Are you tired of your computer running slower than a snail? Well, disabling background apps in Windows 11 may just be the solution you’re looking for! It’s a simple and quick process that can significantly improve your computer’s performance. So, let’s dive in and learn how to give your PC the boost it needs!
Step by Step Tutorial to Disabling Background Apps in Windows 11
Disabling background apps can free up system resources, reduce memory usage, and increase battery life. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu and select ‘Settings’ or press ‘Windows key + I’.
In the Settings window, you’ll find various options to customize and optimize your Windows 11 experience.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps
In the Settings menu, click on ‘Apps’ to access app-related settings.
This section allows you to manage all aspects of the apps installed on your system, including permissions, defaults, and background activity.
Step 3: Click on ‘Apps & features’
Look for ‘Apps & features’ on the right side of the window and click on it.
‘Apps & features’ is where you can uninstall, move, or modify apps. But for now, we’re focusing on the background activity of these apps.
Step 4: Find the app you want to disable
Scroll through the list of apps or use the search bar to find the app you want to disable in the background.
Remember, not all apps need to run in the background. Consider which apps you actually need notifications and updates from.
Step 5: Click on the three dots and select ‘Advanced options’
Next to the app’s name, click on the three dots and select ‘Advanced options’.
‘Advanced options’ will provide you with additional settings to control the app’s behavior on your system.
Step 6: Toggle Off ‘Background apps’
Find the ‘Background apps’ section and toggle the switch to ‘Off’.
By turning this off, you’re telling the app to take a break when you’re not actively using it, which can lead to a smoother performance overall.
After completing these steps, the app will no longer run in the background, freeing up valuable resources on your computer. You should notice an improvement in performance and possibly even battery life if you’re on a laptop.
Tips on Disabling Background Apps in Windows 11
- Not all apps need to run in the background. Consider which apps you actually need notifications and updates from.
- Regularly check your background apps. New apps or updates may reset background permissions.
- Disabling background apps can help extend battery life on laptops.
- Remember to disable background apps for multiple users if your computer has several accounts.
- Some system apps cannot be disabled, as they are essential for Windows 11 to operate correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling background apps affect app notifications?
Yes, if an app is disabled in the background, you may not receive real-time notifications from that app.
Can I still use the app normally after disabling it in the background?
Absolutely, you can use the app as usual. Disabling background activity simply means it won’t run unless you open it.
Will disabling background apps improve my computer’s speed?
Disabling background apps can free up system resources, which can lead to a more responsive and faster computer.
Will disabling background apps affect automatic updates?
It may affect updates for certain apps that rely on background processing to check and install updates.
How do I re-enable a background app if I change my mind?
Just follow the same steps and toggle the ‘Background apps’ switch back to ‘On’.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps.
- Click on ‘Apps & features’.
- Find the app you want to disable.
- Click on the three dots and select ‘Advanced options’.
- Toggle Off ‘Background apps’.
Conclusion
Disabling background apps in Windows 11 is a fantastic way to optimize your computer’s performance. Not only does it help in reducing the resource load on your system, but it also contributes to a longer battery life for those using laptops. As with any optimization technique, it’s important to consider which apps you’re disabling, as this could affect your workflow or how you receive important notifications. Regularly revisiting your background apps settings ensures that you maintain control over your computer’s performance. Remember, a well-maintained computer is a happy computer, and disabling background apps is just one part of that maintenance. Give it a try, and experience the difference it can make in your daily computer use!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.