Disabling background apps on Windows 11 can help improve your computer’s performance by reducing the number of apps running simultaneously. Here’s a quick and easy way to do it: Open Settings, go to Privacy & security, then select Background apps, and toggle off the apps you don’t want running in the background. Now, let’s dive deeper.
How to Disable Background Apps Windows 11
Disabling background apps in Windows 11 can free up system resources and improve performance. This guide will walk you through each step to ensure you know exactly what to do.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu, then select the gear icon to open Settings.
The Settings app is where you can adjust all the configurations for your Windows 11 system. It’s like the command center for your computer.
Step 2: Go to Privacy & security
In the Settings menu, click on Privacy & security from the list on the left-hand side.
This section controls all the privacy options for your device. It’s where you manage how your data is used and what apps can do in the background.
Step 3: Select Background apps
Scroll down and click on Background apps under the App permissions section.
Here, you’ll see a list of all the apps that are allowed to run in the background. This is where you can make your adjustments.
Step 4: Toggle Off Unnecessary Apps
Find the apps you don’t need running in the background and toggle the switch to off.
Turning off these apps means they won’t be using system resources when you’re not actively using them, which can help speed up your computer.
Step 5: Close Settings
Simply close the Settings window once you are done turning off the background apps.
You’ve completed the steps, and you should notice a difference in your computer’s performance soon.
After you complete these steps, your computer should run more efficiently since there will be fewer apps consuming system resources in the background.
Tips for Disabling Background Apps Windows 11
- Prioritize Essential Apps: Only keep essential apps running in the background to save system resources.
- Regular Check-ups: Periodically review the background apps to ensure unnecessary ones aren’t running.
- Battery Health: Disabling background apps can also help extend battery life on laptops.
- System Updates: Sometimes, updates re-enable background apps, so double-check after updates.
- Use Task Manager: For a more detailed view of what’s running in the background, the Task Manager can provide more insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I disable background apps?
Disabling background apps helps free up system resources, making your computer run faster and smoother.
Will this affect app performance?
Only the background activities of the apps are affected. When you open the app, it will function normally.
Can I re-enable background apps?
Yes, you can re-enable background apps anytime through the same settings menu if you need them to run in the background.
Do all apps need to be disabled?
No, keep essential apps running if they need to perform tasks while you’re not actively using them.
How often should I check my background apps?
It’s a good habit to check every few months or after major system updates to ensure no unnecessary apps are running.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & security.
- Select Background apps.
- Toggle off unnecessary apps.
- Close Settings.
Conclusion
Disabling background apps on Windows 11 is a straightforward task that can significantly improve your computer’s performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily manage which apps are allowed to run in the background, freeing up valuable system resources. Remember to periodically check your settings to ensure that unnecessary apps aren’t sneaking back into the background, especially after system updates. If you follow our tips and FAQs, you’ll have a well-optimized machine in no time. For further reading, you might want to explore more about optimizing Windows 11 settings or delve into advanced performance tuning. Happy computing!
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.