Disabling background apps in Windows 11 can help boost your computer’s performance by freeing up resources and extending battery life. To do this, you’ll need to access the Settings menu, navigate to Apps, and adjust the permissions for each app you want to limit. By following a few simple steps, you’ll be able to decide which apps can run in the background and which can’t, optimizing your computer’s efficiency.
How to Disable Background Apps in Windows 11
If you’ve ever noticed your computer slowing down or your battery draining quickly, background apps might be the culprit. Let’s walk through the steps to disable them and give your PC a performance boost.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
To begin, click on the Start menu and select the Settings gear icon.
The Settings app is your go-to spot for all things Windows. By opening it, you’re taking the first step toward controlling which apps run in the background. This menu provides easy access to all your computer’s configurations.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps
Select the Apps option from the navigation pane on the left side of the Settings window.
Choosing “Apps” will bring you to a hub where you can manage all installed applications. Here, you can delve deeper into which apps have permission to run behind the scenes.
Step 3: Select Apps & Features
Within the Apps menu, click on “Apps & Features.”
Here lies the directory of every app living on your PC. This is your checklist, so to speak, of what’s running and what’s merely sitting idle, waiting for your command.
Step 4: Find and Manage Background Activity
Scroll through the list, select any app, and click on the three-dot menu to manage its background activity.
By selecting the three-dot menu, you can choose “Advanced options.” This step lets you tailor each app’s ability to operate in the background according to your needs.
Step 5: Adjust Background App Permissions
Under “Background apps permissions,” choose “Never” to prevent the app from running in the background.
This is the point of action. By setting permissions to “Never,” you’ve effectively cut off the app’s background operations, freeing up those precious resources.
Once you’ve disabled the background apps, you’ll likely notice an improvement in your computer’s speed and battery life. Apps will no longer siphon off resources without your knowledge, leaving you with more power and a snappier system.
Tips for Disabling Background Apps in Windows 11
- Prioritize Critical Apps: Keep important apps like antivirus software running in the background to maintain security.
- Regularly Review App Permissions: As you install new apps, revisit your settings to ensure they aren’t hogging resources.
- Consider Performance Impact: Disable only those apps that you rarely use or that consume significant resources.
- Monitor Battery Usage: Use the battery usage tracker found in Settings to identify the worst offenders.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with Windows updates as they might alter how background apps are managed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I disable background apps in Windows 11?
Disabling background apps can enhance your computer’s performance by freeing up resources, reducing battery drain, and increasing speed.
Can I disable all background apps at once?
Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn’t offer a one-stop toggle to disable all background apps, so you’ll need to adjust settings app by app.
How do I know which apps to disable?
Use the battery usage or performance monitor in Settings to identify apps consuming the most resources.
Will disabling background apps affect their functionality?
Disabling an app’s background activity might limit its ability to send notifications or update content automatically.
Can I re-enable background apps later?
Yes, you can easily re-enable background activity by returning to the app settings and adjusting permissions.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Apps.
- Select Apps & Features.
- Find and manage background activity.
- Adjust background app permissions.
Conclusion
Disabling background apps in Windows 11 is like giving your computer a breath of fresh air. It liberates system resources and extends battery life, making your device more efficient. While the process might seem like a chore, it’s an investment in your computer’s performance. With every background app you disable, you’re taking control of your system’s resources, ensuring they’re used where you want them most.
Think of your computer’s resources as a pie. The more resources taken by background apps, the smaller the slice left for what you’re actively doing. By following the steps outlined above, you’re ensuring that the pie is serving your needs, not the invisible hands of rogue apps.
Take the time to regularly review and manage these settings. Software updates and new app installations can change the landscape of your computer’s background app permissions. Staying vigilant will keep your PC running smoothly. For those keen on boosting their computer’s performance, learning how to disable background apps in Windows 11 is an excellent place to start.
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.