Turning off background apps in Windows 11 is a great way to improve your computer’s performance and preserve battery life. Here’s the quick rundown: Open Settings, go to Apps, select Installed apps, choose the app you want, and toggle off running in the background. This quick adjustment helps free up system resources and can give your PC a noticeable boost.
How to Turn Off Background Apps in Windows 11
Stopping background apps from running can save on battery life, improve speed, and even enhance your privacy. Let’s walk through the steps to take control over what apps run in the background on Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press the Windows key and the ‘I’ key simultaneously to open the Settings menu.
The Settings menu is like your computer’s control center, where you can tweak everything. It’s where you go to make your computer just the way you like it.
Step 2: Go to Apps
In the Settings menu, click on the "Apps" section.
The Apps section is where all the magic happens regarding managing what software you’ve got installed. It’s your go-to spot for making changes to the apps’ settings and behavior.
Step 3: Select Installed Apps
Within the Apps section, click on "Installed apps" to see a list of all apps on your PC.
This is your overview of everything that’s installed. Think of it as your computer’s app library. From here, you can manage or uninstall apps as needed.
Step 4: Choose the App
Scroll through the list and click on the app you want to adjust.
When you choose an app, you can see its settings. This is like checking out a book from your library, letting you see more details on that specific app.
Step 5: Toggle Off Running in the Background
In the app settings, find the option that allows the app to run in the background and toggle it off.
Switching this off means the app won’t do any sneaky business running processes when you aren’t using it. This is like telling your computer to stop leaving lights on in empty rooms.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you might notice that your computer feels a bit faster or that your battery lasts longer. This is because fewer apps are vying for your system’s resources, leaving more power and bandwidth for the things you’re actively working on.
Tips for Turning Off Background Apps in Windows 11
- Check Battery Usage: Review which apps use the most battery to prioritize which apps to limit.
- Use Task Manager: Open Task Manager to see what’s running and consuming resources.
- Update Regularly: Ensure your apps are up-to-date, as updates can improve efficiency.
- Review Permissions: Some apps need background access for notifications; review these carefully.
- Create a Regular Check Schedule: Make it a habit to check every few months to ensure no unwanted apps are running in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which apps are running in the background?
You can see running apps by opening Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and checking the Processes tab.
Will turning off background apps affect app performance?
It can affect apps that need constant updates or notifications, like mail clients or messaging apps, so be selective.
How do I re-enable background apps?
Follow the same steps and toggle the background setting back on for any app you wish to run continuously.
Can I turn off background apps for all users?
Yes, but you’ll need to have administrative rights. You can change settings globally by accessing the Group Policy Editor.
Do all apps have the option to disable running in the background?
Not all apps have this option, but most modern apps do. Some essential system apps may not allow you to disable background operations.
Steps in Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps.
- Select Installed apps.
- Choose the app.
- Toggle off running in the background.
Conclusion
Turning off background apps in Windows 11 is like decluttering your workspace. It makes things run smoother by freeing up resources—kind of like clearing a busy desk so you can focus better. Whether you’re looking to squeeze more life out of your laptop battery or speed up your computer’s response time, managing background apps is a smart move.
It’s a straightforward process that anyone can do in minutes. Plus, it empowers you to take control over what runs on your computer and when. Remember, when it comes to background apps, less is more. By keeping only the essentials running, you allow your PC to dedicate more energy to the tasks you care about.
So, dive into your settings, and with just a few clicks, you’ll be on your way to a more efficient Windows 11 experience. If you’re curious about more ways to enhance your Windows experience or have other tech questions, don’t hesitate to explore more resources. Your computer, like a car, needs regular maintenance to keep running at its best, and managing background apps is just one of those tune-ups.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.