments, users can control how and when they want Chiaki to launch on their Steam PC or other devices. Being mindful of auto-starting behavior ensures a tailored and efficient gaming experience.